[puppychow]

+1, that "gaping maw" front end is a complete turn off. I find that uglier than Subaru cladding.

The front on the new RX just appears unfinished. I hate it also.

 

[Roundabout2021]

+1, that "gaping maw" front end is a complete turn off. I find that uglier than Subaru cladding.

I used to have a meme that showed the face of the Predator (from the movie) next to the Lexus SUV grille. Striking resemblence. LOL

 

[Flat Four]

I have an Outback Premium and RX350 in our garage, which are relatively comparable models overall (with the Ascent perhaps being the closest direct comparison). The Lexus is noticeably better inside and out from a build quality and materials perspective.

If you’re familiar with the feature and quality differences between trim levels in an Outback, multiply that ten times for the differences between similar Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura products. A spec sheet is one thing, but there are unseen improvements (sound deadening, suspension components, etc.) that contribute to a better driving experience. Some of the ignorance displayed here is amusing.

There will always be subjective differences based on people’s experiences, needs, and wants but if money isn’t a factor I’m starting with Lexus and going down from there.

 

[originaltwotone]

It is not true 4WD (ask the sales person and see if tells the truth, it is AWD).

A OB isn't 4WD either.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

I have an Outback Premium and RX350 in our garage

And the way you've got your Outback setup with the wheel & tire package (aka stance,) you still turn your head around and take a second look at it.. every time. Don't lie, you know you do!

I'll agree the Lexus RX350 is on an another level. But, the Outback for the $$$ is a sweet ride. For what it is, I enjoy mine every time I drive it. And I do the second look too...

 

[HKshooter]

And the way you've got your Outback setup with the wheel & tire package (aka stance,) you still turn your head around and take a second look at it.. every time. Don't lie, you know you do!

I thought everyone does that. I do. No shame. Don't judge me.

 

[SilverOnyx]

One conundrum is whether it's better to get the expensive top trim of a less expensive vehicle, or the less expensive trim of a more expensive vehicle.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

One conundrum is whether it's better to get the expensive top trim of a less expensive vehicle, or the less expensive trim of a more expensive vehicle.

Or, be a frugal old fart and get the "almost cheapest" version of the less expensive vehicle. And then, "doll it up" the way you want it. Or maybe I'm just a nut.. who knows!

 

[Flat Four]

And the way you've got your Outback setup with the wheel & tire package (aka stance,) you still turn your head around and take a second look at it.. every time. Don't lie, you know you do!

I'll agree the Lexus RX350 is on an another level. But, the Outback for the $$$ is a sweet ride. For what it is, I enjoy mine every time I drive it. And I do the second look too...

Haha thanks for the compliment!

I’m very happy with my Outback and agree that it’s a very good value, which is why I bought it. To go with something comparable from a different manufacturer will either cost more, or at the same price include less features.

 

[MackDaddy1962]

One thing else to consider.. Sometimes, not always.. some of the additional cost of say, Lexus / Acura over Toyota / Honda is forward lighting. As in MUCH better headlight systems. The newer versions of the Acura MDX have, what look to me stupendous headlamps. At least from an oncoming drivers perspective. I'd love to get behind the wheel of one at night to see how good they really are.. but if I do I'd probably want one!

One of the most important things for me in a new vehicle. The older I get, the more I need the best headlamp systems I can get. The Outback headlamps could certainly be better (as the Brits have noted, they get the Euro Matrix version of the LED projector beam.) Man, that would be great if we had those for the USDM.

 

[HKshooter]

One of the most important things for me in a new vehicle. The older I get, the more I need the best headlamp systems I can get. The Outback headlamps could certainly be better (as the Brits have noted, they get the Euro Matrix version of the LED projector beam.) Man, that would be great if we had those for the USDM.

Same here. There must be a way to get those head lamps here in the US. Has to be. Not factory installed but via the aftermarket supply. Importers? Parts supply houses? Are there part numbers for the Euro lamps? But then, is there special software needed to make them effective?

 

[MackDaddy1962]

Same here. There must be a way to get those head lamps here in the US. Has to be. Not factory installed but via the aftermarket supply. Importers? Parts supply houses? Are there part numbers for the Euro lamps? But then, is there special software needed to make them effective?

Since they're left hand drive in the UK, I'd imagine they're a no-go for us in right hand drive. And yeah, the ECU would be controlling the constant matrix pattern, so that would need to be addressed too.. bummer.

 

[originaltwotone]

Same here. There must be a way to get those head lamps here in the US. Has to be. Not factory installed but via the aftermarket supply. Importers? Parts supply houses? Are there part numbers for the Euro lamps? But then, is there special software needed to make them effective?

They wouldn't be set up correctly.

 

[Roundabout2021]

I sometime wonder how folks pick a car. Some of the comparisons I have seen over the past year are like if I was trying to decide on getting a 2 seat sports car, deciding the contenders would be a Subaru BRZ, a Mazda Miata, or a Mercedes AMG-GT.

 

[Not Limited]

I looked at Lexus/Toyota and bought a car with comfortable seats: Subaru Outback Limited.

 

[Not Limited]

I looked at Lexus/Toyota and bought a car with comfortable seats: Subaru Outback Limited.

 

[motoretro]

I looked at Lexus/Toyota and bought a car with comfortable seats: Subaru Outback Limited.

Subaru must have improved their seats considerably. I've own (3) and IMO, they're the worst in the industry. I take a specific trip quite often and my 2023 Highlander XLE seats were so much better over the same distance and time, 7 hours. That said, I'd like the lower seat cushion a inch or so longer on the Highlander. BTW, I've also owned a Outback Limited.

 

[Not Limited]

I noticed different seats between the various trim levels.

 

[genegold]

Back 20 years ago or so, I drove my step mother's Lexus around West LA, where she lived. Compared to my '99 OB, it was in a different world in every way. Of course, I wouldn't have taken it up some of the roller coaster dirt roads to trailheads that my '99 takes me in Montana.

The most uncomfortable car I've ever driven was a Camry, maybe 20-25 years ago, from the Miami area to Charlotte NC. Between the seat and leg position -- I'm 6'2" -- I ended up having to stop frequently. Couldn't imagine how this was the top selling (or was it top-rated?) car in America.

 

[HKshooter]

Back 20 years ago or so, I drove my step mother's Lexus around West LA, where she lived. Compared to my '99 OB, it was in a different world in every way. Of course, I wouldn't have taken it up some of the roller coaster dirt roads to trailheads that my '99 takes me in Montana.

The most uncomfortable car I've ever driven was a Camry, maybe 20-25 years ago, from the Miami area to Charlotte NC. Between the seat and leg position -- I'm 6'2" -- I ended up having to stop frequently. Couldn't imagine how this was the top selling (or was it top-rated?) car in America.

They were smaller cars back then and yeah, more cramped before everything went "American" and became bloated and fat. Most car makers upsized their models years ago and are much more comfortable. To be honest, the rear seat room in my 2022 OB is a little tighter than I think it could be but then it's just a lifted Legacy. Everything from the rear seat backs to the front bumper is virtually the same.