2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher ride height with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior boasted a dark gray and black theme with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was designed to appeal to those seeking a vehicle with a more adventurous spirit, offering a blend of practicality and off-road capability.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition exuded a more traditional luxury SUV vibe, albeit with a modern twist. The Black Line treatment removed most chrome from the exterior, giving it a sleek, monochromatic appearance. Despite its updated look, the GX retained a somewhat dated design, reminiscent of its predecessors. Inside, the cabin was crafted with high-quality materials, offering a quiet and refined environment. The GX's design was more about maintaining a classic luxury feel, with a focus on comfort and quality rather than cutting-edge style.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The vehicle's all-wheel-drive system, combined with its lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road, though it sacrificed some on-road handling and grip.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. Despite its hefty 5,126-pound curb weight, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, aided by its torque-rich engine. The GX's full-time 4WD system and Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its off-road prowess, while its fuel economy was rated at 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's performance was characterized by a smooth and refined ride, though its steering and braking left room for improvement.

Inside the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the StarTex upholstery provided water-repellant seating, though it lacked ventilation, which could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The cabin offered generous space for passengers, with heated front and rear seats and dual-zone climate control. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Outback's robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a comfortable and elevated driving position, with 10-way power-adjustable front seats and clear visibility. The interior featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, limiting cargo space when in use. The GX's cargo capacity was 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. While physical controls were available for volume and temperature, most functions required the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome due to limited voice recognition capabilities. The Outback also featured a PIN code entry system, allowing for keyless access during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 boasted a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's voice recognition technology was praised for its accuracy, and the dual-screen view allowed for simultaneous navigation and audio display. However, the placement of stereo controls was less intuitive, located below the off-roading controls.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, providing a Level 2 ADAS experience. The Outback also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 came with the Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. Despite its age, the GX's safety features provided a solid foundation for avoiding collisions.