2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark, was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and capability, with significant attention given to its styling. The Forester's design was smoothed out, appearing more generic but still attractive. The Sport trim featured bronze accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Limited and Premier trims had 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, respectively. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window design. The interior featured StarTex material in the Sport trim, with genuine leather in the Limited and Premier trims. The cabin had a more intentional look, with structural dash elements that were attractive and not cheap-feeling.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque. The fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension that provided a comfortable ride and accurate steering. The brake pedal was soft but easy to modulate, ensuring smooth stops.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came with a Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD as standard. The engine was quieter than expected, with minimal noise at low speeds. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard in Canada, improved stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester Sport's performance was stable and planted on various surfaces, with smooth steering. The fuel economy was rated at 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 8.2 combined.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down. The interior had numerous storage options, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate and increased cargo space, measuring 779 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,957 litres with them folded down. The cargo area had eight heavy-duty hooks. The Forester's roomy second row contributed to its competitive cargo volume. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with power-adjustable seats and seat ventilation available in higher trims. The interior featured a dark headliner to resist marks from pets and gear.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system was available.

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. The base model had two 7-inch touchscreens and wired smartphone projection. Higher trims included dual USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system with voice activation. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was standard on the top trims. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite offered additional capabilities for 2025.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Starlink Connected Services with Emergency Stop Assist, which slowed the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with Emergency Stop Assist available on higher trims. The Forester included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane change assist system. Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technology was standard, with enhancements for 2025. The 2024 model earned high safety ratings, and Subaru expected similar results for the 2025 model.