Compare the2022 Subaru OutbackVS 2022 Lexus NX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Outback. But it costs extra on the NX.

Both the Outback and the NX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Outback its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 76 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The NX has not been tested, yet.

There are almost 3 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Outback’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Outback’s reliability 30 points higher than the NX.

As tested in Motor Trend the Outback XT/Wilderness 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Lexus NX:

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Outback lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The NX doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Outback gets better mileage than the NX running its gasoline engine:

Both the Outback and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All Outback’s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Outback uses regular unleaded gasoline. The NX 350 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Outback has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Outback stops shorter than the NX:

The Outback Wilderness/Onyx Edition XT has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the NX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Outback’s wheelbase is 2.2 inches longer than on the NX (108.1 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

The Outback Wilderness executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the NX 450h AWD (27.2 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Outback’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the NX’s (36.1 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Outback has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX (8.7 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the Outback to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Outback Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.8 inches higher than on the NX (9.5 vs. 7.7 inches).

The front grille of the Outback 2.5i uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The NX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outback has 1.8 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 3.4 inches more rear legroom, 2.3 inches more rear hip room and 3.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the NX with its rear seat up (32.5 vs. 22.7 cubic feet). The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (75.7 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Outback easier. The Outback’s trunk lift-over height is 28.4 inches, while the NX’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The Outback’s cargo area is larger than the NX’s in almost every dimension:

The Outback’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX’s (2700 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus NX is only 2000 pounds. The Outback offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The engine in the Outback is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the NX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Outback’s available exterior PIN entry system (not available on Outback Base). The NX doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outback to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The NX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Insurance will cost less for the Outback owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Outback will cost $655 to $2435 less than the NX over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Subaru Outback will be $6333 to $7225 less than for the Lexus NX.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Outback, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Outback outsold the Lexus NX by over two to one during the 2021 model year.