2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior trim. This edition sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance with black 20-inch aluminum wheels, unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, with an optional package for an additional $2,000 that included a panoramic moonroof, navigation system, and cargo cover. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The interior also included metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, adding to its sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX continued to offer a modern and sporty design, with its aggressive styling and sharp character lines. The RX was available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, with a hybrid model under the RX 450h distinction. The F Sport trim was the most athletic in appearance, featuring 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and a unique front fascia. Inside, the RX cabin maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its stylish design, the RX's center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats were less comfortable, lacking adequate cushioning and lumbar support.

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 standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. 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 included Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-roading capability. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel unstable, affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving dynamics. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. The RX 350's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain’s chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The panoramic sunroof reduced cargo space slightly.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet available with all seats upright. The RX provided thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, lacking in sound quality. Additional tech features like a digital rearview mirror were reserved for the Touring trim.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. The screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging, and the touchpad was difficult to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided remote engine start and vehicle settings.

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

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but missed the "plus" designation. The NHTSA gave it four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.