2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted 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 2020 model introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, alongside innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims in Canada, starting at an MSRP of $30,695, with features like heated front seats and adaptive cruise control standard even at the base level.

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained the familiar and comfortable feel of its predecessor, with minor updates. The interior was fresh, especially with the 11.6-inch touchscreen available from the Premium trim upwards, offering a more cohesive and attractive interface compared to the base model's dual 7-inch screens. Quality was evident in the materials used, with higher trims offering a luxury feel. The Outdoor XT trim featured water-resistant upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a rugged touch. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with new adaptive LED headlights standard across all trims. The 2021 model continued to offer a lifted wagon experience, providing a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase from the previous year, thanks to 90% new components and direct injection. It achieved fuel consumption ratings of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.1 on the highway, and 8.2 combined. For those needing more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, with 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback's approach, departure, and breakover angles allowed for moderate off-road adventures, especially with the Outdoor XT's upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control.

In 2021, the Outback's 2.5-litre engine continued to produce 182 horsepower, but its performance was hampered by the vehicle's weight, making it slow and noisy under load. The XT trims offered a significant improvement with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a smoother and quieter ride. The XT's fuel efficiency was slightly lower, with estimates of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres city and 7.9 highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance for rough roads. Subaru's AWD system remained proactive, driving all four wheels and reacting quickly to varying conditions. The Outdoor trim added additional driving modes for snow and mud, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increase in interior space was attributed to a wider rear wheel area. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers, and maintained good visibility with thin pillars and a low shoulder height. However, the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The interior featured practical storage solutions, but some essential features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on lower trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback maintained its impressive ground clearance, allowing it to traverse challenging terrains without the bulk of larger vehicles. It offered the same cargo capacity as the 2020 model, with a wide and flat cargo area. The interior provided ample space and comfort, with excellent visibility due to its design. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and additional pockets in the centre console. Some features, like push-button start and rear climate vents, were only available on higher trims. The integrated roof rails and crossbars were a standout feature, offering easy installation for roof racks. The 11.6-inch touchscreen, while large and responsive, complicated some controls, but overall enhanced usability.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, appealing to tech enthusiasts with its large and easy-to-navigate interface. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system had potential with its modern design and layout.

In 2021, the Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The user interface masked the modern technology underneath, making it difficult to access some features. However, standard features like SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were appreciated. Subaru EyeSight was standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras without radar limited its functionality in certain conditions.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a strong safety suite, with standard AWD and Subaru's EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be easily obstructed, affecting its reliability. The DriverFocus system, intended to alert distracted drivers, was prone to false alerts, diminishing its effectiveness.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and additional airbags, with more driver-assist technologies available on higher trims. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with "Good" ratings in crash tests and a "Superior" rating for forward emergency braking. The Outback's safety features were comprehensive, but the driver-attention monitor was only available on the highest trims.