2024 Lexus GX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant 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 a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate and fog lights nestled into oversized housings. The asymmetrical wheel arch trim, reminiscent of the Wilderness model, further enhanced its bold look. While some might find these changes appealing, others might prefer a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding and was available with both the base and turbocharged powertrains, making it more accessible with a starting price of $33,495 for the non-turbo version.

The 2024 Lexus GX, in contrast, embraced a geometric styling overhaul, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front end a more vertical and aggressive look. The flat hood rose on the sides, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The GX's profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was offered in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. The Luxury and Overtrail trims highlighted the SUV's luxury and off-road capabilities, respectively, with features like 22-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

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, but the 3,781-pound vehicle often felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered a more satisfying 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all models came with an Active Torque Split AWD system. The Outback excelled off-road, handling mud and snow with ease, thanks to its X-Mode traction system and generous ground clearance. However, the standard engine's lack of power and disappointing fuel economy were notable drawbacks.

The 2024 Lexus GX, meanwhile, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque low in the rev range, making off-road driving more manageable. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX boasted a stiffer chassis for improved stability. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and the standard full-time 4WD system included a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims featured advanced suspension technology, enhancing off-road capabilities. During testing, the GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, despite its weight. However, the off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, preventing a full evaluation of its capabilities.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable seats, premium Nappa leather, and heated front and rear seats. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the robust roof rack was ready for accessories. However, more practical storage space could have been added by redesigning the transmission shifter.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, but the third row was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet total. The GX's cargo capacity was a standout feature, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. However, the voice recognition system was lacking, and the graphics were not particularly appealing. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the system was user-friendly, the subscription costs after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term owners.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was highly rated for safety, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. It earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering were available on higher trims. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was not always compatible with certain driveways.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While the GX had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the new GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety offerings.