2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$49,125 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus RX bursts onto the scene offering refined power, delivering 275 horsepower and a punchy 317 lb-ft of torque, backed by the prestige of the Lexus badge. Meanwhile, the 2026 Subaru Ascent stakes its claim on rugged capability and everyday practicality, leveraging standard All-Wheel Drive for supreme confidence, though it offers less power at 260 hp. The most striking contrast lies in the wallet: the Ascent undercuts the RX by a significant $8,330, starting at $40,795 compared to the Lexus’s $49,125 entry point. While the RX achieves a slightly better combined 25 MPG, the Ascent offers more interior volume due to its taller stance (71.6 inches vs. 67.3 inches for the RX). For luxury buyers prioritizing an engaging, quieter highway experience, the RX shines, but the Ascent brings the muscle-car efficiency of running on regular unleaded fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX achieves better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined, making daily driving costs lower than the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides greater vertical space and standard AWD, offering superior utility and all-weather security for family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX provides superior acceleration potential with 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the undisputed value champion, saving buyers $8,330 upfront while still delivering a competitive 260 hp experience.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You desire a more potent powertrain featuring 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Premium interior refinement and lower noise isolation are top priorities for your daily drive.
You prioritize better fuel efficiency, netting 29 MPG on the highway compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need robust traction year-round, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Your budget is strictly managed, allowing you to save $8,330 compared to the base Lexus RX MSRP.
You require maximum utility, benefiting from the Ascent's taller 71.6-inch height and preference for regular unleaded fuel.

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
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How significant is the performance difference between the Lexus RX and the Subaru Ascent?

The Lexus RX holds a distinct advantage in power output, boasting 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, which should translate to snappier acceleration. The Subaru Ascent offers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is capable but less dramatic.

Which crossover is better equipped for harsh winter driving conditions?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the clear winner here because it comes standard with Subaru's renowned All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Lexus RX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, though AWD may be optional.

Is the extra cost of the Lexus RX justified by its fuel economy?

The RX nets 25 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. While the RX is more efficient, this modest 3 MPG difference might not immediately offset the $8,330 initial price gap for many drivers.

What is the interior and cargo capacity comparison between these two crossovers?

The Subaru Ascent is physically the larger vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the RX’s 192.5 inches, and it is significantly taller at 71.6 inches. However, the RX actually provides more usable trunk space with 29.6 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

Does the type of fuel required affect the long-term running costs?

Yes, the 2025 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded fuel, which is generally more expensive per gallon than the regular unleaded that the 2026 Subaru Ascent consumes. This difference contributes to the Ascent's lower expected running costs.

How do the transmissions differ between the two vehicles?

The Lexus RX utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often preferred by driving enthusiasts for its predictable gear changes. The Subaru Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which excels at maintaining optimal engine RPM for efficiency.