2024 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned in 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with styling, as its latest refresh introduced some controversial design elements. The Ascent lineup in Canada remained unchanged, offering trims from Convenience to Premier, with prices ranging from $44,674 to $57,674. The Premier trim boasted premium features like Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera. While the interior materials were of good quality, the design felt modular and lacked sophistication. Despite this, the Ascent was practical and functional, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. Its towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, though it lagged behind some competitors. The GX's fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. Despite its weight, the GX's driving dynamics were improved, with predictable handling and strong brakes.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT and standard AWD, the Ascent was versatile, handling various terrains with ease. It excelled in urban and off-road environments, though it struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.4 on the highway, with a 73-litre fuel tank providing decent range. However, real-world tests showed higher consumption.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Ascent's wide-opening rear doors facilitated loading, but legroom in the second row was slightly snug. The third row was acceptable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. The Ascent's cargo capacity was impressive, offering up to 2,140 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system and various driving aids like crawl control and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the latest Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. It included Bluetooth, wireless smartphone integration, and SiriusXM. While the system worked well, the display washed out in sunlight, and the native voice-recognition was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs were a welcome addition, and the Premier trim offered advanced features like Cabin Connect and a digital rearview camera.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Its EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the lane-centring assist was problematic, causing instability during testing. Blind-spot monitoring and other features were available on higher trims.