2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its distinctive spindle grille and refined styling details. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high.

For 2022, the Subaru Forester came in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $25,195 and topping out at $35,295 for the Touring. The destination charge was an additional $1,125, and all-wheel drive was standard on every Forester. The new-for-2022 Forester Wilderness was tested in Bend, Oregon, featuring white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945, including destination. The test vehicle also had an option package with a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, bringing the total price to $36,014.

The Forester's interior emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical knobs and buttons for stereo, climate, and main menu shortcuts was easy to use. The Wilderness trim featured copper-colored stitching and accents, a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a rugged look. The Forester's interior was practical, with comfortable seating, rear air conditioning vents, and ample storage space. The cargo area was usefully shaped, with 28.9 cubic feet of space without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, while the NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX had 7.7 inches of ground clearance, limiting its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the previous year, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters had 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 and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated 26 mpg in combined driving for the Forester Wilderness, with observed fuel economy of 25.9 mpg during testing.

The Forester's engine emitted the characteristic grumble of a boxer-style engine, and the CVT featured eight programmed ratios. The Wilderness trim included Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system, which managed speed during hill descents and offered improved ground clearance of 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, including off-road courses and forest roads, with its long-travel suspension absorbing bumps and maintaining good road feel. The Wilderness trim's modifications, including Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and a standard aluminum front skid plate, made it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, with a cozy and intimate dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim featured better-bolstered front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior. The StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness trim was water-resistant, and the SUV included standard all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable material on the rear seatbacks. 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's front and rear seats were comfortable, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. The cargo area 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 down.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. The Premium trim offered access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, with options for a navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed owners to leave the key fob in the SUV and use a PIN code to re-enter the vehicle.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear pedestrian detection. Premium trim added an adaptive front lighting system, rain-sensing wipers, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with a wider field of vision and new Automatic Emergency Steering. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also had a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology that monitored for drowsiness and distraction. The 2022 Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick+" rating.