2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek adopted the approach that, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Given the rising popularity of crossovers for their rugged aesthetics, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and elevated driving positions, Subaru astutely applied these traits to its Impreza hatchback. This strategy successfully rendered the larger Outback a lasting player in the station wagon segment in the United States.

Externally, the Crosstrek differentiated itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, unique 17-inch wheels, and a raised ride height providing 8.7 inches of ground clearance—a feature significant for SUVs, not to mention an everyday car. These changes effectively gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like appearance and endowed it with more character compared to the Impreza.

Subaru's practice of offering vibrant colors played a favorable role, with choices like Plasma Yellow Pearl for 2021 elevating the Crosstrek’s visual appeal. The Subaru Global Platform, shared with other Subaru models like the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester, underpinned the Crosstrek, bringing a commendable level of refinement and polish.

Inside, the Crosstrek's interior retained the functional but rather plain aesthetics of the Impreza hatch. The Sport trim's yellow accents clashed with the Horizon Blue Pearl exterior, and the simulated carbon-fiber trim appeared inexpensive, but the water-repellent StarTex upholstery was practical for trips to the beach.

For the 2021 Lexus NX, three versions were available: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focuses on the gasoline-powered NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport models. The F Sport variant showcased several performance-oriented styling cues to enhance its sportiness.

The NX continued to follow Lexus' family design philosophy, integrating sharp lines and sculpted exterior curves akin to its Lexus siblings, the UX and RX. The F Sport model added a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and specific styling elements like a chrome-trimmed bumper, rear bumper with larger exhaust opening, and 18-inch wheels. Exclusive interior touches included quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red colorways.

The interior of the NX lived up to Lexus' reputation for excellent fit and finish. It featured a traditional gauge cluster and a multifunctional 4.2-inch display. However, the overall design was starting to feel dated compared to more modern dashboards found in competitors. The center stack design took an unconventional step with elevated climate-control buttons, which, while functional, limited the amount of open small-item storage towards the middle of the car.

For 2021, the Subaru Crosstrek offered a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine that produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Sport and Limited trim levels. The base and Premium trims continued with the existing 2.0-liter boxer-four, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission came standard on Base and Premium trims, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) became a popular upgrade. The Sport and Limited trims were CVT-exclusive.

All trims came with standard AWD featuring torque vectoring and X-Mode for better handling on loose surfaces. The Sport trim added Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, enhancing the vehicle's bad-weather capabilities. The Crosstrek offered predictable handling but exhibited noticeable body roll due to its higher center of gravity. The 2.5-liter engine improved performance, although acceleration remained adequate with some CVT-induced droning noise.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport packed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission came standard, though more advanced competitors featured eight, nine, or ten-speed alternatives. This setup enabled a zero-to-60 mph time of about seven seconds.

The F Sport models incorporated Active Sound Control, electronically enhancing the engine’s sound through the car’s speakers, which some purists found unnecessary. The NX offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and optional AWD, but its AWD system differed by allowing up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle without individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy figures hovered around 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined—average for this segment, but requiring premium fuel.

Adaptive-suspension on the F Sport models could make numerous adjustments for a smoother ride, adhering to Lexus's tradition of smooth, comfortable, and somewhat engaging driving experiences. The NX 300 featured three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—with corresponding color changes in the instrument cluster. The vehicle's towing capacity reached 2,000 pounds with a top speed of 124 mph.

The Crosstrek shared the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with seats in use and 55.3 cubic feet with seats folded (60/40 split). This made the Crosstrek competitive in passenger space but less so in cargo space compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V and Nissan Rogue Sport.

Subaru included a handy front storage cubby for phones, complete with USB and auxiliary ports, though offering only two USB ports wasn't ideal for rear passengers. The Crosstrek's higher driving position did not provide a significant advantage in visibility over a car-like stance but ensured good outward visibility thanks to ample side glass.

On the Lexus NX, the interior stood out for its comfort and high-quality materials. Front seats offered ample room while the second row comfortably accommodated two adults. The NX’s cargo capacity, at 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, was one of the smallest in its class.

Despite the interior comfort and quality, the NX carried less cargo compared to the Crosstrek. Features like a power liftgate with kick sensor and optional power-folding rear seats added convenience but did not significantly improve its limited storage space.

The Crosstrek utilized Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The upper trims featured WiFi, SiriusXM, and a single-disc CD player. Higher trims could upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. Subaru’s distinctive dual-screen setup displayed information redundantly, which some could find unnecessary.

The Lexus NX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display as part of the Navigation package, which included predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly compared to these smartphone interfaces.

Lexus equipped the NX with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. It also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system on the upper trim, enhancing the audio experience. Lexus Enform Remote allowed users to control several vehicle functions via a mobile app, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for the 2020 model. EyeSight driver-assist technology included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and optional blind-spot monitoring. The system's cameras, however, were occasionally obstructed by windshield wipers or direct sunlight.

The Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automated high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features were blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, further reinforced by comprehensive warranty coverage.