2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the brand's modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the base RX and RX Hybrid, the performance-focused RX F Sport, and the extended-body RXL and RXL Hybrid with a third row of seating. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior offered a range of amenities from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality and practicality. The Forester Wilderness model, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a rugged design with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three-display setup was less than ideal. The Wilderness trim included water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was designed for ease of use, with tall seating hip points for easy entry and exit, and practical features like upgraded roof rails and a full-size spare tire.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive versions and RXL models had slightly lower fuel efficiency. The RX Hybrid models managed up to 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RX offered a comfortable ride with targeted steering, though the F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension for a more dynamic driving experience. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness achieved an average fuel economy of 25.9 mpg during testing. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode provided acceptable performance, though a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved the Forester's off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness trim 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 RX was a highly functional SUV, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, while the third row was tight. The RX's cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free liftgate available.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Forester Wilderness featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was functional but took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been useful. The voice recognition system was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid's longer body may impact crashworthiness, and the hybrid models were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors. There were two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system with twice the field of vision, making it more accurate and smoother. The new Automatic Emergency Steering system operated at speeds under 50 mph. 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. Starlink connected services provided access to automatic collision notification and SOS emergency assistance. Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction, with gesture control for climate adjustments. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with 5-star ratings in all evaluations except rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 Forester at the time of publication, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.