Subaru Ascent vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX rode on the platform of the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it stood apart as a luxury SUV. With a higher-end appearance, the Lexus TX distinguished itself from the more pedestrian Grand Highlander, which bore a resemblance to a supersized RAV4. The test vehicle boasted Luxury trim and featured eye-catching 22-inch silver wheels, an upscale option that greatly enhanced the SUV’s presence.

The TX exhibited a more subdued styling compared to other Lexus models, creating a conservative, almost anonymous aesthetic. This design approach aimed to appeal to individuals who found previous Lexus designs off-putting.

The TX range came in three variants: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices spanning from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the still-to-be-released TX 550h+, expected to start over $75,000. The prices included a $1,350 destination charge. The test focused on the TX 350, anticipated to be the highest seller. It featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and came in base, Premium, or Luxury trims.

The test vehicle's MSRP stood at $67,869, inclusive of destination charges. The Luxury trim added finesse with ambient interior lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede. However, the dark Peppercorn interior coupled with black-grained trim rendered the cabin too dark even with the panoramic glass sunroof.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent exhibited a struggle with styling. The latest refresh introduced visually offensive elements like tusk-like protrusions and an obtrusive spear across the grille, marring its appearance.

The Ascent continued unchanged in its lineup, which included trims from Base to Touring, with prices ranging from $34,395 to $48,695. The test Ascent Touring came with options bringing the MSRP to $50,181, including destination fees.

Selecting the Touring trim over the Limited added perks such as a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring included a camera-based rearview mirror and a surround-view camera.

The interior materials of the Touring trim appeared good, with a design reflecting Subaru's functional, modular approach. The layout was practical, if not particularly sophisticated or modern.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite reservations about this engine size in a luxury SUV, it provided adequate performance, especially with fewer occupants. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds for the FWD model and 7.8 seconds for AWD. The SUV felt quicker, thanks to its torque, though the performance remained merely adequate.

The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, barely better than its predecessor, the RX L. Testing showed an average of 20.4 mpg. The optional AWD, costing $1,600, slightly improved acceleration but reduced city and highway fuel economy figures while maintaining the combined rating. AWD also provided better traction and mitigated torque steer issues seen in FWD models.

The TX 350 handled comfortably with firm suspension, accurate steering, and commendable body motion control. The interior remained quiet on highways. The brake pedal, though initially soft in feel, proved easy to modulate for smooth stops.

On the 2024 Subaru Ascent, all models had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. The engine paired with a CVT powering a standard AWD system with active torque vectoring, offering up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity in most trims.

The Ascent excelled in various driving conditions, effortlessly navigating city and suburban areas, gravel roads, and dirt trails. It also performed admirably on highway routes and rough off-road terrain. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with its characteristic boxer grumble, delivered sufficient power, though the CVT sometimes faltered in mimicking a traditional automatic transmission.

However, the Ascent struggled with twisty roads, where its platform felt frisky, but the heavier curb weight and softly tuned suspension reduced its agility. Fuel economy, rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with 20-inch wheels, was a downside, with testing showing 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg combined. Fortunately, its 19.3-gallon fuel tank allowed for a decent range.

The 2024 Lexus TX corrected prior missteps by offering a genuinely practical three-row SUV. It included premium features such as semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The test model had a standard second-row bench, but captain’s chairs were an option.

The front seats, though supportive, lacked a massage function, and the second-row seats, while well-equipped with climate control and USB ports, weren't as comfortable due to their flat cushion. However, the third-row seats in the TX were habitable for adults, a significant improvement over predecessors.

Despite the limited second-row legroom, which compromised comfort when adjusted for third-row passengers, the TX still offered functional cabin storage and decent cargo space of 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seats. With seats folded, cargo space expanded to 57.4 cubic feet and a maximum of 97 cubic feet.

The Subaru Ascent emphasized functionality, with features such as a dashboard shelf, large rear door cupholders, backpack pegs, and cargo hooks easing daily use. Touring trim included premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats but lacked a passenger seat height adjuster.

The rear doors opening nearly 90 degrees facilitated easier loading, and the heated second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but had limited legroom. The third-row seat, though tight for adults, provided decent support and amenities for short trips.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, including underfloor storage. Folding the third-row expanded the cargo area to 43.5 cubic feet, with a maximum of 75.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. Models with a panoramic sunroof had slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, enhancing the SUV with a digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and parking assist. However, the unmarked steering controls tied to the head-up display were distractingly impractical, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system came with a 14-inch touchscreen and a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and an impressive digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were seamless, and 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect were included, with functionalities like collision notification and Wi-Fi hotspot access. The test vehicle also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, providing exceptional audio quality.

The Subaru Ascent's Starlink infotainment system included an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Higher trims offered connected services, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

While these features performed well, the display’s visibility in direct sunlight and the native voice recognition system were disappointing. The Ascent's physical buttons and knobs for essential functions were practical, and features like Cabin Connect and a camera-based rearview mirror added convenience.

Lexus equipped the 2024 TX with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems as part of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-assist features, and Proactive Drive Assist. Additional systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors were standard, with optional traffic jam assist for low-speed, hands-free driving.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Ascent garnered high safety ratings, achieving five-star assessments from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. The EyeSight package provided forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, automatic reverse braking, and a Driver Focus monitoring system. However, the lane-centering assist system's inconsistent performance detracted from the overall safety experience.