2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to meet the growing demand for crossovers with rugged aesthetics, all-wheel drive, and elevated driving positions. By incorporating these features, Subaru successfully transformed the Impreza into a more SUV-like vehicle, similar to the strategy that kept the Outback popular in the U.S. market. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, which gave it a more adventurous character compared to the base Impreza. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, further enhanced its appeal. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Crosstrek retained the same Subaru Global Platform as other models, ensuring a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek's interior was functional but somewhat plain, with some design choices like the simulated carbon-fibre trim and water-repellant upholstery catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign, offering four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of this review. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring the brand's signature spindle grille and refined styling details. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior boasted NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather and open-pore wood trim available in the Executive Package. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. The minimalist interior design was a departure from the previous model, with a focus on simplicity. However, the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen posed usability challenges. Despite these issues, the NX offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with thoughtful touches like padded door panels and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Outdoor and Limited trims featured a 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while other trims retained the 2.0-litre boxer-four with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The boxer engine's design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the CVT, which was standard on the Sport and Limited trims. All trims came with standard AWD, a rarity among small crossovers. The Crosstrek's X-Mode, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride. The 2.5-litre engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was noticeable.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and an estimated 61 km of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged powertrain was more rewarding than the base NX 250's 2.5-litre engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350. Fuel consumption was higher in the F Sport (10.6 L/100 km) compared to the non-F Sport (9.2 L/100 km). The NX's handling impressed, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its front and rear legroom with the Impreza hatchback, offering slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 588 litres behind the rear seats and 1,565 litres with them folded. While it offered more cargo space than some rivals, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system and a handy cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports. However, rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but not as elevated as traditional SUVs. Visibility was good, thanks to ample side glass and a car-like front fascia.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat. The cabin was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better seat bolstering. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The NX featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, though it wasn't tested. The climate system and ventilated seats effectively battled heat.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's 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 standard on the Limited trim. A second screen displayed redundant information. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, a significant technological leap. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant responded to natural commands, and a three-year trial of Drive Connect service was included. Additional features included User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

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 included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. CVT-equipped models had additional features like automatic high beams and blind-spot monitoring. EyeSight's cameras were positioned behind the windshield, limiting functionality in certain conditions but offering better protection.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages offered rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.