2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention 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, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs of other Toyota models, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury appeal, though it did offer features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, while similar in appearance to its predecessor, introduced new sheet metal, a new chassis, and fresh colours like Sun Blaze and Sapphire Blue. The Crosstrek maintained its compact dimensions, with a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. It featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Crosstrek's design included clever touches like LED headlights integrated with a wing bar, giving it a unique front fascia. The interior was practical, with materials that were easy to clean and a focus on utility, including a new 11.6-inch touchscreen display that added a modern touch to the cabin.

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 more modern engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for improved traction.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered a choice of engines, with the 2.5-litre four-cylinder delivering 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the smaller 2.0-litre engine produced 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Crosstrek's performance was not particularly quick, but the CVT transmission provided smooth power delivery. The Wilderness trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with different gearing and increased towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The Crosstrek's fuel economy was competitive for its class, with estimates of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.1 on the highway for the 2.0-litre engine. The vehicle's handling was improved with a stiffer structure and a dual-pinion steering rack, while Subaru's X-Mode traction management system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's interior featured hard buttons, which some might prefer over touchscreens, and adjustable sliding mechanisms for the centre console lid. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were good, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The Crosstrek provided 564 litres of trunk space, expanding to 1,549 litres with the second-row seats folded. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring robust materials and a protective cargo tray. Cupholders were abundant, and the centre console bin accommodated large water bottles, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over the previous model, with standard features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced both on-road and off-road driving.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek boasted an impressive 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, offering crisp graphics and retaining physical controls for essential functions. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charger available on higher trims. The Limited trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Subaru Starlink technology was generally impressive, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required some menu navigation for certain features.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX incorporated modern safety technology.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had a strong safety reputation, with previous models receiving Top Safety Pick designations from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA. The 2024 model included Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system's wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering enhanced safety further.