2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with a few updates to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims featured different levels of black and chrome fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully done. Wheel designs varied, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims offered larger, machine-finished options. Inside, the top-trim model impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru, while other trims offered a mix of leather and synthetic options.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a more understated exterior despite its $75,000 price tag. The Incognito paint and orange brake calipers added unique touches, but the overall design remained unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the powerful RX 500h, and the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+. Each model offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with prices starting at $52,875. Inside, the RX boasted a contemporary design with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic choices, like the steering wheel controls, were less intuitive.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, enhancing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT provided a smooth driving experience, with the turbo engine offering better weight management. The Outback's ground clearance ranged from 8.7 inches to 9.2 inches on the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered varied performance across its models. The RX 350h delivered 246 horsepower with a focus on efficiency, while the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 304 horsepower and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h stood out with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving quick acceleration but lower fuel efficiency. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and advanced all-wheel-drive systems, though it lacked dynamic communication between driver and road, making it more about appearance and straight-line speed.

The 2024 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate were available across trims, with the Touring trim offering ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and practicality, with the RX 500h F Sport Performance model featuring snug, bolstered seats and a panoramic sunroof. Rear seats were power-reclining, heated, and ventilated, providing ample space for adults. Cargo space was 29.6 cubic feet, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, though some areas lacked lining, causing potential noise issues.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a mix of old-school and modern tech, with USB-C and USB-A ports, a CD player on the Touring trim, and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims. The Starlink multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the Premium trim, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured advanced technology, though some expected features were optional. The RX 500h included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch touchscreen with Lexus Interface, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a digital voice assistant. The Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound, but steering wheel controls were challenging to use.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS for frontal-impact protection. Optional features like a surround-view camera enhanced safety.