2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a few subtle yet significant upgrades. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for more power. Externally, changes were minimal, but the interior saw the introduction of an 11.6-inch touchscreen on most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at an MSRP of $26,645, with a range of features and options that catered to various preferences and needs.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward its familial design, offering a sharp, sculpted exterior reminiscent of its Lexus siblings. The NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, with the F Sport variant adding sporty design elements like a honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX provided a luxurious experience with quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a familiar Lexus gauge cluster. While the interior materials and fit were excellent, the design felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. The NX offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with three drive modes to tailor the driving experience, though its steering feedback was limited.

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 turbo engine allowed the Outback to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced stability, both on and off-road. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, the Outback was capable of handling various terrains.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the F Sport model featuring Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note. The NX offered FWD as standard, with AWD available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive suspension system for improved ride comfort.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The spacious interior accommodated taller passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. Subaru prioritized visibility, providing excellent sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior compactness with interior spaciousness, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a well-styled and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample space for adults and the second row accommodating two adults comfortably. The NX featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, though its cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX's upscale interior was typical of Lexus, with minimal road and wind noise, though engine noise was more noticeable. The power liftgate with kick sensor technology and available power-folding rear seats added convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen on most trims, offering a large and visually appealing interface. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall tech experience. Despite these issues, the infotainment system had potential, with features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch option available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the Lexus interface was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad for navigation. The NX offered a range of standard features, including keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed for remote vehicle control and monitoring, enhancing convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be disrupted by environmental factors, affecting its reliability.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a robust set of safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional options like park assist and a surround-view camera system available. Lexus provided a comprehensive warranty, adding peace of mind for buyers.