Subaru Crosstrek vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new elements like fresh sheet metal, a new chassis, and additional color options such as Sun Blaze and Sapphire Blue. The Wilderness trim offered an exclusive Geyser Blue paint job. While the wheelbase and overall length remained similar, the Crosstrek featured a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. The base trim came with 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The new design included a frameless grille with a wing bar, giving the front fascia a distinctive look. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, and the Wilderness trim added unique exterior elements like a hexagonal grille and increased ground clearance.

Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness featured StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents, with all-weather floor mats and a rear tailgate LED light. The interior dimensions remained largely unchanged, with a slightly smaller cargo volume. A new 11.6-inch touchscreen display enhanced the interior's cohesiveness with other Subaru models. The Crosstrek's design emphasized practicality and outdoor readiness, appealing to adventure enthusiasts.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale styling. The Luxury trim featured 22-inch silver-finished wheels, enhancing the SUV's appearance. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down aesthetic. The TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models offered a range of options, with prices starting at $55,050. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The TX 350 Luxury model boasted premium interior features, including semi-aniline leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, added a touch of sophistication. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided comfort and support. The second-row seat offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports, while the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The TX's interior design emphasized luxury and practicality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a spacious and well-appointed SUV.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with no manual transmission option available. The CVT provided a pleasant driving experience, with simulated shift points and reduced droning. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim featured a shorter final-drive ratio, enhancing its off-road capabilities and towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. However, this resulted in increased road noise and decreased fuel economy.

The Crosstrek's steering was light yet precise, thanks to a new dual-pinion steering rack. The vehicle's stiffer structure reduced body roll, although the Wilderness trim exhibited more roll due to its off-road suspension. Standard all-wheel drive and Subaru's X-Mode traction management system enhanced the Crosstrek's off-road performance. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter engine was estimated at 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined, while the 2.5-liter engine achieved 26 city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. The Crosstrek Wilderness had slightly lower fuel economy figures.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with front-wheel drive and 7.8 seconds with all-wheel drive. The engine provided adequate performance, with a noticeable torque swell as it gathered speed. The TX 350 FWD achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined driving, while AWD slightly reduced city and highway fuel economy. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, although taller passengers might prefer the front seat. The trunk provided 19.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured robust, easy-to-clean materials, with a focus on practicality. The Wilderness trim added adventure-oriented features like Nalgene cupholders and all-weather floor mats.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat offered climate control and USB ports, while the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The interior design emphasized luxury and practicality, with numerous storage options.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the Base trim. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. While the system offered crisp graphics and physical controls for essential functions, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required navigating through menus for some features. In states with Right to Repair laws, Subaru removed certain features, such as remote start via the Starlink app.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues detracted from the experience. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The TX also provided free subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS since 2013, was expected to maintain its safety ratings for the 2024 model. The NHTSA had not yet tested the 2024 model, but the 2023 Crosstrek received a five-star overall rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model featured a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering for enhanced safety.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, although it was not entirely transparent. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, which offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.