2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's exterior styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV enthusiasts with its tough and aggressive look. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior feel was not as luxurious as expected.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a more rugged and adventurous appearance, with a higher ride height and aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but not ideal for hot weather. The cabin offered generous space, especially in the rear, and included practical features like a waterproof cargo tray and a robust roof rack for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The SUV's off-road capabilities were notable, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. However, its on-road handling was less impressive, with noticeable body roll and a less refined ride quality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Despite its lower power output compared to the GX, the Outback's lighter weight of 3,896 pounds made it agile and capable, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The CVT transmission, however, detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft gear changes. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road, with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems, making it the most capable Outback model for challenging terrains.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX showed its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high center console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the discomfort. While the dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row in use.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness provided a more practical interior, with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and heated front and rear seats. The cabin offered ample space for passengers, with generous rear seat room and convenient features like dual USB ports and rear air conditioning vents. The cargo area was spacious, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Outback's robust roof rack supported rooftop camping, enhancing its appeal for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, the presence of analog controls for various functions provided a straightforward interface, albeit primitive for a luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it required learning specific voice commands for optimal use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The Outback lacked a premium sound system, which was surprising given its target demographic, but it featured a convenient PIN code entry system for active lifestyle enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized safety with its EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness trim also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.