2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,965 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between luxury refinement and rugged utility often hinges on the budget. The 2025 Lexus NX starts at a premium $40,965, notably higher than the 2026 Subaru Outback's $34,995 price tag, a difference of $5,970 right off the bat. While the Lexus offers a slight performance edge with 203 hp compared to the Subaru's 180 hp, its 28 MPG combined falls just short of what matters for daily driving economy against the Outback's 27 MPG, though both use regular unleaded. The real story lies in space: the Outback boasts a massive 34.6 cu ft of cargo room versus the NX's more compact 22.7 cu ft, suggesting the Subaru handles larger loads easily. However, the Lexus leans on refinement and likely offers a smoother FWD ride, whereas the standard AWD of the Outback emphasizes all-weather confidence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is expected to offer a quieter, more refined ride quality better suited for daily commuting isolation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear choice for families needing substantial storage, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus NX

The 2025 Lexus NX provides a 23 hp advantage with 203 hp, appealing slightly more to those prioritizing responsiveness.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback saves buyers $5,970 upfront and includes standard All-Wheel Drive, offering better perceived value.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prioritize the prestige and expected luxury refinement associated with the Lexus brand.
You want the marginally higher output of 203 hp from its powertrain.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing cargo space is critical, as it offers 34.6 cu ft versus 22.7 cu ft.
You live in areas requiring confidence in poor weather due to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You want to save $5,970 in initial purchase price compared to the Lexus.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Subaru Outback
Length	183.5"	191.7"
Width	73.4"	74.0"
Height	66.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	105.9"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	225/60R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more cargo room does the Subaru Outback provide over the Lexus NX?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is significantly more accommodating for cargo, providing 34.6 cubic feet, which is over 11 cubic feet more than the 2025 Lexus NX’s 22.7 cubic feet.

Is the higher price of the Lexus NX justified by better fuel economy?

Not really; the Lexus NX gets 28 MPG combined, while the Outback is close behind at 27 MPG combined, making the fuel economy difference negligible despite the nearly $6,000 price gap.

Which vehicle is better for snowy climates?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is generally better suited for snow as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2025 Lexus NX model listed uses Front Wheel Drive.

What is the performance difference between these two crossovers?

The Lexus NX holds a 23 hp advantage, producing 203 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp, which suggests the Lexus will feel slightly quicker in acceleration.

Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?

Both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs down for both models.

How do their sizes compare for parking ease?

The Lexus NX is notably shorter in length at 183.5 inches compared to the Outback’s 191.7 inches, potentially making the NX marginally easier to fit into tight parking spots.