2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Lexus RX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. These changes were not minor; the styling updates allowed the RX to stand out in a crowded market. Despite its age, the RX remained a stylish step ahead of anything with a Toyota logo. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights. Optional triple-beam LED headlights were available. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors—Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl—were introduced. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, bumpers, grille, badges, front seats, meter, aluminum ornamentation, and 20-inch wheels. Additional features included front and rear performance dampers, power-folding mirrors with memory, LED ambient lighting, stainless steel rear door garnishes, steering and seat memory, and scuff plates. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, and the interior was designed to withstand family life. However, the center stack's climate controls appeared dated, despite being functional.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel. The analog gauges, steering wheel spokes, and seat forms were reminiscent of older models. However, the interior was fresher, especially if you skipped the base trim, which featured two 7-inch touchscreens in matte plastic. Higher trims offered an 11.6-inch portrait display, which was bright, sharp, and integrated with polished black plastic and physical buttons. Chrome trim surrounded the screen, and upper trims featured contrasting leatherette. The interior included ample storage, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a handy pocket on the front center console. The Onyx Edition XT featured gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair.

The Outback's exterior featured high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, prioritizing practicality over paint scratches. The styling was smooth and plain, with a few chrome flourishes and bracket-shaped LED running lights. For 2021, a new brown paint, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, was available on the Premium trim, and adaptive LED headlights became standard. The Outback's standout feature was its lifted wagon design, making it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had the same engine but were limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a slightly different setup, resulting in 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrids featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. However, drivers rarely felt the need for more power, thanks to performance enhancements. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD got 22 mpg combined. The RX 450h AWD was the most fuel-efficient, with 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension, 20-inch wheels, and various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX 350 F Sport provided a smooth driving experience, with good throttle response and shifting. The SUV was maneuverable on highways and rural roads, with a quiet cabin and strong braking.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base trim featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo. The XT trim offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing a significant performance improvement. The XT engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful than the older 3.6-liter flat-six it replaced. The base engine achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT got 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The Outback's handling was squishy, and the steering was imprecise, but it excelled as a long-distance cruiser. The ride comfort and ground clearance of 8.7 inches allowed it to handle rough roads and off-road conditions. Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive was proactive, always driving all four wheels and reacting quickly to varying torque splits. The Outback's X-Mode optimized the throttle, CVT ratio, stability control, and torque split for tougher conditions, with additional driving modes for snow and mud on the Onyx Edition. The Outback was highly capable off-road, outperforming many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility. However, the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, allowing it to go anywhere without the drawbacks of being oversized. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of intrusive elements. Headroom and legroom were ample in all seating positions, with comfortable and supportive seats. Outward visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and lots of glass. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets on the front center console. However, push-button start and rear climate vents were standard only on higher trims, and the moonroof was bundled with other expensive options. The Outback's best feature was the standard roof rails and integrated crossbars, which could be swiveled and locked in place within seconds.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX featured six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A CD player was also standard.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was even worse. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern-looking. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system offered good semi-automated control on marked highways but relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also had a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking was optional on the Onyx Edition XT and standard on the Limited 2.5 and Touring trims. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in all crash tests and for headlights, as well as a "Superior" rating for forward emergency braking. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.