Lexus NX vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

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 NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-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 NX stands out with head-up display, 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 NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

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

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 5mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Lexus NX a 24L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1141L vs 1174L.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg 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 0.6 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.4 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 NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 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 $827 a year less for the Lexus NX.

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

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 136kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 496L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $71,700) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 76

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Subaru Forester's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 26 points), performance (Lexus NX ahead by 6 points), value (Subaru Forester ahead by 3 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $827 less (5 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions