Unless you really need three rows of seats, the 2018 Subaru Outback is the sensible SUV alternative.
Pros Swiss Army knife utility More refined than ever Lots of safety tech Comfortable, roomy interior Good ride and handling
Cons Optional 6-cylinder is thirsty Short on high-end luxuries No EyeSight on base Outback Touring’s roof rack lacks cross bars
The 2018 Subaru Outback ranked #3 in Wagons. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 41 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Standard all-wheel drive Spacious seats Lots of cargo space
Cons Unimpressive base engine
The 2018 Subaru Outback receives a variety of changes. On the outside, the grille and front and rear fascias have been updated for a more aggressive look, and there are new headlights that feature LED daytime running lights. A new side mirror design reduces interior cabin noise. On the inside, the Outback features a new infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a new center console and steering wheel design. Premium and higher trims receive contrast stitching on the doors, seats and dash.
PROS A more spacious and comfortable cabin than those of many rivals Roof and cargo-loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs Excellent visibility in all directions Off-road ability is above average
CONS Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
The 2019 Lexus NX 300h returns unchanged.We suggest adding the Comfort package for its heated and ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring. Because you can't get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration on the NX, adding the Navigation package may also be a wise choice.
Pros Great fuel economy for a luxury crossover Back seat has enough room for adults Very quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons Limited cargo capacity Infotainment interface can be distracting to use
The 2019 Lexus NX remains a boldly styled, comfortable compact luxury crossover with solid standard features.
Pros Comfortable front seats Thrifty hybrid Now-familiar styling F Sport handling and seats CarPlay, finally
Cons Polarizing design Sub-par gas mileage on NX 300 Intrusive road noise Sluggish infotainment
The 2019 Lexus NX Hybrid ranked #10 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Lexus NX Hybrid has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Supportive, roomy seats Great fuel economy Excellent predicted reliability rating
Cons Underpowered engine Distracting, awkward infotainment controls Subpar cargo space
