Subaru Forester vs Lexus RX Hybrid

2023 Subaru Forester
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
$49,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
$49,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

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Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid scores slightly higher than the 2023 Subaru Forester with a 7.5 out of 10. Therefore, if you prioritize a luxurious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is the recommended choice.

Overview

MSRP

$26,395

MSRP

$49,400

Average price

$20,521

Average price

$33,971

Listings

9213

Listings

3758
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Spacious interior
  • Exceptionally practical
Cons
  • Underwhelming engine
  • Poor voice recognition
  • Uncomfortable back seat
Pros
  • RX 350h trims are fuel efficient
  • RX 500h trims are fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • RX 500h delivers poor fuel economy
  • Not much cargo space
  • Poor head-up display integration

Reviews Summary

Sheer practicality defines the 2023 Subaru Forester, a compact crossover SUV where form follows function without fail. In turn, the 2023 Forester possesses the power to make your life easier in nearly every respect. From its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and generous ground clearance to its roomy interior and sizable cargo hold, it effortlessly tackles most daily tasks with a shrug.

This year, Subaru continues to refine the Forester, adding next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system. Unfortunately, though, the Forester still lacks a turbocharged engine option or an electrified drivetrain.

Reviews Summary

During the past three years, the RX 450h hybrid has accounted for an average of 15.4% of all Lexus RX sales in the U.S. Now, a redesigned 2023 Lexus RX is set to go on sale by the end of 2022, and the automaker will offer three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. Based on time spent driving two of these three new 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models, we expect them to at least double, if not triple, the previous-generation RX 450h’s share of sales. As long as the price is right, of course.

Search for a Lexus RX Hybrid on CarGurus

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

2.5L 246 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

246 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

37

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

34
2023 Subaru Forester
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
$49,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
$49,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

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Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid scores slightly higher than the 2023 Subaru Forester with a 7.5 out of 10. Therefore, if you prioritize a luxurious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and modern technology, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is the recommended choice.

Overview
MSRP
$26,395
$49,400
Average price
$20,521
$33,971
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.5
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Spacious interior
  • Exceptionally practical
Cons
  • Underwhelming engine
  • Poor voice recognition
  • Uncomfortable back seat
Pros
  • RX 350h trims are fuel efficient
  • RX 500h trims are fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • RX 500h delivers poor fuel economy
  • Not much cargo space
  • Poor head-up display integration
Summary

Sheer practicality defines the 2023 Subaru Forester, a compact crossover SUV where form follows function without fail. In turn, the 2023 Forester possesses the power to make your life easier in nearly every respect. From its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and generous ground clearance to its roomy interior and sizable cargo hold, it effortlessly tackles most daily tasks with a shrug.

This year, Subaru continues to refine the Forester, adding next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system. Unfortunately, though, the Forester still lacks a turbocharged engine option or an electrified drivetrain.

During the past three years, the RX 450h hybrid has accounted for an average of 15.4% of all Lexus RX sales in the U.S. Now, a redesigned 2023 Lexus RX is set to go on sale by the end of 2022, and the automaker will offer three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. Based on time spent driving two of these three new 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models, we expect them to at least double, if not triple, the previous-generation RX 450h’s share of sales. As long as the price is right, of course.

Search for a Lexus RX Hybrid on CarGurus

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
2.5L 246 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
246 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
26
37
MPG Highway
33
34
Look and feel
2023 Subaru Forester
5/10
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Subaru Forester as 5 out of 10 and the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid as 8 out of 10 for look and feel. The 2023 Forester's appearance is described as busy, with a mix of gray and silver lower body and bumper cladding. The interior features traditional Subaru design with analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, and an information display at the top of the dashboard. The 2023 RX 350h Luxury features beautiful Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, giving it a luxurious look and feel.
Performance
2023 Subaru Forester
7/10
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Subaru Forester and the Lexus RX Hybrid 7 out of 10 for performance. Every Subaru Forester has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It powers all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new 2023 RX 350h is expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving. It produces 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Form and function
2023 Subaru Forester
8/10
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Subaru Forester 8 out of 10 and the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid for form and function. The Subaru Forester is described as all about function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. It offers ample interior storage and a usefully shaped cargo area with hooks for grocery bags and tie-downs for cargo. The 2023 RX Hybrid offers a new infotainment system, a long-overdue upgrade that brings the SUV into the modern era. It also features a user profile that saves preferred vehicle settings.
Technology
2023 Subaru Forester
7/10
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Subaru Forester 7 out of 10 and the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 6 out of 10 for technology. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8-inch touchscreen display is available, paving the way to upgrades such as a navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The 2023 RX Hybrid gets a new infotainment system, a long-overdue upgrade that brings the SUV into the modern era. However, to optimize this technology, you’ll need to pay for the connected services plans after the complimentary trial subscriptions expire.
Safety
2023 Subaru Forester
8/10
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
8/10
CarGurus experts both rate the 2023 Subaru Forester and the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 8 out of 10 for safety. The 2023 Forester features the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras providing a wider field of view. Every 2023 RX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), a robust collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), and Proactive Driving Assist.
Cost Effectiveness
2023 Subaru Forester
9/10
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Subaru Forester 9 out of 10 and the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 8 out of 10 for cost effectiveness. The 2023 Forester is described as a terrific all-around vehicle that’s ready for just about anything. It offers standard AWD, more off-road capability than most rivals, and is expected to deliver good reliability over time. The cost-effectiveness of the new, fifth-generation RX Hybrid models is difficult to assess because Lexus hasn’t finalized the pricing. However, the RX 350h is expected to be the best deal in the lineup, offering a nominal premium over the RX 350 AWD without a performance penalty.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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