2021 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX, available in NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport gasoline models, showcased a design that was both familiar and distinct within the Lexus family. Its sharp exterior lines and sculpted appearance were reminiscent of the smaller UX and larger RX models, maintaining a size comparable to the Toyota RAV4. Standard features included power-folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior, with a focus on high-quality materials and a traditional gauge cluster design. However, the center stack's outdated layout and limited storage space were notable drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a classic and boxy shape that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. Its styling was straightforward, with the Base trim featuring 17-inch steel wheels and a clean look. The Forester Sport model added orange accents and black 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, offering a rugged yet practical design. The interior was functional, with cloth upholstery on lower trims and leather on higher ones, and an All-Weather Package available for added comfort. The Forester's design emphasized durability and practicality, with a focus on usability over luxury.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. While the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—affecting throttle response and steering assist. Its towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, with a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The engine's boxer configuration provided a lower center of gravity, but power felt merely adequate, especially during highway maneuvers. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in significant body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. All-wheel drive was standard, with X-Mode enhancing traction on various surfaces. The Forester's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds, with Trailer Stability Assist included. Despite its comfort-oriented setup, the Forester's handling was less engaging than some competitors.

The Lexus NX's interior was upscale and comfortable, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear occupants. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. However, cargo space was limited, with only 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was optional.

The Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, offering generous headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall roofline. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's interior was practical, with well-sized cupholders and a reasonably sized center console, though the phone-storage cubby was small.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch option available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on Sport models. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and backup analog controls. However, the screen was slow to boot up. Additional displays provided secondary information, though the setup was somewhat complex.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect offered emergency assistance and collision notification. The NX was backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured the EyeSight suite, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Subaru's DriverFocus system monitored driver attention. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.