2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with premium options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of elegance and modernity. Its timeless design, highlighted by hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean lines, was complemented by a luxurious interior with an Ivory-color theme. Despite its advanced features, the infotainment system was less intuitive compared to newer models, yet the Range Rover maintained its allure with a blend of classic and contemporary elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. While the base trim had a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display, enhancing the interior's modernity. The Outback's quality was evident in its substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Onyx Edition XT with its durable StarTex upholstery. Externally, the Outback's design was practical, with high gray cladding and smooth styling. Despite its understated appearance, the Outback's lifted wagon design made it a versatile alternative to traditional SUVs, offering a balance of style and functionality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. Despite its weight and tall center of gravity, the adaptive air suspension offered a comfortable ride, though it required a measured approach on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, with the test vehicle averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower, which struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The XT trims offered a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's CVT and AWD system provided a smooth ride, with X-Mode enhancing off-road capability. The turbo XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off. The Outback excelled as a long-distance cruiser, with its comfortable ride and impressive off-road prowess.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and minimal luggage capacity of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall cargo space was less than some smaller vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Visibility was excellent, and storage options were plentiful, with large door pockets and a well-designed center console. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was advanced but not entirely user-friendly. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, with its dual 10-inch touchscreens, required setup to avoid distractions while driving. The system's complexity could be mitigated by using touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice commands. The Range Rover also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight system, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. While the system's reliance on cameras limited its functionality in certain conditions, it provided good semi-automated control on highways. The single large screen on higher trims was more cohesive and user-friendly than the base model's dual-screen setup.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with essential safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard airbags and driver assists. It earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking enhanced safety on higher trims. The Outback's safety ratings and features made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.