2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport variant boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. While the interior materials were of high quality, the design of the gauge cluster and center stack felt dated compared to newer competitors. The NX F Sport also included a G-Force meter, a nod to the brand's performance heritage, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel, akin to older Subaru models. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, with a standout 11.6-inch portrait display that was both bright and sharp. Quality materials were evident throughout, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The Onyx Edition XT featured a unique gray and black StarTex interior with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's design was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. It retained its identity as a lifted wagon, offering a practical alternative to traditional SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, a respectable figure for its class. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as the more advanced transmissions found in some competitors. The NX offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter capable of transferring up to 50% of torque 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 enhanced ride comfort and three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—that adjusted throttle response and steering assist.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, delivered 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, which struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback feel sluggish and noisy. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Subaru's proactive all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode for challenging conditions.

The 2021 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with ample space for front passengers and decent legroom for rear occupants. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat added versatility, though cargo space was limited, with only 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX's cabin was well-insulated from road and wind noise, maintaining the brand's reputation for quiet rides. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 33 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 76 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area was wide and flat, maximizing usability. The Outback's seating provided excellent headroom and legroom, with superb outward visibility. Storage solutions were plentiful, including large door pockets and a practical front center console. 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 with crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. This package included advanced features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was criticized for its complexity. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated. The single large screen was preferable to the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its effectiveness in certain conditions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation system offered a more modern interface.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a suite of advanced safety features such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional services like automatic collision notification and stolen-vehicle notification.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a robust chassis and standard airbags, with additional driver assists available on higher trims. It earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" designation and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The Outback's safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking, with some features limited to specific trims.