2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for some buyers. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was upscale with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching, creating a cohesive and premium feel.

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's front end looked ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior had a surprising amount of plastic, a result of its low sales volume and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. The CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, but the Outback struggled with acceleration. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. However, the XT models were less fuel-efficient, with the Wilderness trim rated at 23 mpg combined. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. The V8 delivered a linear rise in power and a satisfying sound, but it lagged behind more modern engines in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, but its fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but its predictable and controllable handling made it manageable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a solid choice for rugged terrains.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a comfortable experience with 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured plastic door sills served as steps to reach the roof rack, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs and good legroom, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 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 folded. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open and a clear path behind the vehicle, making it less convenient.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system in higher trims. However, the voice-recognition system was disappointing, often failing to understand commands. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, but a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen, an improvement over the old system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included 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 newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and an Off-Road Package that added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Subaru Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, thanks to new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback also featured a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems. These included 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, providing a good level of protection.