2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, particularly in the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet available for sale. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark, was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge, with features like upgraded ambient lighting and premium leather upholstery in the Ultra Luxury package.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in the dwindling wagon market, adopting crossover trends with features like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack setup. Its design was intended for off-road adventures, and while the Crimson Red Pearl paint was unavailable in Canada, the Outback looked best in earthy tones. Subaru focused on buyers who might take their Outback off-road, a strategy that paid off with the popularity of models like the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with standard heated front seats and steering wheel in Canada. The base trims featured cloth upholstery and 17-inch wheels, while higher trims like Onyx and Wilderness offered easy-to-clean synthetic leather and additional features like heated rear seats. The Premier XT trim, which we tested, included Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. The Outback's rugged exterior housed a well-executed interior with minimal chrome and black plastic, and easy-to-read gauges flanking a digital display.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately in typical driving situations, although its engine note was somewhat grating. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, only slightly better than the older RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the ride and handling described as just right, offering a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, although the brake pedal felt too soft, it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine in the Wilderness and XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas, with power routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though it wasn't a performance car. The Outback offered 22 centimetres of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 24.1 centimetres and adding a front skid plate. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT was slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable, and the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel was easy to grip. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the TX offered a habitable third-row seat for adults, unlike previous models. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down, offering ample storage for road trips.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality, with easy entry and exit due to its lower chassis. The low centre of gravity, aided by the flat-four engine design, allowed for quick direction changes. The Outback provided 923 litres of cargo space with the rear seat up and 2,141 litres with the bench folded, slightly smaller than some crossovers but with a flat floor and square shape for maximum utility. The total passenger volume was 3,044 litres, larger than its crossover competition, with more front headroom and legroom than the CR-V. Buyers were advised to test drive different Outback versions, as the Limited or Premier grades and the Wilderness model drove differently. The standard towing capacity was 1,225 kilograms, increasing to 1,588 kilograms with the turbocharged engine.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The head-up display, however, replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked ones, causing distraction, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless connectivity except in the base model. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system worked well, though frequent Starlink disturbances limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, with some functions requiring touchscreen access. The 2025 Outback Premier XT included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports for device connectivity.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was also included, though it was not always transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with options for 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, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in, causing frustration.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The system kept the Outback in its lane, though with more side-to-side movement than desired. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, which worked effectively. The DriverFocus system monitored for driver distraction, though it occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, and the 2025 model was expected to perform similarly. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.