2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness model was a standout with its distinctive design elements that catered to adventure enthusiasts. It featured a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and exclusive wheel designs, complemented by extra body cladding and anodized copper accents. The Wilderness badges added a unique touch, making it easily recognizable. The interior was designed for practicality, with water-resistant artificial leather and all-weather floor mats, ensuring easy cleanup after outdoor escapades. Despite the lack of seat ventilation, the Forester Wilderness offered a rugged yet functional aesthetic that appealed to those seeking a capable off-road vehicle.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX presented a more refined and luxurious appearance. The TX 350 and 500h models offered various packages, including Luxury, Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport, each enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic and functional appeal. The large grille, bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting contributed to its modern look, while the interior offered three colour options and ambient lighting for a warm cabin atmosphere. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though they seemed unnecessary compared to more practical interior enhancements.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the turbocharged power of the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight and shorter final-drive ratio improved low-speed responsiveness, especially off-road. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, providing a responsive driving experience. The Forester's towing capacity increased to 1,587 kilograms, and its Active Torque Split AWD system, with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings, enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Forester's fuel efficiency was moderate, averaging 10.4 L/100 km during testing.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered two powertrain options: the TX 350 with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine and the TX 500h hybrid with 366 horsepower. The TX 350 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. Both models came with AWD systems, with the TX 500h utilizing Lexus's Direct4 AWD for enhanced torque distribution. The TX provided Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. While not a sports car, the TX delivered a balanced performance, with the 500h model featuring adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality with its classic two-box design, maximizing passenger and cargo space. The interior featured comfortable heated front seats, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat comfort was commendable, with ample legroom and improved safety features. The Forester Wilderness provided 779 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,957 litres with the rear seats folded. The boxy design and numerous accessory options enhanced its practicality for carrying gear.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space, offering three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with a recline function. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable centre console, though folding the seats flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with the rear seats folded. The TX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Subaru Multimedia Plus software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and MySubaru connected services. While the system was comprehensive, it could be cluttered and challenging to navigate. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward view camera system, though the camera's distorted view was a drawback.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX included a digital key, voice assistant, and remote start features via subscription. The back-up camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system assisted with parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices remained charged.

The 2026 Subaru Forester was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight package, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Emergency Stop Assist. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, offering forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS for most crash tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in the small overlap front crash test.