2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, was a decade-old vehicle. It featured the garish hourglass grille design that had become a staple in the Lexus lineup. While this design was hard to look at on some Lexus models, the GX wore it better than the larger LX. The GX shared a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, making it incredibly capable and rugged, which outweighed the necessity to innovate. Inside, the GX's cabin looked unchanged from a decade ago, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons. This old-school interior worked for the GX's rugged nature, even though it lacked the modern touchscreens found in newer models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, felt familiar and comfortable, much like a 10-year-old Subaru. The interior was fresher than the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, especially if you skipped the base trim. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright and sharp, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outback's quality was evident, with substantial window switches, padding on the dash, and surface materials. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, added a touch of wildness to the otherwise practical interior.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered an unmistakable swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering was direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) didn't help, making the Outback slow and noisy. The XT trim, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, offered a significant improvement, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful, making the Outback more capable of keeping up with traffic. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the trade-off was worth it for the improved performance. The Outback's ride comfort and handling were excellent, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided a small access way to the third row, but getting into the third row was a chore for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, with its high ground clearance, could go anywhere larger vehicles could without the drawbacks of being oversized. It offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of intrusive wheel arches. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions, with superb outward visibility. Storage was plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's best feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, which could be swiveled and locked in place within seconds.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a true touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplicity of the system was a plus for some drivers.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked dated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was even worse. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern-looking. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system offered good semi-automated control on marked highways but relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Subaru Outback rode on a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on specific trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with an overall five-star rating from the latter.