2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, presenting a more aggressive appearance with its redesigned front end. This included new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, giving the impression of large air intakes. The addition of a simulated skid plate, oversized fog light 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, offered a more cohesive look with the audacious cladding. The Outback was available in seven trims in Canada, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695. The standard 2.5-litre engine was offered in various trims, with prices ranging from $32,695 to $40,995, excluding a $1,995 destination charge. The turbocharged XT models, providing better acceleration, were priced between $43,195 and $46,395. The Limited trim, tested in Cosmic Blue with Java Brown Nappa leather, showcased a luxurious interior with contrasting leather and stitching, creating an upscale and cohesive feel. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a quality look and feel, though the infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to dust and smudges.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The TX featured 22-inch silver-finished wheels in the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its presence. Its styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including a $2,205 destination charge and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added ambient lighting and premium leather upholstery, while the Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, was available with the Executive packages. Despite the panoramic glass sunroof, the interior felt dark. The TX 350's interior was luxurious enough for a Lexus badge, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat, with its flat lower cushion, wasn't as welcoming, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering more space than previous Lexus models. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row and 2,746 litres with the second row folded down.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's centre of gravity and provided a distinctive grumble and vibration. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, the Outback struggled with passing and climbing power. Subaru claimed a towing capacity of 1,225 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was disappointing, with the test vehicle averaging 9.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 8.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm, providing better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic, with paddle shifters for manual control. The Active Torque Split AWD system varied power distribution between the front and rear axles, while the X-Mode traction system optimized performance on challenging terrain. The Outback excelled off-road, handling mud and trails with ease, and its ground clearance made it capable in snowstorms. In urban settings, the Outback's visibility and size made parking and navigating tight spaces easy. However, the standard engine lacked urgency, requiring a heavy foot for highway passing. The suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, and the Outback handled well, though it wasn't a sports station wagon.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-100 km/h time of around eight seconds, though the SUV felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The performance was adequate for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the test unit in U.S. specification with front-wheel drive. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road feedback and a comfortable ride. The steering was accurate and responsive, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a thigh support bolster and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, both heated. The heated steering wheel and premium Nappa leather upholstery added comfort, with heated rear outboard seats for cold climates. The Outback provided ample legroom and storage space, with 923 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seat folded down. The flat, textured door sills served as steps for accessing the roof rack. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the transmission shifter.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though the flat lower cushion wasn't as welcoming. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering more space than previous models. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 2,746 litres with the second row folded down. The interior had numerous storage slots, though many lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration. The split front centre armrest design was less practical due to the narrow opening.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with subscription-based Starlink connected services. Depending on the trim, navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system were available. The infotainment system was improved for 2023, though the graphics and voice recognition system were lacking. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera wasn't available.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing safety features and supporting pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Outback Premier XT added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, with artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages added parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in.