What car is comparable to subaru outback

How does the 2021 Subaru Outback wagon compare with the all-new Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, Lexus NX, Lexus UX, and Toyota Venza? According to a new study by Consumer Reports (by subscription), Outback is one of the nine best SUVs under $40,000.

All nine SUVs rank top choices by Consumer Reports in several areas like crash scores, ride quality, fuel mileage, cabin noise, comfortable seats, and active safety features. Scores are also based on owner surveys asking buyers if they would repurchase the same vehicle.

CR says the 2021 Subaru Outback wagon is a "smart alternative to an SUV" when rated with the other eight SUVs above. It's rated high for the new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with additional power and "effortless acceleration."

Outback also gets high marks for a ride that is "very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure," and thoughtful details like built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover.

What is the downside to the Outback? CR says, "Some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step." Additionally, "The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained under stress."

The newly-remodeled Outback is ranked number one of eleven midsize SUVs and gets a 91/100 on the road test score, 4/5 in owner satisfaction, and an overall score of 86/100.

Consumer Reports ranks the Kia Telluride number one with an overall score of 97, Outback number two at 86, Hyundai Palisade 85, Toyota Highlander 84, Ford Edge 83, Lexus NX 82, Lexus UX 81, Mazda CX-9 80, and Toyota Venza 78.

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Outback?

The 2021 Outback comes in seven trim levels, base $27,845, Premium ($30,095), Limited ($34,645), Onyx Edition XT ($36,195), Limited XT ($38,545), Touring ($39,045), and Touring XT ($40,995). Pricing includes $1,050 destination. CR says the average price of a Premium trim is $27,419 after discounts and dealer incentives.

Why is the Outback a good choice for consumers?

The 2021 Subaru Outback offers exceptional all-weather capability with the Japanese automaker's standard all-wheel-drive. The SUV-alternative Outback also offers 8.7-inches of ground clearance, a car-like ride, and the versatility and utility of an SUV. Consumer Reports says the wagon is a smart alternative to an SUV.

 You Might Also Like: How Wild Will The All-New 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Be?

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru, main image - Team Gillman Subaru North

What car is comparable to subaru outback

What car is comparable to subaru outback

Aaron Turpen is an automotive writer and reviewer living in Wyoming, USA. A life-long off-road and mechanical enthusiast, Aaron has had a varied career in vehicles. Aaron grew up with home mechanics and maintenance on tractors, trucks, and cars as well as small engines and devices. At any one time, he’s worked as an automotive disassembler (aka “junk yard parts puller”), shade tree mechanic, over-the-road truck driver, and more. Aaron’s interests include family-oriented vehicles, off-roading, and anything fun involving tires and steering. With most of his life having been in rural America, Aaron understands pickup trucks and SUVs, winter weather hazards, and what life is like where phrases like “Just down the road” mean “within 100 miles.” Aaron’s automotive writing career has included outlets such as Carfax, CarTalk, NewAtlas.com, and many others. He’s appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, on various YouTube channels, and on several podcasts.

The Subaru Outback is known primarily for its station wagon design, ample interior space, go-anywhere attitude, and upscale feel.

Considered the flagship for the Subaru lineup for many consumers, the Outback fits a niche that others have tried to copy and rarely match. But that’s changing as automakers up their game and become more competitive.

Finding competitors in today’s crossover-laden market is easier now that AWD is becoming much more common.

Read about how we rank our vehicles >>

Subaru Outback vs. Competitors

1. Audi A4 Allroad

What car is comparable to subaru outback
Of the choices on our list, the Audi A4 Allroad is the only station wagon that’s competitive against the Subaru Outback.

The Allroad is sporty with a lot of European appeal, with a high-quality interior and lots of technology. It’s more expensive than the Outback, but returns similar fuel efficiency and interior spaciousness. Audi’s all-wheel drive system is well-liked and capable as well.

The Takeaway: The Audi A4 Allroad offers an experience that’s equal to the Outback in versatility but with more luxury fitment. It’s also more composed and energetic to drive by comparison.

Current Audi A4 Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Audi deals and average prices paid.

2. Ford Escape

What car is comparable to subaru outback
The Ford Escape is a crossover SUV that is sized about the same as is the Outback. The Escape has more fuel efficiency in all of its iterations. Unlike any of the other options presented here, the Escape comes in a standard gasoline, hybrid-electric, and plug-in hybrid electric version. Though it costs more, the 40 mpg average in the plug-in hybrid and the 30 miles of around-town driving on battery alone are high points worth considering for those looking for maximum fuel savings.

The Escape does not compete off-road, however, with all-wheel drive being only available in the gasoline and hybrid models. That AWD system is geared more towards inclement weather than it is trail running and there is no “Wilderness” option for more get-out-there capability as can be had in the Outback.

The Takeaway: The Ford Escape is primarily focused on a good drive dynamic and daily driving on the pavement with maximum efficiency.

Current Ford Escape Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals and average prices paid.

3. Subaru Forester

What car is comparable to subaru outback
Subaru’s own Forester model is also competitive with the Outback.

Giving a more traditional crossover-SUV design, the Forester has a drive dynamic to match, being a little higher in seating and maneuverability than is the Outback wagon. It is, in other respects, very comparable to the Outback in terms of fuel economy, warranty, and comfort.

The Takeaway: The Subaru Forester is not quite as upscale in appeal as is the Outback, but it offers a lot more interior space and cargo room when compared.

Current Subaru Forester Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Subaru deals and average prices paid.