2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$49,725 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Lexus RX launches with an engaging 275 horsepower and a plush $49,725 starting price, appealing to buyers prioritizing prestige and immediate on-road refinement, despite its 25 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback bursts onto the scene as the ultimate rugged bargain, starting at a remarkably low $34,995 and delivering superior utility with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The RX leans into luxury with its premium unleaded requirement and 8-speed automatic transmission, offering significantly more punch than the Outback’s 180 horsepower. However, the Outback compensates with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and better fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG. This comparison pits the dynamic, performance-leaning premium crossover against the value-focused, utilitarian adventure wagon, showing a stark $14,730 difference in entry cost for drastically different core driving missions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers superior horsepower (275 hp vs 180 hp) and a smoother 8-speed automatic transmission for a more refined daily drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides significantly more storage capacity at 34.6 cu ft compared to the Lexus RX's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

With 317 lb-ft of torque and 275 hp, the Lexus RX delivers significantly more thrilling acceleration than the Outback.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers excellent utility and better efficiency (27 combined MPG) while saving buyers $14,730 in initial cost.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize raw engine performance, benefiting from 275 horsepower versus the Outback's 180 hp.
You prefer the shifting engagement of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
You are willing to spend the extra $14,730 for a more luxurious, premium badge and driving feel.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum utility is essential, as the Outback boasts 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, beating the RX.
Fuel cost efficiency matters, as the Outback uses regular unleaded and achieves 27 combined MPG.
You require guaranteed traction year-round due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
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 2026 Lexus RX and 2026 Subaru Outback.

What is the main performance gap between the 2026 Lexus RX and the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The Lexus RX has a substantial edge in power, producing 275 horsepower compared to the Outback's 180 horsepower. This 95 hp difference will be noticeable during highway merging and spirited driving.

Which vehicle is more economical to run daily?

The Subaru Outback is more economical, boasting 27 combined MPG versus the RX's 25 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Outback runs on regular unleaded fuel, while the Lexus recommends premium unleaded.

Does the AWD system on the Outback beat the FWD setup of the Lexus RX?

For adverse weather or light off-roading, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Subaru Outback offers superior traction compared to the standard Front Wheel Drive setup of the Lexus RX.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Lexus RX than the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The 2026 Lexus RX starts at an MSRP of $49,725, resulting in a $14,730 price difference over the Subaru Outback's $34,995 base price.

Which crossover offers superior space for cargo?

The Subaru Outback is the clear winner for hauling gear, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is significantly more than the Lexus RX’s 29.6 cubic feet.

How does the transmission affect the driving experience in these two crossovers?

The RX utilizes a responsive 8-speed shiftable automatic, often preferred for dynamic shifts, while the Outback features a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT) transmission, which prioritizes smooth, unbroken acceleration and fuel efficiency.