2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax continued to build on the design updates it received in 2017, maintaining a familiar look with its compact and practical design. The Trax was available in two trims, LS and LT, after the Premier trim was dropped. The LS trim featured basic amenities like 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added more convenience and style with features like heated side mirrors, LED lights, and upgraded seating materials. Despite its modest offerings, the Trax provided a straightforward and functional interior, though it lacked some of the more advanced features found in its competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback offered a more refined and modern interior, especially in trims above the base model. Redesigned in 2020, the Outback retained its familiar Subaru feel but with a fresher look. The Premium and higher trims boasted an impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the vehicle's upscale feel. The Outback's interior quality was evident, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited and Touring trims. The exterior design remained smooth and balanced, with practical gray cladding for protection. The Outback's design was both functional and stylish, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a single engine option, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. While the Trax managed well in city driving, it struggled to deliver power on highways, making it noisy and less efficient for long-distance travel. The ride was firm, often harsh over rough roads, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings. However, competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more engaging driving experiences.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, came with two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup was underpowered for the Outback's size, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT trims offered a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced all-wheel-drive system. The turbocharged engine provided a better balance of power and efficiency, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking performance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered decent interior space, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked comfort for long journeys. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. While these figures were average for the segment, the Trax lacked options for a power liftgate, limiting its practicality.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, however, excelled in interior space and functionality. With 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised, the Outback offered a spacious and versatile cargo area. The interior was comfortable, with excellent visibility and supportive seating. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional storage compartments. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and saving money on additional accessories.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering easy-to-use menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and an available WiFi hotspot. While the system was user-friendly, it lacked the advanced technology found in some competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with its graphics and interface. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The optional navigation system was more visually appealing, and the single large screen was more cohesive than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, enhancing the Outback's technological appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. Standard safety equipment included airbags and a backup camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection available in the LT Convenience Package. However, the Trax fell short compared to rivals offering more comprehensive safety systems.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured a range of standard and optional safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking. The Outback's advanced safety systems and high safety ratings made it a more secure choice for safety-conscious buyers.