2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the Ascent was introduced in 2019, it was a necessary and overdue addition to Subaru's lineup. Unlike its failed predecessor, the Tribeca, the Ascent showcased a more acceptable design, resembling a scaled-up version of the smaller Forester crossover and the Outback wagon. This midsize three-row SUV featured a cabin design familiar to Subaru fans, intended to evoke a sense of consistency with Subaru’s other popular models.

The Ascent came in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The base model was well-equipped with driver-assistance features, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, four USB ports, and remote keyless entry. The Premium trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen, stain-resistant upholstery, and remote start, among other enhancements. The Limited trim added more luxury with push-button start, power-adjustable seats, and additional USB ports. The flagship Touring trim was adorned with second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. The overall design and features made the Ascent a solid competitor in the three-row SUV market.

The 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign and launched with four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, in particular, was available in F Sport and Luxury trims. As expected from Lexus, the design was eye-catching, featuring the iconic spindle grille and refined details akin to the Lexus IS sports sedan. New block lettering on the tailgate added a modern touch.

The redesigned NX was larger than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, while Luxury trims boasted real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX also offered a panoramic sunroof for the first time. The NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, black mirrors, and 20-inch gloss black wheels, while the interior had sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner. The minimalist interior featured a largely decluttered dash, though some users found it challenging to quickly locate certain functions integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen. Nonetheless, the quality of materials and design underscored Lexus's commitment to craftsmanship and luxury.

The Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that generated 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a CVT to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While some buyers may have desired a premium engine option, the standard powertrain performed sufficiently for most driving conditions. The Ascent excelled in providing a comfortable and refined ride, thanks to its tuned suspension that absorbed road imperfections efficiently. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Ascent was adept at handling snow and light off-roading. Furthermore, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which added to its versatility for outdoor adventures.

Lexus emphasized electrification in the 2022 NX lineup, with the NX 350h hybrid and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid joining the non-electrified NX 250 and NX 350. The NX 350, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain provided a credible 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, enhancing driving enjoyment. The NX also offered multiple driving modes, including Sport S, Sport+, and Custom in the F Sport model, which came equipped with an adaptive variable sports suspension. Despite the increased dynamism over its predecessor, some drivers found the turbocharged engine lacking the refinement of German competitors. Additionally, the NX was not designed for serious off-roading, with a modest 7.7 inches of ground clearance and limited approach and departure angles.

The Ascent offered generous interior space, starting with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third-row seats, which expanded to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Although these numbers were on the higher end for the segment, some rivals like the Volkswagen Atlas (96.8 cubic feet) and the Chevrolet Traverse (98.2 cubic feet) offered slightly more. The Ascent provided seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were notably spacious, while the third row was best suited for children on longer trips. Practicality was further enhanced with 19 cupholders and ample storage solutions throughout the cabin.

Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space for the new NX, leading to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. Folding the rear seats down opened up 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space. While the NX’s figures were competitive for a compact luxury SUV, they fell short of the Ascent’s cargo capacity. Nonetheless, the NX promised comfortable accommodations for all passengers, with available heated and ventilated front seats, and a behind-the-seat panorama glass sunroof adding to the airy feel. Interior storage was thoughtfully executed, and Luxury trims offered nature-inspired ambient illumination themes. The redesigned dashboard, while cozy, might have felt more confined to some drivers compared to the more open layout of previous models.

The Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layout and large, clear icons on the available touchscreen displays. Both the 6.5-inch and 8-inch screens included tactile buttons and dials, as well as a home button for easy navigation. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered additional USB ports for the third row, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Lexus made significant strides in technology with the new NX, most notably with the introduction of the Lexus Interface infotainment system. This system featured large touchscreen displays (9.8-inch standard, 14-inch optional), natural voice recognition, cloud-based features, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Removing the much-maligned Remote Touch Interface, Lexus enhanced user experience with a more seamless system, including a Voice Assistant that responded to “OK Lexus” commands. The vehicle offered multiple connected services, over-the-air updates, and a 10-speaker standard sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system. Additional tech features included a comprehensive suite of connected and safety services, a digital mirror, and a head-up display.

The Ascent earned the IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ designation. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. New for 2021 were standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights. Optional features such as reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert added to the Ascent’s safety credentials.

Lexus equipped the NX with its most advanced safety features under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This included standard elements expected in modern ADAS, along with new technologies such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. An Emergency Driving Stop System added another layer of safety by stopping the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The NX also featured blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and various other advanced systems, elevating its safety profile.