Lexus NX vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

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 NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-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 NX stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

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

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 220mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 10L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1141L vs 1267L.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 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 0.3 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.4 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 NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 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 $884 a year less for the Lexus NX.

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

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 137kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $71,700), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 76

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Subaru Outback's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 28 points), performance (Lexus NX ahead by 12 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 4 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $884 less (5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions