2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, featured a design that was both distinct and familiar. Its sharp edges and streamlined profile gave it a unique look, though the styling had remained largely unchanged over the years. The NX shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which was evident in its engineering. The F Sport Black Line variant showcased a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, offering a bold contrast to the subdued palettes of other automakers. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials, such as wood trim. The Black Line treatment added sporty elements like an F Sport heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. Its interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, which featured a bright 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outback's quality was evident, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, particularly in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT offered a unique interior with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. Externally, the Outback's styling was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. It retained its identity as a lifted wagon, offering a practical alternative to typical crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower, struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving acceleration and refinement. While the Outback wasn't built for speed, the XT's performance was a worthwhile upgrade. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, with long-travel springs, high ground clearance, and Subaru's proactive all-wheel-drive system. X-Mode further enhanced its off-road prowess, making it more capable than many crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom and rear legroom in its segment. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. However, rear visibility was compromised by the sloping roofline and thick pillars. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, and the seating provided excellent comfort and visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its integrated roof rails and crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and poor graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, but the sound quality was lacking.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system also felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The optional navigation system was more modern, and the single large screen was more cohesive than the base dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, was standard, though it relied solely on cameras, affecting performance in certain conditions.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, with a stronger chassis and additional airbags, was also a “Top Safety Pick+” by the IIHS. It scored five stars overall from the NHTSA. The Outback offered a range of driver assists, with some features standard on higher trims. Its safety systems were comprehensive, though some were optional depending on the trim.