2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not traditionally SUV-like, maintained a familiar Lexus aesthetic. Despite its luxury branding, the NX shared its platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it feel somewhat dated in engineering. The F Sport Black Line edition added a sporty flair with a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, contrasting nicely with its darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's design once seemed radical but had become familiar over time. The interior featured a stepped center console and sporty elements like an F Sport heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals. However, the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury, with noticeable plastic switchgear.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, resembling more of a rugged Jeep. It offered 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles. The Wilderness stood out with a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but not ideal for hot weather. The interior featured heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear seat space. The cargo area was generous, with waterproof materials and a robust roof rack supporting rooftop camping.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the F Sport model improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and achieved 24 mpg in combined driving. The CVT, while functional, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch transmission. The Wilderness excelled off-road with its lifted stance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems. On pavement, it felt quick but was limited by its tires, while off-road, it demonstrated impressive capability on challenging trails.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, but rear visibility was hindered by thick pillars. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Features like a power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but uncomfortable in heat. The interior provided generous rear seat space and effective climate control. The cargo area offered 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with them folded. The robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, and the base audio system was underwhelming.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for essential functions. Voice recognition required learning specific prompts, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The lack of a premium sound system was a downside, but the PIN code entry technology was a practical feature for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness focused on maintaining the effectiveness of its EyeSight ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and more. It included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings.