Subaru Forester vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a testament to Cadillac's flair for exterior styling, boasting a street presence that was hard to ignore. Although it was categorized as an SUV, its long hood and low ground clearance gave it the appearance of a sleek sedan, reminiscent of the classic Seville Elegante from the early 1980s. The LYRIQ featured a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track, with vertical light bars and nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille, adorned with lighting effects, varied across trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The vehicle's wraparound taillights and steeply raked glass window added to its unique style, while the interior was a showcase of luxury with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and capability, with a design that was more refined and generic compared to its predecessors. The Forester featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport trim adding bronze accents and 19-inch wheels. The vehicle maintained its large-greenhouse shape, with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window design. Inside, the Forester offered a functional cabin with cloth upholstery and StarTex material in the Sport trim, while higher trims boasted genuine leather seating. The interior had a more intentional design, with structural dash elements and a dark headliner to resist marks from pets and gear.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque for AWD, with a standard single rear motor offering 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kWh battery pack provided a claimed range of 314 miles for RWD and 307 miles for AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery topping to 80% in 30-35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its 5,800-pound weight, resulting in significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the vehicle lacked handling-enhancing features like torque vectoring or magnetic dampers.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, while not a powerhouse, offered a reliable 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The CVT and Symmetrical AWD system were standard, providing stability and traction. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced off-road capability with features like Hill Descent Control. The Forester Sport's performance was stable on various surfaces, with smooth steering and seamless X-Mode activation. Fuel economy was modest, with the EPA rating the Forester at 26 mpg city and 33 highway, slightly lower for Sport and Touring trims. A hybrid version was anticipated, promising improved efficiency.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic dash tray were notable issues. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was cumbersome, and drive mode selection was overly complex. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet when folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, and the Forester's roomy second row contributed to its practicality. The interior included a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, with higher trims offering additional features like seat ventilation and memory settings. The Forester's cargo capacity was competitive, though slightly less than some rivals like the Toyota RAV4.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ excelled in technology with its 33-inch OLED screen, divided into three sections for various controls. The infotainment system featured Google Maps and Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Super Cruise system offered exceptional hands-free driving, with a helpful colored bar on the steering wheel. The 19-speaker AKG stereo provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like dual USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim offered a navigation system with TomTom and SiriusXM Travel Link, along with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru's Starlink connected services added new capabilities, enhancing the Forester's technological appeal.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, while also untested by NHTSA and IIHS, was expected to perform well based on the 2024 model's ratings. It featured Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, with enhancements for 2025. The Touring trim offered advanced safety features like Emergency Stop Assist and a digital rearview mirror, ensuring a comprehensive safety package.