2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior, especially in higher trims, offered a fresh look with a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The quality of materials was evident, with substantial window switches and dash padding. The Outdoor XT trim featured durable, water-resistant upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback maintained a smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding on its wheel arches and bumpers, and a few chrome accents. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new brown paint option.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign, offering four model series with various trim levels. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The NX 350 F Sport variant stood out with unique design elements like a mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats. The NX's interior was comfortable, with available heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic moonroof. However, the decluttered dashboard integrated many functions into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was anchored by its 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when loaded, due to its weight and the CVT's limitations. The turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine in the XT trims offered a significant improvement, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, making it more capable of keeping up with traffic. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a focus on ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system. The turbo XT's fuel efficiency was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport variant added adaptive variable sports suspension and additional driving modes for enhanced performance. The NX's handling was improved over its predecessor, with a lower centre of gravity and dynamic tuning. However, the turbocharged engine's refinement fell short compared to German rivals. The NX's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the F Sport variant consuming slightly more fuel due to its sportier setup.

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 cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and excellent outward visibility. Storage solutions were abundant, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a handy front centre console. However, 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, providing easy installation for roof racks.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room than its predecessor, with a cozy and intimate cabin design. The front seats were comfortable, with available heating and ventilation, and the rear seats offered ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the rear seats, enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The NX's interior featured thoughtful touches like padded door panels and centre console sides for added comfort.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. Despite this, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EyeSight system, standard on all trims, provided advanced driver assistance features, though it relied solely on cameras, which could limit its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology, introducing the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based services. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The NX's Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems allowed for intuitive control of various functions. However, the touchscreen's reflective surface and lack of a tuning knob were minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It offered a range of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The Outback earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, highlighting its crashworthiness and advanced safety systems.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced the NX's safety credentials. The Emergency Driving Stop System provided an added layer of protection in case of driver incapacitation. The NX also offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist.