2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to offer a modern and sporty design, maintaining the aggressive exterior styling that set it apart from competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 provided seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model offered a three-row, 7-passenger option. The F Sport models, with their performance-oriented features, added a touch of athleticism to the RX's high-fashion appeal. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models enhancing the sporty vibe through specific badging and trim. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable than expected, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance, with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, while the Limited trim offered a premium interior with Nappa leather upholstery and contrasting stitching. The Outback's cabin was both upscale and cohesive, with practical features like a flat door sill trim and a robust roof rack. Despite some wind noise on the highway, the Outback provided a comfortable ride for long journeys, with easy entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and supportive seats.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid model combined a V6 with two electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, with a compliant ride that absorbed road imperfections. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was rated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While the engine provided adequate power at lower speeds, it struggled with passing and climbing, resulting in a towing capacity of 1,225 kg. The Outback XT models offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The standard engine's fuel consumption was rated at 8.3 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed 9.2 L/100 km. The Outback's suspension tuning delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent handling and braking performance. The Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced the Outback's off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models provided limited space for anything beyond groceries, with a 2/3/2 seating configuration. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded down. The RX's interior featured thoughtful design elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, both heated and wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The Outback's high ground clearance and supportive seats made entry and exit easy, while the roof rails and rack were ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and other trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system in portrait orientation, with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, reducing clutter and compensating for the poor native voice recognition system. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. The Outback's infotainment system was generally user-friendly, but the graphics and colourful icons were not to everyone's taste.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with the optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured the EyeSight safety suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring grade added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. The Premier XT trim offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback received top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.