2025 Lexus RX vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the premium feel of the 2025 Lexus RX and the practicality of the 2025 Subaru Ascent boils down to budget versus badge. If your budget is tight, the Ascent undercuts the RX by a significant $9,130, starting at just $39,995 versus the Lexus's $49,125. Performance figures are close, with the RX offering a slight edge in power, producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. However, that luxury comes at a cost to efficiency; the RX achieves 25 MPG combined using premium fuel, whereas the Ascent gets 22 MPG combined running on regular unleaded. Dimensionally, the Ascent is slightly longer at 196.8 inches and significantly taller at 71.6 inches, which may hint at more cabin space, although the RX boasts a slightly larger documented cargo hold at 29.6 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG highway versus the Ascent's 26 MPG highway.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is better for families as its significantly taller stance (71.6 inches) suggests easier access and potentially more headroom than the RX's 67.3 inches.
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is the clear value winner, saving buyers $9,130 in initial purchase price while still offering AWD capability.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- You prioritize brand prestige and a premium driving experience associated with Lexus.
- You want the slightly better efficiency rating of 25 MPG combined.
- You need the marginally higher torque of 317 lb-ft for passing power.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Keeping the upfront cost low is essential, thanks to the $49,125 vs $39,995 price difference.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability right out of the box.
- You prefer vehicles that run on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus RX | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.5" | 196.8" |
| Width | 75.6" | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.3" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 113.8" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.6/516.2 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.7 in. | 57.8 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| 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 | 38.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.9 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 RX and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
How much more does the 2025 Lexus RX cost compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
The 2025 Lexus RX has a starting MSRP of $49,125, making it $9,130 more expensive than the 2025 Subaru Ascent, which starts at $39,995.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The Lexus RX wins on mileage, offering 25 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Keep in mind the RX also recommends premium fuel.
Is there a significant difference in power output between these two vehicles?
Yes, the Lexus RX is slightly punchier, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Ascent's 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle is better equipped for poor weather conditions out of the box?
The Subaru Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing inherent traction advantages, while the base Lexus RX uses Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Which crossover has more usable space behind the rear seats?
Based on the provided specs, the Lexus RX offers a larger documented cargo capacity at 29.6 cubic feet, compared to the Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.
Are these vehicles similar in size, or does one stand noticeably taller?
The Ascent is notably taller, measuring 71.6 inches in height compared to the RX's 67.3 inches, suggesting it might feel more spacious vertically inside.
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