2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing design lineage. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX featured the signature Lexus spindle grille, updated in 2020 with a textured insert, and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model did not introduce any new styling changes, but it did come with standard silver 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch options available in the Executive package. While the exterior maintained a distinctive and coherent look, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards. The wood trim resembled molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the luxury feel, although standard semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned in 2020, offered a familiar yet refreshed interior. The Outback's cabin was more modern than its smaller sibling, the Crosstrek, with a large 11.6-inch portrait display standard on Premium and above trims. This display was bright and sharp, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Outback's interior quality was evident, with substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials. The Outdoor XT trim featured water-resistant synthetic upholstery with lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair. The exterior boasted high gray cladding on wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, with smooth and plain styling. The Outback's lifted wagon design made it a versatile alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms (5,178 pounds) made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and Multi-Terrain Select with drive modes for various surfaces. The GX offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds).

The 2021 Subaru Outback, in its base trim, was equipped with a 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine struggled to move the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's ride comfort and handling were commendable, with long-travel springs and 22 centimetres of ground clearance. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system provided excellent traction, and X-Mode optimized performance for challenging road conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted 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, free of obstructions. Ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions ensured comfort, and outward visibility was superb. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and convenient pockets in the front centre console. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering easy installation of roof racks.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system featured outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, analog controls for various functions provided a straightforward interface. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and standard Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while modern in functionality, appeared dated in design. The large 11.6-inch touchscreen was more cohesive and user-friendly than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras rather than radar limited its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.