2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with a few updates to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims featured different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx trim upgraded to 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Premier XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru, which typically leans towards capability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, embracing a more geometric styling compared to its predecessor. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's front end stood more vertically, giving it a more aggressive look, while the flat hood rose on the sides to aid driver awareness off-road. The GX's profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was available in a single trim with five packages, each catering to different needs, from luxury to off-roading. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Premier XT's turbo engine provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the CVT mimicked the feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a comfortable and capable off-road choice.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential enhanced off-road capability. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system, increasing wheel articulation and stability. The GX's performance was impressive both on and off-road, with effective brakes and controlled handling.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided 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 and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured standard dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Premier XT trim included a CD player, and all trims had both USB-C and USB-A ports. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Most trims came with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, except for the base models.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service included an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote locking and ignition. The GX featured a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but subscription costs for certain features could add up over time.

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 advanced driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic pre-collision braking. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Premier XT included a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While not yet crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence.