2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban presented a bold and polarizing front-end design, borrowing elements from the Camaro's design language. This resulted in a combination of small headlights and large, busy grilles that did not favor the Suburban's massive frame. Despite the exterior's divisive appearance, the interior maintained a familiar layout with controls in their expected places, ensuring ease of use. The Suburban offered various trim levels, with the High Country trim providing upscale features like adaptive air suspension and a panoramic sunroof, though it lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback retained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, featuring an 11.6-inch portrait display that enhanced the cabin's modern feel. Quality materials were evident, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The Outback's exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling, with high ground clearance and practical gray cladding. The vehicle's design emphasized functionality over flashy aesthetics, making it a practical choice for those seeking a reliable and capable vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a standard 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more robust 6.2-liter V8 was available, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban also introduced a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent pickup and V8-level torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride comfort, though it still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle's handling was forgiving, making it a comfortable long-distance cruiser.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasted impressive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it offered 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The interior provided ample head- and legroom, with spacious second-row captain's chairs. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, though the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value, but the Suburban's overall passenger and cargo space were its standout features.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered 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, free of intrusive elements. The interior provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and large windows. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders in each door. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a brilliant feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with GM's intuitive infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's layout was sensible, with a helpful home button for easy navigation. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system, and head-up display, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation providing a more modern look. Subaru EyeSight was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its functionality in certain conditions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety offerings.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the 2020 model being a "Top Safety Pick+." The vehicle's safety features and ratings made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.