2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with prices starting at $25,195 and topping out at $35,295 for the Touring model. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. With additional options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, the total price reached $36,014. The Wilderness trim added a rugged look with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, though the overall aesthetic was not universally appealing.

Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces that exuded quality construction but felt somewhat inexpensive and dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring physical knobs and buttons for stereo, climate, and main menu shortcuts. Despite its rugged exterior, the Forester Wilderness retained a well-made feel, though the cladding, matte-black hood decal, and copper-colored details were not immediately appealing.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short wheelbase and minimal overhangs gave it a rugged, off-road-ready appearance. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with a surprising amount of plastic material that belied its high price tag.

The GX's interior featured heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. However, the overall design felt dated, and the plastic materials detracted from the luxury experience. The GX's driving dynamics were improved, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential that made it user-friendly in various driving conditions. Despite its age, the GX remained a capable off-road vehicle, though it struggled to compete with more modern SUVs in terms of technology and refinement.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. This CVT also doubled the Forester Wilderness's towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 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 rarely called undue attention to itself. The Wilderness trim included SI-Drive for a more lively response and Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system for improved off-road capability. The re-tuned suspension and longer springs and shocks in the Wilderness trim improved ride and handling, with a ground clearance of 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, including off-road courses and forest roads, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise above 65 mph.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX's weight affected its handling, with noticeable body roll through corners, though it remained predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and solid. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjustable based on wheel slip. This made the GX user-friendly in various driving conditions, including snow and mud.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. 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 with excellent visibility, rear air conditioning vents, and quick-charge ports. 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.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained plenty of cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX featured hard buttons for controls, a sliding center console lid, and comfortable second-row captain's chairs. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester also offered a PIN Code Access feature for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the infotainment system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and an Off-Road Package.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the 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 featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older design, the GX included advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.