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.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$55,370RRP
- with the Subaru Forester's standard kit: $55,370 (nothing to add; 4 with no data, not charged)
$45,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus UX starts from $55,370 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $9,380.
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 $60,907 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus UX by roughly $5,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Lexus UX. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Lexus UX
- REC-006617 · published 3 Jun 2026Due to a software error, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual engine oil pressure light, engine coolant temperature, electrical charge, and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
Subaru Forester
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001604 · published 2 Jun 2021The rear stabiliser bracket bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-001224 · published 3 Dec 2019Over time the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may fracture, allowing the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 8 more on the model page.
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 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 power tailgate and Lexus Premium Sound audio — 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 UX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Hybrid producing 146kW and 188Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Lexus UX has the clear power advantage at 146kW vs 136kW. 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 320L in the Lexus UX and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 176L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,197/year for the Lexus UX and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $1,055 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus UX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX) / 5yr (Subaru Forester).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX if: You prioritise performance, 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, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru Forester: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 74
The Subaru Forester comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 74), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Lexus UX ahead by 33), safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 27), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 23). The Lexus UX will save you roughly $1,055 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 UX and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus UX by $9,380.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 4.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We hold no ANCAP data for Lexus UX, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L with the seats up (1,174L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus UX makes the most power at 146kW.
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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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