2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet with a fresher interior than its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek. The Outback's interior, especially in the Premium trim and above, featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT introduced a unique interior with gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and offered a new brown paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX showcased a bold design with its signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior embraced a minimalist approach, with a focus on simplicity and refinement. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with its unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the F Sport featured sport-bolstered seats and a new F Sport steering wheel. The NX's interior was designed to be cozy and intimate, with thoughtful padding and a panoramic sunroof available for the first time.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback slow and noisy. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and proactive all-wheel drive system with X-Mode.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the turbocharged NX 350 with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The NX 350 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and additional driving modes for enhanced performance. The NX 350h hybrid delivered 239 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric range. The NX's handling was commendable, though it lacked the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, surpassing even some trucks, allowing it to tackle various terrains. Inside, it offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, and the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats offered ample space, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Luxury trim added ambient lighting with 14 themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The NX's interior design created a cozy and intimate atmosphere, though it didn't feel significantly more spacious than its predecessor.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Subaru EyeSight system, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. While effective, the system relied solely on cameras, which could be less reliable in certain conditions.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. The standard 9.8-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 14-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected services. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and the lack of a tuning knob was a drawback.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It offered various driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premium trims added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting. The NX's safety features were extensive, though some were not tested during the evaluation.