Subaru Outback vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Outback had undergone a transformation, adopting a more SUV-like appearance while maintaining its wagon roots. Despite only being slightly larger, the Outback's new blocky and upright design gave it a more commanding presence. The rectangular grille and horizontal accent lights contributed to its robust look, while the faceted plastic trim around the body and wheel arches enhanced its rugged appeal. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard and a digital instrument panel, with the infotainment touchscreen now positioned atop the dash. The interior materials were of high quality, with the base trim offering attractive woven textiles and higher trims featuring smoother materials and leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid was characterized by its over-stylized design, particularly the large spindle grille and aggressive LED headlights. The profile was sporty yet less extroverted, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. The F Sport elements, including dark trim and 20-inch wheels, added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the NX Hybrid combined a sporty look with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, creating a high-quality and sturdy feel.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre boxer engine with 180 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer-four producing 260 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The base engine surprised with its performance, providing adequate power for the 1,800-kilogram Outback. The vehicle felt composed and confident on various terrains, with a comfortable ride and minimal road noise. The CVT featured eight simulated gears, enhancing control on descents. The Outback's off-road capability was notable, with 22 centimetres of ground clearance and an X-Mode button for improved traction. The Wilderness model offered even more off-road features.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-litre engine and three electric motors, delivering 240 horsepower. Despite its adaptive dampers and firmer suspension, the NX Hybrid wasn't particularly sporty, with controlled handling but noticeable body lean. The ride was firm yet comfortable, and the power delivery was adequate for everyday driving. The hybrid system provided standard AWD, but the drivetrain felt slushy, and the engine droned under hard acceleration. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power for those seeking a performance boost.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space had improved, with a total volume of 3,146 litres, classifying it as a midsize SUV. The rear seats offered ample legroom and comfort for taller adults, while the cargo capacity increased to 980 litres behind the rear seats and 2,280 litres with the seats folded. The Outback featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders with "dog bone" cutouts and door pockets for larger flasks. The multifunction cargo cover and robust roof rack added versatility for outdoor adventures.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's front seats provided good bolstering and comfort, with power adjustments and heated and ventilated features. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The NX Hybrid's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The coupe-like roof design limited cargo capacity, but the space was still practical for everyday needs.

The 2026 Subaru Outback featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with customizable layouts and reduced glare. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, allowing for easy adjustments. The Outback's tech features prioritized ease of use over flashy innovations.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with SiriusXM compatibility. Optional features included a head-up display and a premium audio system. The NX Hybrid offered a Remote Connect subscription for remote vehicle functions. The infotainment system was responsive, with convenient controls for volume and temperature.

The 2026 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more. While crash test results were not yet available, Subaru's safety reputation suggested top marks from safety organizations. The Premium XT trim added a surround-view camera system for enhanced safety.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received high marks in crash tests. The NX 350h came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, offering features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems performed well during testing, though the adaptive cruise control was slightly complex to operate.