Subaru XV vs Lexus NX300H
What's the difference?

Subaru XV

$15,990 - $31,995

2021 price

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Lexus NX300H

—

2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2021 Subaru XV

2022 Lexus NX300H

By Tom White

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Solid road feel
Relative value
Safety equipment

Powertrain choice
Cabin presentation
Design

Dislikes

Thrashy 2.0L engine
Hybrid not super efficient
Small boot

Still some road noise
Some fiddly dashboard switchgear remain
Australian road tuning would make it even better

2021 Subaru XV Summary

Subaru has always been a good fit for Australia.

Since the '90s, when the brand made a big splash with its rally derived Impreza and Liberty, Subaru’s rugged appeal has suited Australia’s tough conditions and recreationally adventurous buyers.

Cars like the Forester and Outback solidified the brand’s place amongst SUVs before SUVs were really a thing, and the XV is the logical progression of the Impreza range, slotting nicely into the brand's offerings of lifted all-wheel-drive wagons.

It’s been a few years since the XV launched, however, so can its latest 2021 update keep it in the fight in a quickly evolving and notoriously competitive segment against many newer rivals? We’ve taken a look at the whole range to find out.

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2022 Lexus NX300H Summary

One of the great, unsung success stories over the last few years has been the Lexus NX.

Out since 2014, it turned Toyota's ailing luxury brand around, connecting with buyers gravitating towards luxury midsized SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60. Today, no school run is complete without them!

Now there's an all-new one. And, as Lexus' bestseller by far, any new NX is a big deal. The recipe is much the same – including petrol, turbo and hybrid versions – but with fresher and better ingredients. Plus, there's also a new plug-in hybrid flagship to really shake things up.

Is it time to cancel your order for that German, British or Swedish luxury midsized SUV? Keep reading to find out...

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Subaru XV 2022 Lexus NX300H

Verdict

Even years on from its initial launch and with only subtle changes to its main range, it’s really to Subaru’s credit that the XV feels just as capable and modern as any of its rivals.

This is not to say it’s perfect. We can’t recommend the base model, the maths don’t really work out on the hybrids, the only available engine is breathless, and it has a small boot.

But the XV’s excellent safety suite, driving dynamics, all-wheel-drive capability, quality finish and comfortable interior mean it’s hard not to be charmed by this little lifted hatch.

Our pick of the range? While the 2.0i-L is great value, we’d recommend you splurge to the 2.0i-Premium to get the full safety suite and extra garnish.

Verdict

The all-new NX is a massive step forward over its popular predecessor.

In every way, it is an improvement, with better refinement, comfort, performance, efficiency, safety and choice.

Indeed, look out, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo: the NX has finally come of age. If we were in the market for a luxury medium-sized SUV, we'd definitely have the Lexus on our shortlist, especially the incredibly efficient hybrids.

Europe, you've been warned.

Subaru XV vs Lexus NX300H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru XV vs Lexus NX300H
What's the difference?