Subaru Forester vs Lexus LBX
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $4,060.
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 $47,839 and $52,305 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $4,990 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Lexus LBX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus LBX packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru Forester.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Lexus LBX. The Lexus LBX counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus LBX is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 465mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 332L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Subaru Forester a 188L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $1,311/year for the Lexus LBX. That is a $998 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $1,311 (Lexus LBX). The Lexus LBX saves you roughly $998 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $998 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, Subaru Forester and Lexus LBX?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $4,060.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Lexus LBX 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 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Lexus LBX is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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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