2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Subaru Ascent presented a practical and utilitarian design, reminiscent of a larger Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on most trims added to its appeal. The base model started at $31,995, with the Premium trim offering enhanced features for $34,395. The Limited and Touring trims added luxury touches, with the Touring trim priced at $45,045. The test vehicle, in Abyss Blue Pearl, showcased a stylish interior with quality materials, especially in the Touring trim, which included Java Brown leather and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had a sharp, streamlined profile with a scowling face, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. It shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which was evident in its engineering. The F Sport Black Line test car featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and Grecian Water paint. The interior design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury wood trim. The F Sport package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT and AWD, providing good acceleration but falling short on fuel efficiency, averaging 18.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. However, it excelled off-road with features like X-Mode and Hill Descent Control, making it suitable for adventurous driving.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering lacked feedback. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid felt less refined compared to newer models on the TNGA platform, such as the latest RAV4.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered comfort, especially in the Touring trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The interior featured a useful dashboard shelf and ample storage options. The Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers with a choice of bench or captain’s chairs in the second row. It provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with seats folded. The Ascent's design facilitated easy access to the third row and offered practical cargo solutions.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the least in its segment. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but large mirrors helped. The NX Hybrid offered 16.8 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up, expanding to 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured a Starlink infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Touring trim added a high-resolution screen and navigation. The system included stereo knobs and separate climate controls, but the voice-control system was outdated. The Ascent offered a 180-degree camera view and a unique PIN Code Vehicle Access system for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a challenging Remote Touch Interface touchpad. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and basic graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with features like EyeSight ADAS, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It included a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services for three years.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The NX Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it a strong contender in its class.