2024 Lexus TX 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 gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome fittings, with the Touring trim displaying the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and a matte black version for the Wilderness trim. The interior of the top-trim model impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru, while other trims offered different seating materials.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a more upscale appearance. The Luxury trim model featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The Luxury trim added premium touches like ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery, though the interior felt dark despite the panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT model's turbo engine provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, with a CVT that mimicked eight distinct gears. The Outback's ride was comfortable, aided by its suspension and wheel design, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, or 9.2 inches for the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds for the FWD model, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, but testing showed an average of 20.4 mpg. AWD was available for an additional $1,600, offering better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design, with more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It also provided superior front-row legroom and competitive rear-seat legroom. Cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting from the Premium trim. Higher trims added features like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard on higher trims, with practical roof rails and retractable cross bars.

The Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The TX 350 Luxury trim included premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was adult-friendly, with adequate leg support and large windows. Cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 97 cubic feet with all seats down. The TX featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The Subaru Outback Touring trim included a CD player, USB-C and USB-A ports, and an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining dual 7-inch screens. The Starlink multimedia platform offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity from the Premium trim. Climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and parking assist. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen with a three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with additional subscriptions for Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic emergency braking. The Onyx trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. Traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.