2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014 and a textured insert in 2020. The 2021 model didn’t see any new styling changes, but it did come with standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall interior quality lagged behind contemporary expectations.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester was all about functionality and practicality. Available in multiple trims, including the new Wilderness model, it started at an MSRP of $25,195 and topped out at $35,295 for the Touring trim. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a rugged design with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces that exuded quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens could be cumbersome. Overall, the Forester’s interior was well-made, and the new front styling improved its looks, though the Wilderness’s cladding and matte-black hood decal were not universally appealing.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample grunt for acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the vehicle’s 5,130-pound weight made itself known at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added even more off-road features, making the GX a formidable off-road vehicle. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester’s fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The driving experience was pleasant, with the engine emitting a characteristic boxer-style grumble. However, at higher altitudes, the naturally aspirated engine felt sluggish, highlighting the need for a turbocharger. The CVT’s eight programmed ratios and the SI-Drive system’s Sport mode made the Forester acceptably energetic. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road capability, with the Wilderness model offering 9.2 inches of ground clearance and enhanced approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, from city streets to off-road trails, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics revealed its age. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel’s odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made it feel like driving a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, though forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best reserved for children due to limited space and difficult access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality and practicality. Entry and exit were easy, thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and washable material on the rear seatbacks, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high in both the front and back seats, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space was decent, with various bins and bottle holders, though Subaru missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These figures made the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs, comparable to the Honda CR-V and larger than the Mazda CX-5.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, reflecting its decade-old design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably absent. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, with a separate display for time and temperature using a seven-segment format. However, Lexus included analog controls for nearly everything, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces in other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a more modern tech experience. Even the base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The test vehicle’s navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss. The PIN Code Access feature allowed outdoor enthusiasts to leave the key fob in the SUV and use a PIN code to re-enter the vehicle, adding to the Forester’s practicality.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 GX.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring a wider field of vision and smoother operation. The new Automatic Emergency Steering system helped add stability during collision avoidance maneuvers. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology that monitored for drowsiness and distraction. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with 5-star ratings in all evaluations except for rollover resistance, which received a 4-star rating. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 Forester, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating.