2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Subaru Outback underwent a transformation, adopting a more SUV-like appearance while only slightly increasing in size. Its blockier, upright design replaced the previous model's tapered style, giving it a more commanding presence. The new rectangular grille, horizontal accent lights, and boxy headlights contributed to this visual shift. The rugged look was further enhanced by faceted plastic trim around the body and wheel arches, creating an illusion of a taller ride height. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a repositioned infotainment touchscreen. The reintroduction of physical climate control buttons and knobs improved usability. Interior materials were of high quality, with the base Premium trim offering attractive woven textiles, while higher trims boasted smoother materials and leather upholstery, adding a warm yet rugged personality to the cabin.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels, with the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid catering to different preferences. The 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The large grille retained some of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX provided multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function and USB-C ports. However, the interior materials fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic elements. The redesigned door handles, while innovative, seemed unnecessary. The TX excelled in cargo space, offering 20.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT and AWD. The base engine surprised with its performance, providing adequate power for the 3,741-pound Outback. The CVT improved acceleration response, and the vehicle felt composed on city streets and highways. The Outback excelled in off-road capability, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for improved traction. The forthcoming Wilderness model promised even greater off-road prowess with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered various drive modes, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only, providing flexibility for different driving scenarios. The TX delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system allowed power distribution between front and rear wheels, enhancing traction. The TX 550h+ excelled in long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed ride. The adaptive suspension and rear steering in the 500h hybrid provided improved handling, though it had slightly less power than the plug-in hybrid.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space increased, with a total interior volume of 146.9 cubic feet, qualifying it as a midsize SUV. The rear seats offered ample legroom and comfort for taller adults, while larger windows enhanced the feeling of spaciousness. The cargo capacity increased to 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The multifunction cargo cover and robust roof rack added versatility for storage needs.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The third row offered ample space and comfort for adults, with cupholders and USB-C ports for each seat. The second-row captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The TX excelled in cargo space, offering 20.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The available kick sensor in the liftgate and power-folding third row added convenience.

The 2026 Subaru Outback featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with improved processing power and anti-reflective coating. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The reintroduction of physical climate controls improved usability, and a wireless charging pad was available.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a 14-inch color touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. The steering wheel controls were confusing, and the infotainment system occasionally switched from satellite radio to Apple CarPlay without reason. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but in-dash navigation required a subscription. The TX featured a clear back-up camera with an available bird’s-eye view and Advanced Park system for automated parking. The rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view, and multiple USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2026 Subaru Outback came with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Touring trim added premium features like a surround-view camera system and hands-free automated highway driving assist. Crash test results were not yet available, but Subaru's commitment to safety suggested top marks.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though setting it up was confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from NHTSA, while the TX received mixed scores from IIHS.