Subaru Forester vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

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Lexus NX

$59,900 - $103,598

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Subaru Forester

2025 Lexus NX

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

1.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

87 km

Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

Dislikes

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Forester 2025 Lexus NX

Verdict

The MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

Verdict

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Subaru Forester vs Lexus NX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Forester vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?