2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula by focusing on incremental improvements rather than a complete overhaul. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the Outback 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. 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 introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety.

In Canada, the Outback was offered in seven trims, starting with the Convenience trim at an MSRP of $30,695. This base model included features like heated front seats, keyless entry, and a suite of safety features. The Touring trim, priced at $34,795, added the larger touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof. The Limited trim, at $38,995, offered leather upholstery and a premium stereo. The Premier trim, at $40,995, featured Nappa leather and ventilated seats. The Outdoor XT trim, priced at $38,695, included the turbo engine and off-road enhancements. The Limited XT and Premier XT trims followed, adding the turbo engine for $41,795 and $43,795, respectively.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional styling while adding character. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome and optional 21-inch wheels, was the most luxurious, while the R-Design offered a sportier look. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand.

Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch. The Inscription trim featured an Orrefors crystal shifter, adding a high-end feel to the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90’s design successfully balanced luxury with functionality, providing a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. The 2.5-litre engine featured direct injection and achieved fuel consumption ratings of 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.1 on the highway, and 8.2 combined. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced stability, while its 22.1 cm ground clearance allowed for moderate off-road capability.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower, while the T6 added supercharging for 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total output of 400 horsepower. The XC90’s AWD system was standard in Canada, but the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors’ larger engines. The XC90’s ride quality was excellent, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a towing capacity of 2,250 kg.

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. The Outback’s design prioritized visibility, although the rear quarters presented a blind spot. The interior provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers, and the low load height made it practical for cargo and roof storage.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The XC90’s upright roof profile and power sunroof enhanced the sense of space.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s lag affected navigation, radio, and volume controls, detracting from the overall experience. The camera resolution was also lacking, highlighting the need for updates to fully realize the system’s potential.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity and functionality. The 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility were standard. The system was intuitive, with a tablet-like interface, but the text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, but the DriverFocus system was problematic, issuing frequent alerts even when the driver’s eyes were on the road. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, leading to occasional deactivation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the non-hybrid models earning a “Top Safety Pick+” designation. The XC90 offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to safety.