Lexus LBX vs Subaru Forester
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus LBX starts from $47,550 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $1,560.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $52,305 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $5,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus LBX and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Lexus LBX and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus LBX, against 4 on the Subaru Forester.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus LBX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus LBX stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus LBX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LBX uses a Hybrid producing 100kW and 185Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 100kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus LBX measures 4,190mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 465mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 402L in the Lexus LBX and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 94L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 994L vs 1174L.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,083/year for the Lexus LBX and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $1,169 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Lexus LBX) vs $2,252 (Subaru Forester). The Lexus LBX saves you roughly $1,169 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $1,169 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus LBX and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $1,560.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus LBX and Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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