2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more generic yet refined appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents, while the Touring trim boasted chrome badging and a low-profile roof rack. The interior was upgraded with a more intentional design, offering materials like StarTex in the Sport trim and genuine leather in the Limited and Touring trims. The cabin's structural dash elements added to its appeal, providing a more sophisticated look.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured a unique Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite its price, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunches swell. The RX lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, but its overall design was dependent on the chosen version and color/wheel combination.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD as standard. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrains. The Forester Sport's performance was stable and confident on various surfaces, though acceleration was modest. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h delivered 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, focusing on efficiency. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving quick acceleration but lower fuel economy. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system. However, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations, affecting overall driving satisfaction.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet when folded. It offered a roomy second row, though cargo space was slightly less than some competitors. The interior featured a dark headliner, power-adjustable seats, and heated options in higher trims, enhancing comfort and functionality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance's front seats were snug but lacked long-term comfort. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, provided ample room for adults. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Interior storage was practical, though some compartments lacked lining, causing potential noise issues.

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. Higher trims offered additional features like dual USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trim included a navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, with options for Sport and Limited trims. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite added new capabilities for 2025.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The RX 500h model included a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though steering wheel controls were distracting. The RX's technology worked well, but occasional glitches affected the infotainment system's performance.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered advanced safety features, including Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Subaru's EyeSight suite with enhancements for 2025. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the 2024 model received high marks, suggesting continued safety excellence.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in a specific frontal-impact test.