VS
At a Glance
Power
275hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
317lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
2700lbs
Engine
2.4 L/146ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Lexus NX and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Lexus NX delivers 275hp @ 6000 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the NX returns 24 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,750 for the NX and $45,395 for the Outback. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Lexus NXNX 350 Premium AWD 2026 - From $47,750
Subaru OutbackTouring AWD 2026 - From $45,395
Performance
Power Output (hp)
275hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
317lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.4 L/146ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
CVT w/OD
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
191.7in
Width (in)
73.4in
74in
Height (in)
66.1in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
105.9in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4035lbs
3812lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
2700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Outback
3 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Outback
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Lexus NX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($45,395)
Higher towing capacity (2700lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the NX or Outback?
The NX gets 24 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the NX or Outback?
The NX produces 275hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The NX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the NX and Outback?
The NX starts from $47,750 and the Outback from $45,395. The Outback is cheaper by $2,355 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the NX or Outback?
The NX has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the NX or the Outback?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.