2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and enhanced bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark grey and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its bold styling and practical features like a robust roof rack and waterproof cargo area.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a more refined and luxurious appearance. The redesigned NX was longer, wider, and taller, offering more space for passengers and cargo. It featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. Inside, the NX boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including NuLuxe simulated leather and available real leather with open-pore wood trim. The F Sport variant added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. The NX aimed to provide a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience with its thoughtful design and attention to detail.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The vehicle's all-wheel drive system, combined with its lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road, with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual-function X-Mode traction system further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350, particularly in the F Sport trim, offered a more dynamic driving experience. It was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard all-wheel drive provided a more engaging drive compared to the Outback's CVT. The NX 350 F Sport featured adaptive variable sports suspension and multiple driving modes, enhancing its performance on winding roads. While the NX was not designed for off-road adventures, it excelled in providing a smooth and responsive ride on paved surfaces.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a spacious interior with practical features for outdoor enthusiasts. The StarTex upholstery was water-repellant, though it could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Rear passengers enjoyed generous head and legroom, along with heated seats and USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered additional bolstering for the front seats, enhancing driver comfort during spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers benefited from ample space, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The NX's cargo capacity was 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic glass sunroof added to the sense of space and luxury, while the Thematic Ambient Illumination system offered a customizable atmosphere.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for some functions, most controls required the use of the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not as intuitive as desired, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission, given the target demographic for the Outback Wilderness.

The 2022 Lexus NX showcased advanced technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. 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 as an option. The NX also featured cloud-based services, over-the-air updates, and a digital key capability. However, the large touchscreen was prone to fingerprints and reflections, and the lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, providing Level 2 ADAS capabilities. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2021 Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, such as rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting. The NX's safety features were designed to provide a high level of protection and assistance to drivers and passengers.