2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-generation Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and direct injection, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness.

The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645 for the 2.5i, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, introduced the 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Limited trim, at $33,445, added features like blind-spot monitoring and a Harman Kardon stereo. The Touring trim, priced at $37,345, offered ventilated front seats and a sunroof. The new Onyx Edition XT, starting at $34,895, included the turbo engine and off-road enhancements. The Limited XT and Touring XT trims added the turbo engine to their respective features, with prices of $37,745 and $39,695.

The Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, continued into 2020 with some design tweaks, including the hourglass grille. Despite its age, the GX shared a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, known for its rugged capability. The GX's cabin remained largely unchanged from a decade ago, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which worked well for its rugged nature. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 included features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Premium trim added rain-sensing wipers, 3-zone climate control, and navigation. The Luxury trim included premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and power-folding third-row seats. Our test model also had the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. However, the Outback's approach, departure, and breakover angles limited its off-road prowess compared to more rugged vehicles.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. Despite not having the highest horsepower figures, the V8 offered a powerful driving experience. The GX's light steering was direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and Downhill Assist Control. 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 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The Outback's design prioritized proportion and visibility, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs in the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard in the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, the third row was challenging for adults to access. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system's lag affected navigation, app usage, and even volume control, detracting from the overall experience. The camera resolution was also subpar, highlighting the need for improvements in the infotainment system.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a simpler, decade-old layout that was easier to use than modern Lexus systems. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The touchscreen was flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, making it user-friendly despite its outdated appearance.

The 2020 Subaru Outback came with a strong standard safety suite, including AWD, but the DriverFocus system was disappointing. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, had issues with obstructions like snow and fog. The DriverFocus system frequently issued false alerts, making it more of a distraction than a safety feature.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's excellent visibility, with large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.