2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained its familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet offered a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in the Premium and higher trims, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT introduced a unique interior with gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding for protection and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out with its distinctive design, highlighted by a large honeycomb grille and a sporty curved hood. The rear featured a unique chrome strip, adding character to the vehicle. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel, while the interior boasted soft-touch materials and aluminum accents. The QX50's design, though subjective, was generally well-received, with minor visibility issues due to thick B-pillars. The Sensory AWD model came with 20-inch alloy wheels, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Overall, the QX50's design and engineering, particularly its VC-Turbo engine, set it apart in the luxury compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This combination struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT models, however, came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's ride comfort and handling were commendable, with its high ground clearance and electronically-variable AWD system enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 was powered by a single powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine offered a unique blend of power and efficiency by adjusting the compression ratio. The CVT, though not perfect, provided a smooth driving experience. The QX50's drive mode selector allowed for customization of driving dynamics, with Sport mode offering increased responsiveness. While AWD was available, the QX50 was primarily a road-focused vehicle, with its AWD system providing reassurance in adverse conditions.

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 cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, though some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were limited to higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, despite being a compact vehicle, felt spacious inside. It offered generous hip, shoulder, and legroom, with sliding second-row seats for added flexibility. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space with the seats up and 64.4 cubic feet with them folded. The QX50's interior was well-equipped with storage options and charging ports, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated. It featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Subaru EyeSight providing advanced driver assistance features. However, the user interface was not as intuitive as some competitors, and the dual-screen setup on base models was less cohesive.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 excelled in technology, with its InTouch infotainment system featuring dual display screens and a suite of connected services. The system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration and a premium audio system. ProPilot Assist, available on most trims, offered advanced driving assistance, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with a range of standard and optional safety features. It earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, highlighting its crashworthiness and advanced safety systems.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. While not tested by NHTSA for crashworthiness, it received high ratings from the IIHS for crash protection and front crash prevention.