2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a fresh front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully applied. Wheel sizes varied by trim, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger 18-inch wheels with a machine finish. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru. Other trims featured different materials, from standard leather to Subaru's StarTex synthetic leather and cloth seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold, geometric design, departing from the softer lines of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the GX a more aggressive look. The side profile appeared as if carved from metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was available in six trims, with the Luxury models focusing on opulence and the Overtrail trims emphasizing off-road capability. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a flat dashboard and a 14-inch touchscreen. The GX's design was less lavish than some competitors but exuded a premium feel, ready for rugged use.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup. The turbo engine in the Touring XT provided a more powerful and balanced driving experience, with the CVT mimicking eight distinct gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increased to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, which also featured all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced off-road capability. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system for increased wheel articulation. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes. Despite its size, the GX handled twists and turns with minimal body roll, and its off-road prowess was evident, although not fully tested due to weather conditions.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting from the Premium trim. Higher trims added features like heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, and the roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. It offered 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row, while 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, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total. The GX's design prioritized comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender for those needing ample cargo capacity.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining a dual-7-inch system. The Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, except for the base and Premium trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect services available through subscription. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription-based features could add to long-term costs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and comprehensive ADAS instilled confidence in its safety.