2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was unmistakably Lexus. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, a shapely body, and a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX F Sport was the most performance-focused, while the RXL and RXL Hybrid had extended bodies and a third row of seating. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior was well-appointed, even in the base model, with options for semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats. However, the center console design and infotainment system were seen as functional but outdated.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were reminiscent of older models, but the interior was fresher, especially in trims above the base. The base trim featured two 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims had an 11.6-inch portrait display with polished black plastic and chrome trim. Quality was evident in the materials used, and higher trims offered two-tone leather upholstery. The Onyx Edition XT featured gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching. The exterior had high gray cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers, with smooth and plain styling. Changes for 2021 included a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights. The Outback's design emphasized functionality, with a lifted wagon appearance that made it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive and the RXL model reduced fuel efficiency slightly. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid featured a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, though body roll was noticeable at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model offering a bit more excitement. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base trim weighed 3,635 pounds, and with additional passengers and cargo, the engine struggled to perform adequately. The XT models featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The turbo engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful than the base engine. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the base engine. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive provided excellent off-road capability, with X-Mode optimizing performance for tough conditions. The Outback was more proficient off-road than many crossovers and SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version had just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The RX's cargo space was less than competitors like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of obstructions. Headroom and legroom were ample in all seating positions, and visibility was excellent. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. Downsides included limited availability of push-button start and rear climate vents, and the moonroof was bundled with expensive options. The Outback's best feature was the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, which could be easily swiveled and locked in place. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls, but the screen was responsive and made adjusting settings easier.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was functional but took up valuable center console space. Steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. The base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive than the single large screen available on higher trims. Subaru EyeSight was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern-looking. The Outback's adaptive cruise control had four settings, but finding and changing them was challenging.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid had not been tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2021 Subaru Outback rode on a stronger and stiffer chassis, with a driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag standard. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking was optional on the Onyx Edition XT and standard on the Limited 2.5 and Touring trims. A driver-attention monitor was standard on the Limited XT and Touring trims. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with top ratings in all crash tests and for headlights, and a Superior rating for forward emergency braking. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.