2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level included black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, which came in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it uncomfortable on hot days. The Ascent Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, with an additional $2,000 for an option package that included a panoramic moonroof, a navigation system, and a cargo cover.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition also embraced the blacked-out trend, with the Black Line treatment eradicating almost all chrome from the exterior. The test vehicle arrived in Black Onyx, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its modern touches, the GX's design remained reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin featured high-quality materials and a quiet environment, with the faint roar of the standard V8 engine being the only notable noise. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg combined, though our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and featured Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, sending 40% of the power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. The GX had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg combined, and our testing loop returned 16.8 mpg. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing body motions on pavement, making the GX more stable and secure.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people, though the third-row seats were best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to load, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with clear outward visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, entering the rear seat was tricky due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX provided 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system’s voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition’s standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight’s performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Lexus GX, being an older model, lacked crash-test ratings. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in its competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.