Discover the winner: subaru crosstrek vs. lexus ux, who takes the crown?
What To Know
- The Crosstrek returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with AWD.
- However, the AWD version of the UX sees a drop to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- For the additional cost, the UX provides a more luxurious interior, but the Crosstrek’s superior off-road capabilities and lower price make it a more compelling value proposition for adventurous drivers.
In the realm of compact crossovers, the Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus UX stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and performance, catering to the needs of discerning drivers. But which one emerges as the superior choice? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to determine the ultimate winner in the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Lexus UX showdown.
Performance Prowess
Under the hood, the Subaru Crosstrek presents a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), providing exceptional traction and handling in various conditions.
The Lexus UX, on the other hand, offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It utilizes a Direct-Shift CVT and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. While the power figures are comparable, the UX’s FWD configuration sacrifices some off-road capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel consumption, the Subaru Crosstrek slightly edges out the Lexus UX. The Crosstrek returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with AWD. The UX, with FWD, achieves 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. However, the AWD version of the UX sees a drop to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, both vehicles offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. The Crosstrek boasts a roomy interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. Its comfortable seats provide excellent support, and the dashboard layout is intuitive and easy to navigate.
The Lexus UX presents a more luxurious interior with premium materials and a refined design. Its seats are plush and supportive, and the cabin is adorned with soft-touch surfaces and ambient lighting. However, the UX’s smaller size means it offers slightly less rear legroom compared to the Crosstrek.
Cargo Capacity
In terms of cargo capacity, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a generous 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. With the seats folded down, this expands to an impressive 55.3 cubic feet. The Lexus UX, however, provides a smaller cargo area, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus UX prioritize safety with a comprehensive suite of standard features. The Crosstrek comes equipped with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The UX features Lexus Safety System++ 2.0, offering similar safety aids such as pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.
Off-Road Capabilities
One area where the Subaru Crosstrek truly shines is its off-road prowess. With its standard AWD system, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode with hill descent control, the Crosstrek is well-equipped to handle rough terrain and inclement weather conditions. The Lexus UX, while offering AWD as an option, has a lower ground clearance of 6.3 inches and lacks dedicated off-road features.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a more affordable option compared to the Lexus UX. The Crosstrek has a starting price of $24,895, while the UX starts at $34,870. For the additional cost, the UX provides a more luxurious interior, but the Crosstrek’s superior off-road capabilities and lower price make it a more compelling value proposition for adventurous drivers.
The Verdict: A Matter of Priorities
The Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus UX are both exceptional compact crossovers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Crosstrek excels in off-road performance, fuel efficiency, and value for money. The UX, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious interior, but its higher price and limited off-road capabilities may not justify the premium for some buyers.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Crosstrek and Lexus UX depends on your priorities. If you value off-road prowess, affordability, and fuel efficiency, the Crosstrek is an unbeatable choice. If you seek a more luxurious interior and don’t require extensive off-road capabilities, the UX may be a better fit.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which vehicle has a better infotainment system?
Both the Crosstrek and UX offer advanced infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and navigation. However, the UX’s system features a larger 12.3-inch display and a more intuitive interface.
2. Is the Lexus UX more reliable than the Subaru Crosstrek?
Reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek has a better reliability record than the Lexus UX. The Crosstrek has consistently scored higher in terms of overall dependability and mechanical quality.
3. Which vehicle offers a hybrid powertrain?
The Lexus UX offers a hybrid powertrain option, which combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency. The Subaru Crosstrek does not currently offer a hybrid option.