2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, especially in the Luxury trim with its striking 22-inch silver wheels, which significantly enhanced its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for FWD or AWD. Our test model, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and included several packages, bringing the total MSRP to $67,869. The interior, while luxurious, felt a bit dark due to the Peppercorn color scheme, but overall, it met the expectations of a Lexus badge.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, traditionally known for its practicality over aesthetics, received notable styling updates. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a more generic look that some might find less distinctive. The Forester Sport, which we tested, had bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, adding a mature touch. The vehicle maintained its large-greenhouse shape with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window design. Inside, the Forester Sport offered StarTex upholstery with brown contrast stitching, while higher trims like Limited and Touring provided genuine leather seating. The cabin had a more intentional design with structural dash elements, enhancing its overall appeal. Despite its focus on function, the Forester's updated look and feel made it a more attractive option for 2025.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate for typical driving, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD could be irritating. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and better traction in adverse conditions. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system. Despite the modest power increase, the Forester's engine was quieter than expected, especially at lower speeds. The X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester Sport's performance was stable and confident on various surfaces, including snow and mud. The EPA rated the Forester at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with a slight decrease for Sport and Touring trims. A hybrid version was anticipated, but fuel economy figures were not yet available.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models, and provided decent cargo space even when in use. The TX had numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space slightly to 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks. While the Forester's cargo space was competitive, it was slightly less than some rivals due to its roomy second row. The interior included a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, with heated and ventilated options on higher trims. The Forester's design focused on practicality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The TX also provided free subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

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 had two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims included USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim featured a voice-activated navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, available on Sport and Limited trims. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite offered additional capabilities, including Valet Mode and Remote Vehicle Configuration.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered Starlink Connected Services with Emergency Stop Assist, available on the Touring trim. This feature slowed the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The Forester included Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, with enhancements for 2025, such as a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. While crash-test ratings for the 2025 model were not yet available, the 2024 Forester received high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.