2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The material fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus, but the gauge cluster and center stack design felt dated compared to competitors. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, though it was more of a gimmick. The center stack featured an outdated CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, limiting small-item storage space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in several trims: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, with the Touring trim topping out at $35,295. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. The test vehicle included options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, bringing the total to $36,014.

The Forester's design emphasized function over form, with a homely exterior and rugged Wilderness trim. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality, combining hard plastic and soft surfaces for a quality feel. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens were less than ideal. The Wilderness trim added copper-colored stitching and accents, enhancing the SUV's rugged appeal.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive were standard, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Wilderness trim also doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive for a more responsive feel. The dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different terrains, and the Wilderness trim included longer springs and shocks for improved ground clearance and off-road capability. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX had 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. 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. The Forester offered comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports.

Cargo space in the Forester measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the 60/40-split rear seat down increased the capacity to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof), making it one of the roomiest in its class. The Wilderness trim also included a full-size spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. The Wilderness trim added a 180-degree forward-view camera, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The PIN Code Access feature allowed owners to leave the key fob in the SUV and re-enter using a PIN code.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.