2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level was positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a unique grille design, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a grey two-tone scheme with light grey stitching. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier.

In contrast, the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX offered a more refined and minimalist interior, moving away from the cluttered dashboard of its predecessor. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX 350 F Sport trim stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-colour fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the F Sport featured sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner, while the overall interior design aimed for simplicity. However, the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen made it challenging for drivers to quickly locate and use some features.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance provided more off-roading capability than many competitors.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters powered all four wheels, with AWD standard in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding desert roads, the F Sport felt taut and lean, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350. Fuel consumption was observed at 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport, with NRCan estimating 9.5 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent offered 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded down.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology needed improvement. Onyx Edition models used standard stereo speakers, but the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system 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 premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect services. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by low, direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and available blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Lexus NX was equipped with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like 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 NX also had a standard blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.