2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, was a decade-old vehicle. It featured the garish hourglass grille design that had become a staple in the Lexus lineup. While this design was hard to look at on some Lexus models, the GX wore it better than the larger LX. The GX's cabin, however, showed its age with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. Despite its dated interior, the GX's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, made it a reliable choice for those who valued off-road performance over modern aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Ascent was a much-needed addition to the Subaru lineup, filling the gap left by the poorly received Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a scaled-up version of the smaller Forester and Outback models, making it instantly recognizable as a Subaru. The cabin followed the same design philosophy, with a dash layout similar to other Subaru models, ensuring familiarity for Subaru enthusiasts. The Ascent's trims ranged from the well-equipped Standard to the luxurious Touring, offering a variety of features to suit different needs.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4-wheel drive system. While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a unique swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While some might prefer a premium engine option, the Ascent's standard engine was effective for most driving scenarios, particularly around town and on the highway. The Ascent's ride focused on refined comfort, handling corners well and soaking up road bumps. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was adept in snow and light off-roading. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. These captain's chairs provided a small access way to the third row and a natural barrier between kids. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The GX featured a unique side-opening rear hatch, which had limited advantages, but the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This cargo capacity was on the higher end of the midsize three-row SUV class. The Ascent came standard with a power liftgate, though a hands-free option was not available. In base configuration, the Ascent seated up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for kids on longer trips. The Ascent also featured an impressive 19 cupholders and plenty of storage spaces.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering a simpler user interface compared to modern Lexus systems.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent's StarLink infotainment system featured logical menu layouts and large icons on its available touchscreens. Both screens were supported by hard buttons and dials, as well as a home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Ascent also came with two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, with additional tech features available, including third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, called EyeSight. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. For 2021, the Ascent gained standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.