Lexus LX vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Lexus LX. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus LX features a 12.3-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 LX stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus LX gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the Lexus LX and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.

Drivetrain

The Lexus LX uses a Petrol producing 305kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus LX measures 5,100mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 445mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 487L in the Lexus LX and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 9L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 2.0 m tighter, 10.8 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus LX costs about $3,392 a year (11.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,140 a year less for the Subaru Forester.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus LX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus LX), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Lexus LX: more power (305kW against 136kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,800kg).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $167,700), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 487L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,252 a year against $3,392).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 61

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Lexus LX's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Subaru Forester ahead by 44 points), fuel economy (Subaru Forester ahead by 37 points), performance (Lexus LX ahead by 35 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Forester costs about $1,140 less (7.9 L/100km against 11.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions