2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior was fresher compared to the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the cabin's modernity. Quality materials were evident, especially in the Limited and Touring trims, which offered two-tone leather upholstery. The Onyx Edition XT introduced durable, water-resistant StarTex upholstery with lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, plain styling maintained its lifted wagon appearance, with minor updates like new paint options and standard adaptive LED headlights.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its exterior with Nissan's new signature design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Armada's highest Platinum trim featured a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern yet robust look. Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and acoustic windows. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels, with upper trims offering a full-size spare tire. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite the updates, the Armada's rear design retained an underbite that aged the model compared to its fully redesigned competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Midnight Edition Package added dark accents, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

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 fully loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) exacerbated the issue, making the Outback slow and noisy under strain. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The turbo engine's fuel economy was slightly lower, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system provided excellent traction, with X-Mode optimizing performance in tough conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Armada offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, with automatic four-wheel drive (4WD) available. Despite its weight, exceeding 6,000 pounds, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. However, its fuel economy was poor, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, and 4WD models getting 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The Armada's handling had improved over the years, but its large size made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. Standard towing features included a seven-pin trailer harness and trailer sway control, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing many trucks and SUVs, allowing it to tackle rough terrains without being oversized. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space 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 all passengers. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and large windows. Storage options included large door pockets, a front center console with handy pockets, and a small shelf on the passenger-side dash. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and useful.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, required a step up to enter, facilitated by standard running boards and in-cabin handles. The broad dashboard housed a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were hard to reach. Front seats were power-adjustable, with captain's chairs available in higher trims, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded, though the high load floor made loading difficult. Small-item storage was limited, with the center console bin being the most useful. The power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats were optional, and the high load floor posed challenges for petite individuals.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The optional navigation system was more visually appealing. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system performed well on marked highways but relied solely on cameras, which could be obstructed, reducing functionality.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a class-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen, responsive and clear, especially for camera views. Standard tech included navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio, rearview camera mirror, and second-row entertainment system. The analog tachometer and speedometer were complemented by a functional steering wheel, though it lacked the sophistication of other SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for the rollover test.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, except for a three-star rollover rating due to a 23.7-percent rollover risk. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features were adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rear door alert. Optional safety tech included a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system, but advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist were not available.