2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to consumers seeking rugged aesthetics, all-wheel drive, and elevated driving positions. With its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, the Crosstrek successfully mimicked the SUV look while maintaining the Impreza's core design. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its distinct character. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Crosstrek retained the Subaru Global Platform, ensuring a refined driving experience across its lineup.

Inside, the Crosstrek's interior closely mirrored that of the Impreza hatchback, offering functionality but lacking in visual flair. The Outdoor grade featured unique interior accents, though some elements like the simulated carbon-fibre trim appeared less premium. The water-repellant upholstery was a practical touch for outdoor adventures. Overall, the Crosstrek's interior was practical, with good visibility and a higher driving position, though it didn't quite match the commanding presence of traditional SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long-standing market presence, retaining the same basic body shell with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's exterior design was coherent despite its origins, offering a tough and aggressive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt dated for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims, and a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for other trims. The boxer engine's design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, though the SUV-like stance diminished some benefits. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, while most buyers opted for the CVT. All trims featured standard AWD, with X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine with 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 weight of 2,349 kilograms affected performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride compared to modern unibody SUVs. However, the GX excelled off-road, with features like a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and Multi-Terrain Select. Its ground clearance and approach angles were respectable, though the Land Rover Discovery outperformed it in some metrics.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space, with front and rear legroom matching the Impreza hatchback. Cargo space was 588 litres with rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded, making it competitive among small crossovers. However, it lagged behind models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos in cargo capacity. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder and practical storage solutions, though rear-seat passengers had limited USB access. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, with good visibility thanks to ample side glass.

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 feel. Visibility was excellent, aided by the boxy profile and low side glass. However, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, though the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row up, and overall capacity was less than the Land Rover Discovery's.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered Bluetooth and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the interface was basic. However, analog controls for various functions provided a refreshing alternative to touchscreen-centric systems.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, were standard on CVT-equipped models. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models.