2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design, which was more palatable on this model compared to other Lexus vehicles. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged from the early 2010s, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some might find outdated. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, though redesigned in 2019, carried over much of its previous generation's styling. The boxy, upright shape appealed to many SUV shoppers, and the Forester Sport model added distinctive orange striping and black alloy wheels. The interior was practical, with a no-nonsense mix of materials designed to withstand wear and tear. The Forester offered generous headroom and legroom, and its cargo space was competitive, though it lacked some features like a sliding second-row bench.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The GX's V8 provided a robust driving experience, though its fuel economy was less impressive at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with features like adjustable suspension height and various 4WD modes, making it suitable for rugged terrains and towing up to 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. While adequate for most driving situations, the engine lacked the power for quick highway merges and overtakes. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride but poor body control. Standard AWD and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, though it was better suited for light off-roading compared to the GX. The Forester's fuel economy was more favorable, with better efficiency than the GX.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in higher trims. However, accessing the third row was cumbersome for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, and its side-opening rear hatch was less practical than a traditional liftgate. The separately opening rear window was a useful feature for quick access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided ample headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline. It offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, the Forester's power liftgate was a convenient feature. The interior had practical storage solutions, though some areas like the phone-storage cubby were less accommodating.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its simplicity and large buttons made it user-friendly. The system was a true touchscreen, avoiding the frustrating Lexus Remote Touch cursor system found in newer models.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured the Subaru Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and navigation. The system was easy to use, though the screen was slow to boot up. Additional displays provided secondary information, but the setup felt overly complex.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's high driving position and large windows enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also featured a driver-monitoring system, unique among mainstream brands. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.