2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, adding character while maintaining recognizable Volvo elements. The XC90 featured a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level was the flashiest, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, and its interior embraced “Swedish minimalism” with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel, with analog gauges and a steering wheel design reminiscent of older models. The interior was fresher than the smaller Crosstrek, especially with the 11.6-inch portrait display available on Premium and above trims. Quality was evident in the materials and construction, with the Onyx Edition XT featuring gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green contrast stitching. The exterior styling remained smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. The Outback's lifted wagon design made it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs, with new features like adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option for 2021.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8.

The XC90's performance was a mix of efficiency and power, with the T8 offering three drive modes: Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power. However, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility, and the gasoline engine often had to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. The XC90 had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for most models, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to move the Outback, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trim levels offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant improvement in performance and refinement. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The Outback's handling was designed for long-distance cruising, with a comfortable ride and excellent off-road capability thanks to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive. The Outback's X-Mode optimized performance for tough road conditions, making it more proficient off-road than many competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats in both the third and second rows lacked support. The interior felt spacious thanks to an optional power moonroof and the XC90's upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few storage options on the console.

Cargo space in the XC90 T8 Recharge model was near the bottom of the segment, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, allowing it to go anywhere larger vehicles could without the drawbacks of being oversized. The Outback had 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of intrusive elements. Headroom and legroom were ample in all four outboard seating positions, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. Outward visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and lots of glass.

Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and useful.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. The XC90 came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Additional options included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, but the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were limited to USB-A.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly outdated. However, the Outback's adaptive cruise control had four settings, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The optional navigation system was more modern-looking. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models. It earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered numerous standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2021 Subaru Outback rode on a stronger and stiffer chassis than previous models, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on specific trims. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in all crash tests and for headlights, as well as a “Superior” rating for forward emergency braking. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.