2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, certainly had a commanding visual presence. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023 with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side. With a wheelbase of 109.8 inches and minimal overhangs, it looked engineered for off-road adventures. The flared fenders added to its chunky motif, but the overall design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. Inside, the GX had a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, reflecting its low sales and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. Features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery added to its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, maintained a homely appearance, resembling its predecessors from the past two decades. Our test vehicle, in Cascade Green Silica paint, blended into the sea of green Foresters. The Forester came in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with prices ranging from $26,395 to $36,495, excluding the $1,225 destination charge. Our Touring trim test vehicle was priced at $37,720.

The Forester's design was functional, resembling two boxes on wheels, similar to a shrunken Subaru Ascent. The Touring trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Robust roof rails, capable of supporting a tent, added to its practicality. Inside, the Forester Touring featured exclusive Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. The interior was busy, with a mix of hard plastic and traditional buttons and knobs, making it easy to use and clean.

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. The V8 delivered a linear rise in power and noise, providing plenty of low-end torque. However, it lagged behind more modern engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid, which offered better performance and fuel economy. The GX's V8 had an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, which was less appealing compared to other modern SUVs.

The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading. Its weight made it roll through corners, but the roll felt predictable and controllable. The GX's driving dynamics had improved over the years, with communicative road feel, strong brakes, and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for better traction. The GX's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. All Foresters, except the Base trim, had an X-Mode off-road traction management system with various driving modes.

The Forester Wilderness trim offered additional off-roading capabilities, but our test vehicle was the tamer Touring trim. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Forester handled flooded roads, rain-blasted freeways, and muddy trails with ease. On dry roads, the Forester Touring felt livelier than the Outback with the same powertrain, thanks to its lighter weight. The 2.5-liter engine was adequate but not exciting, and the Forester's excellent driving dynamics made up for its modest power.

The Forester's ride was comfortable yet communicative, with light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and well-tuned suspension. It handled undulating mountain roads without the lateral rocking and fore-aft motions common in other SUVs. However, a turbocharged engine would have been a welcome addition, especially for high-altitude driving. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 29 mpg combined.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces, making it easier to use.

The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The GX's side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated and required effort 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 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. The Premium trim offered features like a panoramic glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. Higher trims added StarTex artificial leather, genuine leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats.

The Forester's outward visibility was excellent, with tall glass, thin windshield pillars, and large side mirrors. Entry and exit were effortless, but the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting caused solar heating issues. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats lacked leg support and had a reclined backrest angle. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful, with multiple pockets and compartments.

The Forester's cargo area was usefully shaped, with hooks, tie-downs, and hidden storage. It offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat (28.9 cubic feet in the Base trim) and 69.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded (74.2 cubic feet in the Base trim).

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo, and a CD player.

However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in competing models. The GX's off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was functional. The Base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium trim added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system was available. However, a wireless smartphone charger was absent.

The Forester's older Subaru Starlink infotainment system was preferable to newer ones, with separate climate controls, easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. The voice-recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. It included Automatic Emergency Steering, available on all trims except the Base. The Wilderness and Touring trims had Rear Automatic Braking (RAB), which could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim also had the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.

The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, down from last year's Top Safety Pick+ award, due to an Acceptable rating in a new side-impact test and a Marginal rating in a new small-overlap frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings and a four-star rollover resistance rating.