2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a sleek and low-slung profile for a three-row SUV. The Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to the front, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. Inside, the MDX featured a modern and simple design, with a centre stack highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older Subaru models. While the base trim featured a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims boasted a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display. The interior quality was a significant improvement over pre-2015 models, with substantial materials and comfortable seating. The Outback's exterior was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. It offered a lifted wagon design, providing a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-litre V6 and three electric motors, delivering 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long drives.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine available on higher trims offered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's electronically-variable AWD and X-Mode provided excellent off-road capability, making it more proficient than many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row down. The MDX featured ample storage options, including a flexible centre console and tri-zone climate control, making it a stylish alternative to a minivan.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance and a spacious interior, with 2,144 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback offered excellent outward visibility and convenient storage options, including integrated roof rails and crossbars. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on all trims.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, premium audio, and parking sensors, while the A-Spec and Technology Plus packages offered additional tech features. The Elite Package included an advanced suspension system and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, but it offered modern tech features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking through Subaru EyeSight. The single large screen was more cohesive and useful than the base model's dual-screen setup. However, the user interface was not as intuitive as it could be, and some features were challenging to access.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking were available on higher trims. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, although it scored four stars in some specific tests.