2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Subaru Outback had a familiar and comfortable interior, reminiscent of older Subaru models. Despite its redesign in 2020, the Outback retained analog gauges, a similar steering wheel design, and familiar seat forms. However, the interior was fresher than the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, especially if you skipped the base trim. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, giving it a more modern and luxurious feel. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, added a touch of wildness to the otherwise conservative design. The exterior was practical, with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, and a smooth, plain styling that emphasized balance and stability.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition had a striking black-on-black appearance, with almost all chrome eradicated from the exterior. This gave the SUV a bold, aggressive look, though it quickly showed dirt and dust. The GX's design was reminiscent of older models, with a tall and narrow shape that contributed to a high drag coefficient. Inside, the cabin quality was top-notch, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Despite its dated appearance, the GX's interior featured comfortable seats, ample padding, and a mix of old-school physical controls and modern technology.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to move the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) didn't help, as it couldn't adjust to the engine's thin power band. However, the XT trim offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The turbo engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful, making it a better choice for those needing more capability. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was slightly lower than the base engine, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was squishy and imprecise, but its ride comfort and off-road capability were excellent, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a satisfying engine note and plenty of torque, making the GX's 7.8-second run to 60 mph feel more exciting. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, ensuring power was always distributed to all four wheels. However, the GX's shape and weight contributed to a high drag coefficient and poor fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped improve ride stability and off-road capability, making it more agreeable to drive despite its age. The GX's slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing aspects of its performance.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, allowing it to tackle rough terrain without the drawbacks of larger vehicles. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. Visibility was excellent, and storage options were plentiful. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails and integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and ample padding. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The GX's narrow width and short length made it easy to maneuver, but the slow steering required extra effort. The rear seat was tricky to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate was inconvenient, especially in tight spaces. Cargo capacity was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional navigation. Subaru EyeSight was standard on all trims, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its functionality in certain conditions.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. The GX also included a CD player, a WiFi hotspot, and available Mark Levinson premium audio. However, the placement of the stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward. The GX's Intuitive Parking Assist technology was standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, despite its age, offered standard Lexus Safety System+, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The GX had no crash-test ratings available.