Lexus UX 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 UX starts from $46,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $3,410.
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 $51,590 and $47,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus UX by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus UX 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 UX stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting 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 UX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Petrol producing 126kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 126kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus UX is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus UX measures 4,495mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 160mm 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 419L in the Lexus UX and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 77L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,653/year for the Lexus UX and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Lexus UX) vs $2,252 (Subaru Forester). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $599 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Subaru Forester has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX 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, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Subaru Forester adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus UX and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus UX by $3,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 has the best warranty?
The Subaru Forester has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Lexus UX is quickest to 100km/h in 9.7s.
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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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