Subaru Forester vs Lexus UX
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 UX opens at $46,900. 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 $47,839 and $51,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus UX by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Lexus UX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 96% for the Lexus UX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus UX packs more ADAS features with 6 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. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 8 in the Lexus UX.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus UX gets a 10.3-inch display. 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 UX. The Lexus UX counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting. 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 UX responds with a Petrol making 126kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 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 Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 160mm longer than the Lexus UX at 4,495mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 217L in the Lexus UX, giving the Subaru Forester a 303L advantage.
0Turning 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,052/year for the Lexus UX. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,052 (Lexus UX). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $257 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 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX). The Subaru Forester has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus UX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus UX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus'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 $257 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, Subaru Forester and Lexus UX?
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 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Lexus UX 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 has the best warranty?
The Subaru Forester has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
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.
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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