2024 Lexus GX vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a familiar aesthetic, reminiscent of its predecessors over the past two decades. Its design, especially in the Cascade Green Silica paint, was unassuming, yet functional. The Forester's exterior was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, giving it a utilitarian appearance. The Premier trim, however, added a touch of elegance with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester Premier featured brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, creating a traditional Subaru interior with a mix of analog and digital displays. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the cabin was practical and easy to clean, with a straightforward control layout that emphasized functionality over flair.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold, geometric design, departing from the softer lines of its predecessor. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The GX's side profile was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The interior of the GX was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. The dashboard was dominated by a large 14-inch touchscreen, complemented by rotary knobs for climate control. The GX's design was both luxurious and utilitarian, offering a blend of comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic with eight programmed ratios. The Forester featured Subaru's Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system, offering a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. Additionally, the Forester came equipped with an X-Mode off-road traction control system, including hill descent control and settings for Deep Snow and Mud in higher trims. During testing, the Forester Premier demonstrated its capability in adverse weather conditions, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than expected, but its excellent driving dynamics and suspension tuning provided a comfortable and engaging ride. The Forester returned a fuel economy of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below its official rating.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous V8, offering more power and torque at lower revs. The GX utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and assertive gear changes. Standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential ensured excellent off-road capability. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced stability and wheel articulation. During testing, the GX impressed with its acceleration and braking performance, maintaining composure on both on-road and off-road terrains. Despite its size, the GX handled twists and turns with minimal body roll, showcasing its refined driving dynamics.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Touring trim provided features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, along with dual-zone climate control and heated rear seats. The Forester excelled in outward visibility, thanks to its tall glass and thin pillars. However, the panoramic sunroof lacked sufficient tinting, leading to solar heating issues. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 762 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,957 litres with the seats folded. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and a power liftgate for easy access.

The 2024 Lexus GX offered a more minimalist and sophisticated interior design, with a focus on essential controls. The first and second rows provided ample space for adults, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX's cargo capacity was impressive, with 292 litres behind the third row and up to 2,178 litres with the seats folded. Overtrail models offered even more cargo space, with 1,291 litres available. The GX's interior was both luxurious and practical, catering to the needs of passengers and cargo alike.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available in higher trims. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a preferred choice for navigation and commands.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included an intelligent voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet for charging devices. Higher trims featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Subaru Forester came equipped with the next-generation EyeSight system, offering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forester's safety features performed well, but the Rear Automatic Braking system was overly sensitive. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it fell short in some new crash tests.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GX's proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence in its safety performance.