2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback was a testament to the enduring appeal of wagons, especially in Canada where such vehicles were more appreciated than in the U.S. The Outback embraced the crossover aesthetic with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias, making it clear that it was built for off-road adventures. Despite the absence of the Crimson Red Pearl paint option in Canada, the Outback's earthy tones were considered more fitting for its adventurous spirit. Subaru's focus on catering to buyers who valued off-road capabilities paid off, as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became one of the brand's best-selling models. The 2025 model retained its practical features, such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with higher trims offering additional luxuries like Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a luxury SUV that commanded a hefty price tag of $90,000. Its design, while featuring exclusive elements like Incognito paint and orange brake calipers, was not particularly striking. The RX lineup offered three hybrid models, each with varying power and efficiency. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h delivered the most power. Despite its luxury status, the RX's interior comfort was somewhat compromised by snug front seats and a noisy climate system. However, it provided ample rear-seat comfort and practical storage solutions. The RX Hybrid's cargo space was adequate but not exceptional for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Subaru Outback was powered by a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two configurations. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine in the Wilderness and XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making it a recommended choice for those with the budget. The Outback's 22 centimetres of ground clearance, enhanced to 24.1 centimetres in the Wilderness model, along with Subaru's X-Mode, made it adept at handling rough terrains. Its smooth ride, light steering, and powerful brakes contributed to a comfortable driving experience, though the stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with distinct powertrains. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road, making it more about sporty appearance than driving satisfaction.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon design offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a low roof height for loading, and a low centre of gravity for agile handling. Its cargo space, measuring 923 litres with the rear seat up and 2,141 litres with the seat folded, was slightly smaller than some crossovers but highly usable due to its flat floor and square shape. The Outback's total passenger volume of 3,044 litres surpassed its crossover competitors, providing ample front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the driving experience varied significantly between models. The Outback's towing capacity ranged from 1,225 kilograms to 1,588 kilograms with the turbocharged engine.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, a midsize two-row SUV, focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, though heated and ventilated, were snug and uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, offered ample space for adults. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover hindered loading full-size suitcases. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining, causing potential noise issues.

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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on most trims. The Harman Kardon audio system performed well, but frequent Starlink disturbances limited audio output. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, appealing to less tech-savvy buyers. The Premier XT trim included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with features like digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. However, the dual-function steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. Despite its overall effectiveness, the system experienced occasional glitches. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though steering wheel controls were frustrating to use.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While effective, the system exhibited more side-to-side movement than desired. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, suggesting similar performance for the 2025 model.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, though it could be irritating. The available surround-view camera was a valuable addition. LSS+ 3.0 performed well, though some features, like Traffic Jam Assist, raised privacy concerns. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS in a specific frontal-impact test.