2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, with its practical and utilitarian design, resembled a larger version of the Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares that added visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on most trims contributed to its purposeful appearance. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was more stylish than previous Subaru models, with quality materials and thoughtful details. The Abyss Blue Pearl paint and Java Brown leather interior added a touch of luxury, making it feel like a worthwhile investment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX carried the brand's familial design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior, maintaining a familiar appearance akin to the Lexus UX and RX. The NX F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX offered quilted NuLuxe sport seats exclusive to the F Sport model, with options for various color schemes. The interior's material fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus, though the design felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. The center stack's layout was functional but appeared outdated, with limited open storage space.

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 continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). While the Ascent offered good acceleration, its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The CVT's behavior was inconsistent, leading to uneven power delivery. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. However, it excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Lexus NX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, providing a relatively quiet ride. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control for enhanced engine notes. The NX offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD, with the latter allowing up to 50% torque transfer to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 25 mpg combined and the AWD version 24 mpg. The NX's adaptive suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the armrests were well-padded. The Ascent's dashboard featured a useful shelf and ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. It provided flexible seating options with a choice of a second-row bench or captain's chairs, and the third-row access was easy. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was stylish and comfortable, with ample room for front and rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. While engine noise was present, road and wind noise were minimal. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, along with power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured a Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, WiFi hotspot, and connected services. The Touring trim offered a high-resolution screen and navigation. While the system was user-friendly, the voice-control system was outdated. The Ascent included a 180-degree front camera and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch option available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added two speakers, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system was available. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote app, offering remote access and vehicle monitoring.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight, a suite of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring, while Limited included LED headlights and reverse automatic braking. The Ascent also had a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included Lexus Enform Safety Connect, offering emergency assistance and collision notification.