2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This version featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, which was both practical and stylish. The Onyx Edition's sporty appearance was a significant departure from the more traditional look of other Ascent trims. Inside, the gray two-tone StarTex upholstery with light gray stitching and metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels created a modern and appealing atmosphere. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colors and a limited production run of 3,000 units. The GX's design was both rugged and sleek, with big, flared fenders and a shorter wheelbase that made it look ready for off-road adventures. Inside, the GX's interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some disappointing plastic materials but also plenty of luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and a power-retracting steering wheel. The GX's design was functional and stylish, but it showed its age compared to more modern competitors.

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 our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The engine's horizontally-opposed layout provided a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The CVT was impressive, offering eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, making the Ascent feel nimble and responsive. 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, making it capable off-road. However, the Ascent's lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies could feel uncertain and unstable at times.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful engine on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying and linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but suffered from poor fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it feel heavy in corners, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The brakes were strong and solid, capable of handling the GX's weight. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a real 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, low range, and a locking center differential, making it highly capable off-road. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat was comfortable and commanding, and the Onyx Edition was well-equipped for winter weather with water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent offered plenty of storage, including a useful shelf running the width of the dashboard. Cargo capacity was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Lexus GX had plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX retained physical controls, which were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system included volume and tuning knobs and buttons for shortcuts. However, the 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 2023 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen, which was a significant improvement over the old system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX came with three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in competing models. The GX's off-road technology was impressive, with a real 4WD system, a two-speed transfer case, low range, a locking center differential, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in all evaluations except for rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including advanced 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 with automatic high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a Starlink Safety and Security subscription plan.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite its age, the GX came equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features like lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition, the GX's safety features were still commendable.