2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's strategy of incremental improvement, building on a successful formula of utility, safety, and performance. The model was underpinned by Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, and introduced DriverFocus technology, which used infrared monitoring to alert distracted drivers and adjust settings via facial recognition.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by enhancing the Impreza hatchback with rugged looks, AWD, and a taller driving position. It featured black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a ride height offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. The Crosstrek rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other models like the Legacy and Forester, providing a refined driving experience. The interior remained functional but plain, with the Outdoor grade offering unique accents. The Crosstrek was available in vibrant colours, including Plasma Yellow Pearl, adding character to its SUV-like stance.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling, thanks to the boxer engine's low centre of gravity. With 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was capable off-road, though not as rugged as a Jeep. The upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control on the Outdoor XT trim enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-litre engine for the Outdoor and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base 2.0-litre engine offered 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, while the CVT was standard on higher trims. The Crosstrek's AWD system included X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, enhancing its performance on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Crosstrek was more suited for on-road driving, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Visibility was a priority, with excellent sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior proportions with interior space, providing a practical and comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to rivals. With 588 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,565 litres, the Crosstrek was behind some competitors in cargo volume. The interior featured a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, though rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging options. The driving position was higher than the Impreza, but visibility remained good, thanks to the large side windows.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering a visually appealing interface but suffering from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system's responsiveness was a concern, with delays in navigation and audio controls. Camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the potential for improvement was evident.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch version on higher trims. The system was responsive and easy to navigate, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. A secondary screen displayed additional information, though its redundancy was noted. The Crosstrek's infotainment setup was user-friendly, with steering wheel controls for EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a comprehensive safety suite, including AWD and EyeSight technology. However, the optical system had limitations, such as deactivation in adverse weather conditions. DriverFocus, intended to alert distracted drivers, was unreliable, often issuing false alerts. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained a strong safety reputation.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features were standard on CVT-equipped models, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight. The optional blind-spot monitoring system was effective, with prominent warning lights on the mirrors.