2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a testament to Ford's consistent design philosophy, offering a family resemblance across its SUV lineup. From the outside, the Explorer presented a sporty and distinctive look, though it could be easily confused with the Edge at a quick glance. The vehicle's aesthetic appeal varied with its six trim levels, each offering different grille designs and finishes. Inside, the Explorer provided a clean and functional dashboard with a standard 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a spacious center console. The three-row seating was standard, though the third row was less comfortable for adults. The XLT trim was the most popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while leather upholstery was reserved for higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable interior reminiscent of older models, yet with a fresher dashboard than the smaller Crosstrek. The Outback's interior quality was evident, with substantial materials and a luxury-like impression in higher trims. The Onyx Edition XT featured a unique StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's design was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. It offered a lifted wagon feel, making it a great alternative to typical crossovers. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new brown paint option, maintaining its classic appearance.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds at its lightest, offered a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed the Kia Telluride's V6, despite the Explorer's heavier weight. All trims featured a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The sport-oriented ST trim offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, providing the most engaging driving experience. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, though not exceptional in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hindered performance, making the Outback slow and noisy. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback prioritized safety and capability over speed, with the XT providing a better balance. Fuel economy for the XT was slightly lower than the base engine, but the Outback's ride comfort and off-road capability were commendable, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base trim, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It provided 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row deployed, the Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with seats folded, though this was less than some smaller SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, with its impressive ground clearance, offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, maximizing usability. The Outback excelled in headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. Storage options were plentiful, though some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. Higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. Charging options included USB ports and multiple power points, with a wireless charging pad available from the Limited trim.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control and other driver assists. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its effectiveness in certain conditions, but it still offered good semi-automated control.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite was standard, offering a range of active safety features. Additional driver-assistance features were available in higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, with a stronger chassis and additional airbags, was also a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It earned top ratings in crash tests and for its forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, though with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test. Additional driver assists were available on higher trims.