2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Acura MDX

2021 Subaru Outback
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Outback is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is recommended for those seeking a luxurious and dynamic driving experience with advanced technology features and spacious cargo capacity.

Overview

MSRP

$26,795

MSRP

$48,000

Average price

$26,792

Average price

$42,104

Listings

2044

Listings

1484
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Cramped third row

2021 Subaru Outback Reviews Summary

The Outback, like any Subaru, is an old soul in a young person’s body. It embraces a rosier past of automotive history, back when cars were just cars and drivers were concerned only with driving. It’s conservative, unhip to fashion, and slow. Yet the 2021 Outback—a raised, all-wheel drive (AWD) station wagon like the first 1995 model—has all of today’s essentials and extra technology. Subaru just skips the fripperies and focuses on what people really need: Generous space, go-anywhere capability, reliability, low cost, high resale, and safety. It’s not all that innovative or stylish, but a Subaru Outback tackles the everyday banalities of life as few other cars can.

2022 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

26
2021 Subaru Outback
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Outback is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX is recommended for those seeking a luxurious and dynamic driving experience with advanced technology features and spacious cargo capacity.

Overview
MSRP
$26,795
$48,000
Average price
$26,792
$42,104
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Cramped third row
Summary
The Outback, like any Subaru, is an old soul in a young person’s body. It embraces a rosier past of automotive history, back when cars were just cars and drivers were concerned only with driving. It’s conservative, unhip to fashion, and slow. Yet the 2021 Outback—a raised, all-wheel drive (AWD) station wagon like the first 1995 model—has all of today’s essentials and extra technology. Subaru just skips the fripperies and focuses on what people really need: Generous space, go-anywhere capability, reliability, low cost, high resale, and safety. It’s not all that innovative or stylish, but a Subaru Outback tackles the everyday banalities of life as few other cars can.
Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
26
19
MPG Highway
33
26
Look and feel
2021 Subaru Outback
7/10
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Subaru Outback scores 7 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. The Outback features a familiar and comfortable design with a modern interior, while the MDX boasts a sportier and more assertive look. Both models have quality interiors with luxurious materials and ample space for passengers.
Performance
2021 Subaru Outback
6/10
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Outback 6 out of 10 for performance, compared to 8 out of 10 for the 2022 Acura MDX. The Outback comes with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine that may feel underpowered, while the MDX offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower for a more spirited driving experience. The Outback excels in off-road capability and all-weather performance, while the MDX provides a more refined and dynamic driving experience on paved roads.
Form and function
2021 Subaru Outback
10/10
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2021 Subaru Outback offers 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with the seats raised. On the other hand, the 2022 Acura MDX provides between 39.1 and 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 95 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
Technology
2021 Subaru Outback
7/10
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
For technology, the 2021 Subaru Outback scores 7 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. The Outback features outdated infotainment graphics but offers standard Subaru EyeSight safety features. The MDX boasts a premium ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety
2021 Subaru Outback
9/10
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
The 2021 Subaru Outback receives a safety rating of 9 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX receives a rating of 8 out of 10. The Outback comes with advanced safety features such as Subaru EyeSight, while the MDX includes the AcuraWatch suite with collision mitigation systems and pedestrian detection capabilities.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 Subaru Outback
8/10
2022 Acura MDX
8/10
The 2021 Subaru Outback is rated 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, with a starting price below $30,000 when new. On the other hand, the 2022 Acura MDX is rated at a score of 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness and started at $46,900 when new with superior luxury features and performance. The Outback offers excellent value for its capabilities, while the MDX provides a complete luxury package at a competitive price.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.