2024 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, certainly had a commanding presence. Its front end, featuring large headlights, looked ready to dominate the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl and exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with a significant amount of plastic material. Yet, it still offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with its styling, especially after a refresh that added visually offensive elements. The Ascent lineup remained unchanged, offering trims from Base to Touring, with prices ranging from $34,395 to $48,695. The Touring trim, which we tested, included a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a surround-view camera. The interior materials looked good, but the design felt modular and lacked sophistication. Despite this, the Ascent was functional and practical, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with a linear rise in power. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, but it lagged behind other SUVs. Despite its weight, the GX handled predictably, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for better traction.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Ascent excelled in various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails, and handled well in school drop-off lanes and market parking lots. However, it struggled on twisty mountain roads and had less impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined. During testing, it returned 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg overall.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, a deep center console bin, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. 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 rows down.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Touring trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to load children and cargo. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but felt snug in terms of legroom. The third row was acceptable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. The Ascent offered up to 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.6 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included a CD player, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, and three years of Lexus Enform Remote. Off-road capabilities were a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Off-Road Package added further off-road enhancements.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came with the latest Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered Starlink connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The system included physical buttons and knobs for commonly used functions. Upper trims also featured Cabin Connect, a surround-view camera, and a camera-based rearview mirror.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent received five-star ratings from NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Ascent's EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, and a Driver Focus monitoring system. However, the lane-centering assist technology was problematic during testing.