2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Subaru Outback heralded from a redesign in the 2020 model year, but a seasoned Subaru user might not have detected any drastic changes. Subarus, after all, have a sense of familiarity and comfort that spans decades. The Outback, with its consistent analog gauges, spoke shapes of the steering wheel, and overall seat design, didn't depart from tradition. However, skipping the base trim, the interior showed significant improvement. Higher trims offered a bright, sharp 11.6-inch portrait display complemented by polished black plastic and a sparse row of physical buttons, with chrome trim flowing gracefully around it.

Quality was especially evident in the Outback’s interior finishes, an area where pre-2015 models significantly lagged. Upholstery options on higher trims included two-tone brown or beige leather, while the Onyx Edition XT featured durable and easy-to-clean StarTex material. Lime green stitching added a quirky touch to the otherwise grown-up design. Externally, the Outback's grey cladding on wheel arches and bumpers gave it a utilitarian edge while remaining smooth and balanced. The 2021 updates were minimal yet functional, making it clear that the Outback was a lifted wagon well-suited to replacing bulkier crossovers and SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe delivered an upscale experience that felt like it should cost more than it did. The exterior saw significant changes, mostly centered around a redesigned front end with new running lights, grilles, and bumpers. Each trim featured unique wheel, grille, and headlight combos, adding a touch of individuality.

Inside, the Santa Fe felt premium, especially in the Calligraphy trim with its luxurious Nappa leather and suede-like headliner. The vehicle boasted a bridge-style center console housing new electronic transmission controls, climate settings, and stereo controls. This setup not only looked good but also offered practical storage underneath. Despite some quibbles with its “parametric dynamics” design cues, the interior of the Santa Fe, especially in higher trims, outstripped many expectations in quality and comfort.

The 2021 Subaru Outback came with two engine options. The base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled under load, making the Outback feel sluggish and noisy on highways and hills. The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four available in higher trims offered a drastic improvement. It delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, allowing the vehicle to perform more competently in various driving conditions. The turbo engine achieved 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to the base engine’s 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Both engines were complemented by Subaru’s well-regarded AWD system and X-Mode for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe came with three powertrains. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 hp and came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hybrids combined a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for a total of 226 hp, and the top trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine making 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe’s turbo engine and AWD system offered brisk acceleration and improved driving dynamics, making it both a solid and sporty performer. Fuel economy was impressive, with both powertrains achieving around 24 mpg combined driving.

The Subaru Outback's ground clearance of 8.7 inches rivaled that of many trucks, contributing to its off-road capability. The interior space was generous, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them up. The cargo area was practical and spacious, bolstered by comfortable and supportive seating in all outboard positions. Outward visibility was superb, and storage compartments were plentiful.

The Santa Fe provided a similarly roomy interior, featuring a 36.4 cubic feet cargo space that expanded to 72.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and various creature comforts, including air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and power outlets. The interior featured high-quality materials, and the Calligraphy trim added a sense of luxury with its quilted leather and thoughtful padding. Hyundai’s hands-free liftgate was convenient, though sometimes overly sensitive.

The Subaru Outback’s technology, despite its dated user interface, offered modern functionalities. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with high trims providing a cohesive 11.6-inch touchscreen. Subaru EyeSight, the brand's suite of driver-assistance technologies, added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, its camera-only approach had limitations compared to radar-based systems.

Hyundai Santa Fe’s Calligraphy trim was laden with technology, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.5-inch color HUD, and a 360-degree camera system. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the base model and a 10.25-inch screen with wired versions and enhanced voice recognition on higher trims. Blue Link connected services added various functionalities, from remote engine start to climate control adjustments. A notable absence was the WiFi hotspot, compensated somewhat by innovative features like Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The Subaru Outback boasted robust safety credentials with a stronger chassis and extensive airbag coverage. Driver-assistance features were standard or optional across different trims, contributing to its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and NHTSA's five-star overall rating.

The Hyundai Santa Fe stood out with its comprehensive suite of safety features, including rare ones like forward-collision warning with cyclist and junction turning assistance, and Safe Exit Assist. These innovations complemented standard offerings like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technologies. The Santa Fe earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" rating, showcasing its top-tier safety credentials.