2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic paint, giving it a unique appeal. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Premier XT trim showcasing tasteful chrome accents. Wheel designs differed across trims, with options ranging from black 17-inch alloys to 18-inch machine-finished wheels. Inside, the Premier XT impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, presented a more subdued exterior despite its exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers. The RX's design was less striking, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch. The RX lineup included three models, each with distinct powertrains and features. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h offered more power and sportier elements. The RX 450h+ provided a plug-in hybrid option with a notable electric-only range.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a choice between a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower. The turbo engine, standard on the Wilderness trim, enhanced towing capacity and provided a more robust driving experience. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, contributing to a comfortable ride. The Outback's ground clearance ranged from 22 to 24.1 centimetres, depending on the trim, making it suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured three powertrain options. The RX 350h delivered 246 horsepower, while the RX 450h+ offered 304 horsepower with a plug-in hybrid system. The RX 500h stood out with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It included a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and its driving dynamics were less communicative, focusing more on straight-line acceleration than overall agility.

The Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Its cargo capacity was 923 litres with seats up and 2,141 litres with seats down. Features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate were standard on most trims. The Outback's practical design included raised roof rails with retractable cross bars.

The Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality, with a focus on occupant space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug but less comfortable over long drives. A panoramic sunroof and power-reclining rear seats enhanced the rear passenger experience. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was ample, though some areas lacked refinement.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern tech, with USB-C and USB-A ports and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity from the Touring trim. The Harman Kardon audio system was available on most trims, providing quality sound.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted advanced technology, including digital key functionality and a 14-inch touchscreen. The Lexus Interface system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were cumbersome, detracting from the overall experience. The Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

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 and lane-keep assist. New for 2024 was a wide-angle camera for better pedestrian detection.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera were available, enhancing safety. The RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS in certain tests.