Subaru Crosstrek vs Lexus LBX
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 Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $11,060.
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 $40,139 and $52,305 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $4,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus LBX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Lexus LBX. The Lexus LBX counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus LBX is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 305mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 332L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 227L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $1,311/year for the Lexus LBX. That is a $884 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,311 (Lexus LBX). The Lexus LBX saves you roughly $884 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $884 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus LBX?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $11,060.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus LBX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. The Lexus LBX is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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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