2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, claimed a unique stance in the SUV market with a design that was both subtle and striking. The A-Spec’s tweaks were restrained, avoiding overuse of blacked-out trim or clichéd performance markers. This approach communicated a sense of sportiness without becoming too aggressive, creating a sophisticated aesthetic appeal.

Acura maintained its identity with the RDX by not turning it into a faux off-roader. Key off-road design elements like oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares were conspicuously absent, reflecting its purpose as a daily driver and road-trip companion. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, starting at $38,200 for the base model and climbing to $47,625 for the SH-AWD model equipped with the A-Spec Package and extra-cost Platinum White paint.

Inside, the A-Spec Package brought a bevy of sporty touches: front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, a black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, sport pedals, red accents, and unique gauges. This interior reinforced the exterior’s promise of sportiness, with top-notch materials and an engaging design. However, one downside was the gauge cluster, which, with red markings on a brushed silver background, proved challenging to read under daylight.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, although redesigned for 2020, retained a familiar and comforting look reminiscent of older Subarus. The interior, while modernized, maintained the essence of its predecessors. The analog gauges, steering wheel buttons, and seat shapes evoked nostalgia while offering improved functionality. The Outback’s dashboard notably enhanced from previous iterations, boasting a wide 11.6-inch portrait display in the center stack for Premium and above trims, set against polished black plastic with chrome trim and wrapped in leatherette on higher trims. Lower trims featured dual 7-inch screens, which were less impressive.

On the exterior, the Outback’s utilitarian design featured prominent gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers—a practical choice to protect the paint. While it retained a smooth and plain silhouette with chrome accents and bracket-shaped LED running lights, its true essence lay in being a lifted wagon, offering a unique alternative to conventional SUVs.

Under the hood of the 2021 Acura RDX, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. Although the A-Spec Package didn’t enhance performance, it shared this robust powertrain with other trims. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, the RDX offered Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for an additional $2,000. The SH-AWD system could allocate up to 70% of the engine output to the rear wheels, significantly enhancing handling and making the RDX a joy to drive.

Drivers could switch between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes using the silver knob on the dashboard, affecting various aspects like powertrain character, steering, and suspension firmness. However, unlike the Advance Package, the A-Spec lacked adaptive dampers, leading to some extra body motion on rougher roads. Despite its slight shortcomings, the RDX excelled with precise steering, predictable handling, and an engaging Sport+ mode, delivering an invigorating driving experience.

Conversely, the 2021 Subaru Outback came with two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, struggled with the vehicle’s weight, especially when fully loaded. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), resulted in sluggish and noisy performance, particularly on highways and uphill terrains.

The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four in the XT models, however, provided a stark contrast. With 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm, this engine handled the Outback’s bulk with ease, offering quieter, smoother, and more powerful performance. While fuel economy for the turbo XT (23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway) was slightly lower than the base engine (26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway), the XT’s power made it a worthwhile trade-off.

The Outback’s strengths lay in its ride comfort and off-road capability. Its high ground clearance of 8.7 inches and long-travel springs allowed it to tackle rough roads effortlessly. Subaru’s legendary electronically-variable AWD and the X-Mode further boosted its off-road prowess, making it more capable than many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2021 Acura RDX, positioned as a compact SUV, impressed with its notable passenger and cargo space. The front seats, especially in the A-Spec trim, were a highlight with their 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, providing excellent support during spirited drives. However, the need to maximize rear cargo utility compromised rear-seat comfort. Folding the rear seatbacks down resulted in a low and flat cargo floor but left rear passengers with insufficient leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle.

Storage options within the RDX could’ve been more user-friendly. The center console housed a large but inaccessible tray, and a redesign could’ve improved forward storage space. Cargo capacity measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with them folded—modest but practical. Acura also cited a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, calculated with the front seats moved entirely forward, a measurement rarely used in real-life scenarios.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, in contrast, offered substantial interior space with 33 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and an impressive 76 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area was flat and wide, free of intrusive wheel arches or cutouts. Ample headroom and legroom in the outboard seating positions combined with excellent outward visibility made the Outback comfortable for passengers. Additionally, clever storage solutions like large map pockets, center console pockets, and a front passenger-side shelf added to its practicality.

However, some desired features like push-button start and rear climate vents were not standard across all trims, and the power moonroof came bundled with other costly options. The Outback did shine with its standard roof rails and integrated crossbars, a unique convenience not usually found in its competitors.

The 2021 Acura RDX’s infotainment system, called the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), eschewed a touchscreen in favor of a touchpad on the center console. This was a departure from traditional systems and took cues from Lexus’s earlier attempts with similar technology. Acura’s TTI aimed to minimize driver distraction by mirroring screen actions directly on the touchpad, unlike the cursor-driven approach of Lexus. However, it still required drivers to adjust their habits and continually confirm inputs, which detracted from its practicality.

Despite this, the RDX’s technology suite included useful features like physical knobs for stereo and climate controls, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and integrations like Amazon’s Key In-Car Delivery. The A-Spec trim also came with a fantastic 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, ensuring an enjoyable auditory experience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, in comparison, had an infotainment system that felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The optional larger 11.6-inch screen, though more modern, still struggled with usability, including overly complex climate controls. Despite its flaws, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and the optional navigation system was visually better.

Subaru’s EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the reliance on camera-based rather than radar-based systems meant EyeSight’s effectiveness was sometimes compromised in specific conditions.