Lexus LX vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Lexus LX. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus LX features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus LX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, ventilated seats, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus LX gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Lexus LX and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Lexus LX uses a Petrol producing 305kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus LX measures 5,100mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 220mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 487L in the Lexus LX and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 43L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 1.7 m tighter, 11.1 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus LX costs about $3,392 a year (11.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,083 a year less for the Subaru Outback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus LX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus LX), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Lexus LX: more power (305kW against 137kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $167,700), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 487L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,309 a year against $3,392).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 61

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Lexus LX's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Subaru Outback ahead by 42 points), performance (Lexus LX ahead by 41 points), fuel economy (Subaru Outback ahead by 35 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Outback costs about $1,083 less (8.1 L/100km against 11.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 487L in the Lexus LX, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions