2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, adding to the vehicle's distinctive look. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and quality. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including leather, aluminum, and optional wool fabric seats, with heavenly sculpted seats offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, which featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display. The Onyx Edition XT trim added a touch of wildness with gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching. The exterior design was practical, with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, and smooth, plain styling. The Outback's tall stance and balanced length contributed to its stability and capability, making it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger and all-wheel drive, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trim, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system provided excellent traction and stability, especially with the X-Mode feature for tougher road conditions.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, with all climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, allowing it to go anywhere larger vehicles could. The interior was spacious, with 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and a low shoulder height. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard on all trims, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions, affecting functionality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Subaru Outback rode on a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for the rollover test.