2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and direct injection, offering 182 horsepower. Higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim. The innovative DriverFocus tech used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness. The Outback came in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with the base trim offering essential safety features and the Premium trim introducing the larger touchscreen and additional comforts.

The Acura MDX was a sleek, three-row SUV with a modern, simple interior. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights added a rich look, and the center stack featured twin infotainment screens. The MDX felt solid and well-built, with high-quality materials and authoritative controls. The exterior was chiseled and low-slung, with flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the MDX offered a clean, uncluttered design, focusing on functionality and ease of use.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback’s design ensured less wear on components and a lower center of gravity, enhancing on-road performance and safety.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, producing 321 hp and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with the SH-AWD system, which used torque vectoring to improve cornering. The four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making the MDX a reliable choice for long drives.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The low load height and excellent visibility added to its practicality. Subaru’s design ensured great sightlines, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX had numerous storage options, including a flexible center console, door pockets, and underfloor storage. Tri-zone climate control and a well-designed interior made it a comfortable and functional family vehicle.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The screen was easy to navigate, but the lag affected usability, especially in the navigation app and volume controls. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera, heated and ventilated seats, and more. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen in the Advance Package.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and EyeSight system, but the DriverFocus feature was problematic, often giving false alerts. EyeSight could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained a strong safety reputation.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, and the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX’s ACE Body Structure absorbed crash impacts effectively. It received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring a secure driving experience.