2024 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its imposing spindle grille and substantial ground clearance of 206 millimetres. Standing at an overall height of 1,885 millimetres, it had a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its massive headlights, seemed ready to conquer any path, while the Black Line Special Edition added exclusivity with its limited production of 3,000 units and unique colour options. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs of its Toyota counterparts, making it easier to navigate technical terrains. However, the interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status. Yet, it offered features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, providing a touch of luxury amidst its rugged capabilities.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar design with minor tweaks to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The Outback's exterior, particularly in the Premier XT trim, showcased a tasteful blend of dark grey cladding and Autumn Green Metallic paint, offering a surprisingly appealing look. The various trims featured different levels of black and chrome fittings, with the Premier XT trim striking a balance between elegance and ruggedness. Inside, the Outback impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a level of luxury unexpected from a brand known for capability over opulence. The interior offered a range of seating materials across trims, from cloth to synthetic leather, ensuring comfort and style for all passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't boast the highest numbers on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound that appealed to enthusiasts. 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 enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to Subaru's tradition, featured a "Boxer" engine. The base model came with a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This setup improved the Outback's towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Lineartronic CVT, paired with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, provided a smooth driving experience, with the CVT mimicking the feel of an eight-speed transmission. The Outback's ground clearance, ranging from 22 to 24.1 centimetres depending on the trim, made it a capable off-road vehicle, especially with the advanced X-Mode system in the Wilderness trim.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The decision to retain hard buttons for controls was a welcome choice for those who preferred tactile interfaces. The second row provided comfort with captain's chairs, but the third row was cramped, suitable only for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, excelled in interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature set included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering additional amenities like a heated steering wheel and power moonroof. The hands-free power liftgate and versatile roof rails added to its practicality.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over its predecessor. It included standard features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX's strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a larger 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen on higher trims, with the Starlink multimedia platform providing standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included hard buttons for essential climate controls, while other functions were managed through the touchscreen. The Outback's audio system varied by trim, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon setup available on most models. The inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A ports ensured compatibility with various devices.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some advanced features, it provided a solid suite of safety technologies.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic pre-collision braking. The addition of a wide-angle camera and reverse automatic braking enhanced its safety credentials, making it a strong contender in terms of safety features.