Lexus UX vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus UX starts from $46,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Lexus UX 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 $51,590 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus UX by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus UX 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 UX stands out with Apple CarPlay, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Petrol producing 126kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 126kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus UX is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus UX measures 4,495mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 375mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 217L in the Lexus UX and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 758L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Lexus UX and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Lexus UX) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The Subaru Outback has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Outback takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The Subaru Outback adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus UX and Subaru Outback?
The Lexus UX is the cheapest at $46,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $2,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru Outback has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The Lexus UX is quickest to 100km/h in 9.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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