2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a few subtle enhancements. Subaru's Global Platform provided a 70% increase in structural rigidity, and the base 2.5-litre engine was revamped with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. The exterior changes were minimal, focusing on head- and taillights, while the interior saw the introduction of an 11.6-inch touchscreen in most trims. The innovative DriverFocus technology aimed to enhance safety by monitoring driver alertness and adjusting settings via facial recognition.

In Canada, the Outback was available in seven trims, starting with the Convenience trim at an MSRP of $30,695. The Touring trim introduced the larger touchscreen and additional features like a sunroof and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims like the Limited and Premier offered luxury touches such as leather upholstery and Nappa leather, respectively. The Outdoor XT trim added a turbocharged engine and performance upgrades, while the Limited XT and Premier XT trims also featured the turbo engine, enhancing power and capability.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 showcased traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, complemented by Volvo's signature "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge, an electric variant, featured a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels, distinguishing it from gasoline models. The Recharge's design included a gloss black roof and a unique Sage Green Metallic colour, with a charging port replacing the fuel filler.

Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 offered a minimalist interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was cohesive, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and well-integrated air vents. While the XC40 Recharge had less interior space compared to some competitors, it compensated with clever storage solutions like a removable trash bin and large door bins. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in terms of space, rivaling models like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT), tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced stability, while the Outback's 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance allowed for off-road capability. The Outdoor XT trim featured an upgraded X-Mode and hill-descent control for improved off-road performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The base T4 gasoline engine delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 offered 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads, and the Recharge model offered one-pedal driving for efficient deceleration.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the spacious interior, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, with excellent sightlines in most directions, although the rear quarters presented a minor blind spot. The low load height and lower centre of gravity enhanced handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not as spacious as some competitors, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door included a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, appealing to tech enthusiasts with its large, easy-to-navigate interface. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the potential for improvement was evident, with the screen's size and layout offering a solid foundation.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model featured OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The absence of a start button simplified operation, with the car ready to drive once the driver was seated with the key fob.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety features were a mixed bag. While the standard safety suite impressed, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing alerts even when the driver's eyes were on the road. Subaru's EyeSight system, though standard, could be obstructed by environmental factors, causing it to deactivate unexpectedly. Despite these issues, the Outback's AWD system provided reliable traction and stability.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure, with Volvo expecting it to perform well in crash tests. The latest sensor suite allowed for future driver aid enhancements.