2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a dynamic upper character line and a large spoiler-like appearance, contributing to its sporty look. Inside, the RDX impressed with its sharp styling and eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a striking red-and-black contrast. The cabin was well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. While the base trim's interior was less appealing with its dual 7-inch touchscreens, higher trims offered a more modern 11.6-inch portrait display. The Outback's interior quality had improved significantly, with substantial materials and comfortable seating. The Outdoor XT trim featured water-resistant upholstery and lime green stitching, adding a touch of adventure. Externally, the Outback's styling was understated yet practical, with high ground clearance and protective cladding. The addition of adaptive LED headlights and a new paint option were among the few changes for 2021.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a pleasing engine note, making it a joy to drive. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, ensuring excellent handling and performance. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-litre flat-four, struggled with its 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, resulting in sluggish acceleration. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's handling was more focused on comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance for off-road capability. Subaru's AWD system was proactive, providing excellent traction in various conditions, and the X-Mode enhanced off-road performance.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX excelled in cargo space, offering 835 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a hidden compartment for additional storage.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough terrain with ease. Inside, the Outback provided ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, with excellent visibility thanks to thin pillars and large windows. The cargo area was spacious, offering 920 litres with the seats up and 2,144 litres with them folded. The Outback featured clever storage solutions, including integrated roof rails with crossbars, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with its True Touchpad Interface proving cumbersome to use. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad's design hindered their usability. The Tech grade added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional navigation was more modern. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The system's reliance on cameras limited its functionality in certain conditions.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, driver-assistance systems, and a rear-view camera. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec featured a 360-degree camera. The RDX received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard airbags and driver-assistance technology. Blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, demonstrating its commitment to safety.