Lexus NX vs Subaru Solterra

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $61,990. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $2,090.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $65,890 and $68,189 respectively.

The Subaru Solterra qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus NX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Lexus NX and Subaru Solterra hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 88% for the Subaru Solterra.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus NX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Solterra.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Solterra gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Solterra is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Solterra generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Lexus NX a 68L advantage.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra). The Subaru Solterra has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.