2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained its familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet offered a fresher interior compared to its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The quality of materials was evident, with substantial window switches and dash padding. The Outdoor XT trim showcased a unique combination of grey and black soft-touch upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high grey cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights, while still embodying the essence of a lifted wagon.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with the new signature look of the Nissan brand. The SUV's exterior featured a new grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lights, giving it a modern appearance while retaining its traditional robust styling. The Armada's body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and acoustic windows were standard, along with a power sliding sunroof and heated side mirrors. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 20- or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The SUV's new logo was prominently displayed, and a new exterior colour, Coulis Red Pearl, was added. Despite the updates, the Armada's interior remained somewhat dated, with a modern upper centre stack but other design elements that appeared past their prime.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was characterized by its two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, this engine struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The XT trims offered a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The turbo engine was quieter and more refined, though slightly less fuel-efficient. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a focus on ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system. The X-Mode feature further enhanced its off-road prowess, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, providing ample power for the large SUV. The Armada's off-road capabilities were supported by its automatic 4WD, skid plate, and double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with high consumption figures. The Armada's handling improved with each revision, but its large size made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. The SUV excelled in towing, with a best-in-class capacity of 3,856 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, including large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The Outback's standout feature was its integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings for those needing additional cargo space.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, provided a spacious interior with comfortable seating for first- and second-row occupants. The Platinum trim offered the option of second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven but enhancing comfort. The third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with all seats folded. The high load floor posed challenges for loading and unloading. Small-item storage was limited, but the centre console storage bin offered ample space for larger items.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EyeSight system provided advanced driver-assist features, though it relied solely on cameras, limiting its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a responsive and clear interface. Standard features included navigation, a Bose stereo system, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Armada also offered a rearview camera mirror and rear-seat entertainment system on the Platinum trim. The steering wheel controls were functional but lacked sophistication compared to competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard airbags and advanced driver-assist technologies. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests and forward emergency braking.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a suite of driver-assist features. However, it lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist. The Armada received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its higher rollover risk.