2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$49,125 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $14,130 difference in starting MSRP, with the Outback priced at $34,995 versus the Lexus's $49,125. This price gap correlates directly with performance metrics; the RX delivers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Outback offers superior efficiency and utility, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the RX's 25 MPG combined, and boasting a larger 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity against the RX's 29.6 cu ft. While the RX requires premium fuel, the Outback utilizes regular unleaded, further reducing running costs, despite the Lexus featuring FWD standard while the Subaru includes AWD, a key difference in baseline drive configurations.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined and the advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive compared to the Lexus RX's 25 MPG combined and FWD base configuration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families benefit from the Outback's greater utility, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus RX's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX is the clear choice for enthusiasts, producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback presents significantly better value with a $14,130 lower MSRP and lower fuel requirements (regular vs. premium unleaded).

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize performance, as the Lexus RX delivers 275 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp.
You require higher low-end pulling power, indicated by the RX's 317 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the standard configuration of a front-wheel-drive setup coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel budget is key, as the Outback achieves 27 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
Greater enclosed storage is necessary, with the Outback offering 34.6 cu ft compared to the RX's 29.6 cu ft.
You value standard All-Wheel Drive capability over the higher starting price of the RX.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Subaru Outback
Length	192.5"	191.7"
Width	75.6"	74.0"
Height	67.3"	67.5"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
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	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	2.4 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.1 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	—
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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	—
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.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Subaru
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted 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 Outback.

What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The primary financial metric showing divergence is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2026 Subaru Outback starts at $34,995, which is $14,130 less than the 2025 Lexus RX base MSRP of $49,125.

How do the base power figures compare for these two crossovers?

The Lexus RX provides substantially more power with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque from its base setup. The 2026 Outback base model generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is slightly more efficient, delivering 27 MPG combined (25 city/31 highway) compared to the Lexus RX's 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway).

Does the Outback require premium fuel like the Lexus RX?

No, the 2026 Subaru Outback operates effectively on regular unleaded fuel. The 2025 Lexus RX, however, recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

Which vehicle offers more usable cargo volume?

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers a superior cargo area with 34.6 cubic feet available. The 2025 Lexus RX provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats.

What are the baseline drivetrain differences between the two models?

The standard configuration for the 2025 Lexus RX is front-wheel drive (FWD) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).