2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that included a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, giving it a more aggressive appearance. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding well. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, offered an upscale and cohesive interior. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a high-quality feel, though the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model. The RX's exterior featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality levels were high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather, genuine leather, and simulated suede. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with passing and climbing power. The Outback XT, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings ranging from 9.5 to 10.1 L/100 km. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Active Torque Split AWD system was standard. The Outback excelled off-road, handling challenging terrain with ease, and its suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's lack of power and fuel economy were disappointing.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, offering a satisfying driving experience. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD's fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 L/100 km, but real-world results were slightly higher. The turbo engine provided better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and practical accessories. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable seats, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and heated seats. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down. The vehicle's height made entry and exit easy, and the roof rack was robust for carrying additional cargo. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfort and sophistication, with the Executive trim featuring semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport 3 trim had sportier features, including NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. The RX 350's back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was limited, and the infotainment system's graphics and icons were not user-friendly. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant provided natural voice recognition, though it occasionally returned unrelated results. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and available digital rearview mirror and digital key technology. A colour head-up display was also available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The system added Automatic Emergency Steering and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and more. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. LSS+ 3.0 was impressive but had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology that was not predictive.