2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing design lineage. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX managed to incorporate Lexus' signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a distinctive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards expected from a vehicle in its class. The wood trim felt more like molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the overall luxury feel. While leather upholstery was standard, the interior design felt outdated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, offered a familiar yet refreshed interior. The Outback's cabin was more modern than its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek, with a large 11.6-inch portrait display available on higher trims. The interior quality was a significant improvement over pre-2015 models, with substantial-feeling materials and comfortable seating. The Outback's exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding for protection. It was a lifted wagon, offering a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs, with adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option for 2021.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for off-road conditions. It boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and offered an optional Off-Road Package for enhanced trail performance.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's handling was more about comfort than speed, with a smooth ride and excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its high ground clearance and Subaru's proactive AWD system. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, making it more suitable as a two-row SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating and excellent outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and convenient storage pockets. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering practical and easy-to-use storage solutions.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, offering a straightforward interface.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system also felt dated, with graphics similar to older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Subaru EyeSight, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, was standard across all trims. The system's functionality was impressive but relied solely on cameras, which could be limited in certain conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It offered additional driver assists on higher trims, including blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with some four-star ratings in specific tests.