Lexus RX vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its recent redesign, presented a polarizing exterior with its oversized trapezoidal grille and large air inlets, which seemed awkwardly integrated into the bodywork. The hood's prominent bump added to the bulky appearance, contrasting with the sleeker designs of previous RX models. The side profile featured bulging body panels and a floating-roof design accentuated by a chrome strip, which appeared somewhat out of place. However, the rear end offered a more cohesive design with a single light strip connecting the taillights. Inside, the RX's interior was more conventional, with faux suede inserts in higher trims adding a touch of luxury. The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen was a highlight, though the simulated woodgrain on the centre console felt less convincing. Despite these minor drawbacks, the cabin was well-appointed with premium materials and sturdy construction.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid debuted with a more cohesive design, albeit at the cost of some distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and rugged appearance, enhanced by black plastic elements, gave it a more substantial presence. The hybrid model mirrored its non-hybrid sibling, with only subtle badges differentiating it. Inside, the Forester retained some of its character with a beveled dashboard and a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the rear seats prioritizing durability. The front seats offered excellent comfort, and the hybrid's ventilation system added to the overall enjoyment. While the Forester's design may have lost some personality, it gained broader appeal.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four models, starting with the RX 350, powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all models came standard with all-wheel drive. The RX 350h hybrid featured a 2.5-litre engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, using a continuously variable transmission. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-litre engine with a hybrid powertrain, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ offered 304 hp and an estimated 60 km of electric range. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered, the RX 450h+ was more responsive, reaching 96 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX prioritized comfort over sporty driving, with a soft suspension that smoothed out road imperfections but resulted in noticeable body roll.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine, producing 194 horsepower with its parallel hybrid system. The all-wheel drive system used a traditional driveshaft for better traction. Acceleration was adequate, though the hybrid transmission made it feel slower than it was. The hybrid system functioned smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and engine power. The Forester Hybrid handled predictably on twisty roads, though body roll discouraged sporty driving. Ride quality was firm, with larger wheels contributing to some passenger jostling. Off-road, the Forester Hybrid excelled with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, offering a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

The 2024 Lexus RX provided ample front seat space with standard heating and ventilation. A wireless charging pad and various storage options, including a deep centre console bin, enhanced convenience. Rear seats offered good legroom and visibility, with standard rear climate controls and USB ports. The RX's cargo space was 838 litres, expandable to 1,308 litres with folded seats, though the load floor was higher than competitors.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unobstructed forward view and spacious front seats. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, complemented by a standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets. The Forester Hybrid's cargo space was 779 litres, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for easy loading.

The 2024 Lexus RX featured a new infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, offering logical menus and quick responses. Natural speech commands and a head-up display enhanced usability. The RX included a cloud-based navigation system, though connectivity issues made Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. An optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, offering built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink system featured large buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. Off-road drive menus and external camera views aided in challenging conditions. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in NHTSA tests, with a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Some features were overly sensitive, but adjustable settings improved usability.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid received five stars from NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Standard safety features included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with additional features on top trims. The systems functioned well, with adjustable alerts for lane-keep assist.