2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus GX

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, although appearing similar to the 2019 model, featured 90% new parts. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly noticeable in the head- and taillights. Inside, the 2020 Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus system used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t see any styling changes but added silver 18-inch wheels as standard on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX’s styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior felt outdated, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-liter engine provided 26 mpg city and 33 highway, while the turbocharged engine enabled the Outback to hit 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system ensured consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight affected high-speed performance and braking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in low grip and body roll in corners, with a ride quality typical of such vehicles. The GX excelled off-road with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. An optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler and Crawl Control.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to a larger interior. The Outback provided ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was excellent, although the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics felt outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The upright dashboard and high center console contributed to a bus-like driving position. Visibility was generally good, except for the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors. With the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s lag affected navigation, radio, and volume controls. Camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, analog controls for climate and seat heaters were user-friendly. The GX included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2020 Subaru Outback came with a comprehensive safety suite, including AWD, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often inaccurate.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.