2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by 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 those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale Java Brown leather and cohesive design, despite some hard plastic elements. However, the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a modern and sophisticated exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines contributed to a smaller appearance, while the signature spindle-style grille and elevated hood added a contemporary touch. The RX's interior was thoroughly modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The cabin quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and various dashboard trims. The RX 350 offered a range of trims, including the Luxury and F Sport Handling, each with distinct interior features and materials.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while the suspension tuning provided a firm yet comfortable ride. Despite its handling prowess, the standard engine's lack of power and fuel economy were disappointing.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, tested with AWD and Luxury trim, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg combined. However, real-world results were slightly lower, at 21.8 mpg.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The rear seats were also heated, providing warmth and comfort in colder climates. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, while the roof rack and door sills facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable and sophisticated interior, with the Luxury trim offering semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim featured sportier elements like NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo space improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was limited, often requiring the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation and other tasks. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services, including Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles allowed for personalized settings, and streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music were available. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system provided excellent audio quality, while digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and a digital rearview mirror were standard. A color head-up display was optional, though visibility issues arose with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system's new cameras and electronic brake booster supported pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, issues arose with the HUD's visibility when wearing polarized sunglasses and the curve-speed reduction technology's lack of predictability.