2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with the Lexus car lineup, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle was revamped with a new shape, dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX maintained its reputation for luxury with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered various colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its premium feel, the centre stack's design was considered dated.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel. While the base trim featured two 7-inch touchscreens, higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display, which was bright and sharp. The interior quality improved significantly compared to pre-2015 models, with substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials. The Outdoor XT trim featured water-resistant upholstery with lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair. The exterior design remained smooth and plain, with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers. The Outback's standout feature was its lifted wagon design, offering a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs. For 2021, adaptive LED headlights became standard, and a new brown paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, was available on select trims.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The three-row RX 350 L had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h L shared the same setup, with a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered impressive fuel efficiency, with the RX 450h using 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX 350 achieved 10.8 L/100 km combined. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with Sport S+ mode available for F Sport models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The base engine struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The turbo engine was quieter and more refined, with better fuel efficiency than the base engine when weighed down. The Outback's handling was designed for long-distance cruising, with a comfortable ride and high ground clearance of 22 centimetres. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system provided excellent off-road capability, with X-Mode optimizing performance for challenging conditions. The Outback's rally heritage was evident in its off-road prowess.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably in the two-row model. The three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor. The RX 350 L and 450h L had even less cargo space compared to rivals. A hands-free liftgate was available on select models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and large windows. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and a front centre console with handy pockets. Some features, like push-button start and rear console climate vents, were not standard on lower trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, allowing for easy installation of roof racks. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but offered large icons and responsive performance.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was criticized for its complexity, but improvements included moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity provided a solution. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other integrations. The touchpad system improved in responsiveness, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older technology. The single large screen was more cohesive than the dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight was standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions. SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with optional navigation available.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera were standard. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking were standard on higher trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received top ratings in crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Outback five stars overall, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.