2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of transforming the Impreza hatchback into a crossover with rugged aesthetics and all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. It featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a raised ride height, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek a more SUV-like appearance and character, distinguishing it from the base Impreza hatch. The Crosstrek's vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal. Despite its SUV-like exterior, the interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, with a functional but plain design. The Sport trim level introduced some unique accents, though not all were well-received.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a more refined and luxurious design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and simplified styling details. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather, with real leather and open-pore wood trim available in the Luxury trim. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats. The NX's minimalist interior design was a departure from the previous model, with a focus on decluttering. However, some controls were integrated into the large touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter boxer-four engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The Crosstrek's AWD system, standard across all trims, included torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved handling on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek's handling was more akin to the Impreza, with predictable cornering and a comfortable ride. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was noticeable.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including electrified options. The NX 350h hybrid delivered 239 horsepower and an estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers. The NX's handling was improved, with the F Sport offering a more engaging driving experience. However, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals, and road and wind noise were more pronounced than expected.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering the same front and rear legroom. It provided slightly more rear headroom and 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. The interior featured a rear-seat reminder system and a convenient cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports. However, storage space was limited, and the driving position, while higher than the Impreza, didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat. The NX offered comfortable accommodations, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a Multimedia Plus setup with WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. The Crosstrek also included EyeSight driver-assistance features, controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays and natural voice recognition. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, enhancing user experience. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating, applicable to 2021 models with optional EyeSight features. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also offered blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and an adaptive front lighting system. A Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.