2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with its geometric styling and less pronounced spindle grille. The new design featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more aggressive front fascia, with a flat hood that rose above the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The SUV was available in six trim levels, with the Luxury models focusing on opulence and the Overtrail trims emphasizing off-road capabilities. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, offering a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road features, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a visual transformation, focusing on practicality and capability. The exterior featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a more generic look that smoothed out its previous design. The Forester Sport trim introduced bronze accents, while the Touring trim offered a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The interior maintained the Forester's spaciousness, with the Sport trim featuring easy-to-clean StarTex material and the Limited and Touring trims offering genuine leather seating. The cabin had a more intentional design, with structural dash elements that felt premium. Overall, the Forester's design changes aimed to enhance its practicality while maintaining its functional appeal.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, making off-road driving more accessible. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD system included a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. Despite its size, the GX demonstrated controlled on-road behavior, surprising with its composure during test drives.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD system were standard, providing stability and traction. Subaru's X-Mode system, available from the Premium trim, enhanced off-road capability with features like Hill Descent Control. The Forester Sport and higher trims offered a dual-function X-Mode for improved performance. While acceleration was modest, the Forester excelled in handling various terrains, including snow and mud. The AWD system contributed to its stability, though it impacted fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 26 mpg city and 33 highway. A hybrid version was anticipated to improve efficiency further.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior embraced a minimalist and sophisticated design, reducing physical buttons while retaining essential controls. The first and second rows offered ample space for six-foot-tall adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was best suited for children due to its limited legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, powered on the Sport trim and foot-activated on Limited. The rear glass's vertical angle increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks for added convenience. While the Forester's cargo volume was competitive, it prioritized a roomy second row, offering a comfortable experience for passengers. The interior included a dark headliner to resist marks, and the Premium trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Limited trim added eight-way power adjustability for the front passenger, while the Touring trim offered additional features like seat ventilation and heated back seats.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models included additional USB-C ports for the back seat, and all models had a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on Luxury and Overtrail+ trims. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, subscription costs after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model retained two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Premium and higher trims included dual USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim featured a voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom and SiriusXM Travel Link, along with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite offered additional capabilities, including Valet Mode and Remote Vehicle Configuration.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use. While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in the GX's safety offerings.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Starlink Connected Services, including Emergency Stop Assist, which activated in case of driver unresponsiveness. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with Emergency Stop Assist available on Touring trims. The Forester's safety suite included a rear seat reminder system and Subaru's EyeSight technology, enhanced with a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the 2024 model's Top Safety Pick award and five-star NHTSA rating set high expectations for the 2025 Forester.