Subaru Forester vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness model, was a testament to Subaru's commitment to utility and rugged aesthetics. Redesigned in 2025, the Forester Wilderness stood out with its lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and distinctive anodized copper accents. The exterior design, with exclusive wheel designs and extra body cladding, was polarizing but seemed to fit the Forester's adventurous spirit better than other Subaru models. Inside, the Forester Wilderness was equipped for adventure, featuring water-resistant artificial leather and all-weather floor mats, ensuring easy cleanup after off-road escapades. Copper accents and Wilderness emblems added a touch of flair to the interior, while the absence of seat ventilation was a minor drawback. The Forester's practicality was further enhanced by a long list of accessory upgrades, including gear attachments and pet-friendly features.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid exuded a more refined and sporty aesthetic. The NX 350h F Sport 3 model featured an aggressive front with a large spindle grille and squinting LED headlights, giving it a bold presence. The profile was sleek, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares, emphasizing its road-oriented design. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, boasting a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled towards the driver. The interior was adorned with dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, creating a luxurious and sporty ambiance. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX prioritized comfort with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and comfort.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the turbocharged punch 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, though most drivers likely wouldn't use them. The Forester's towing capacity increased to 1,587 kilograms, thanks to improved transmission cooling. Equipped with Subaru's Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings, the Forester Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions, boasting increased ground clearance and underbody protection. On pavement, it offered a comfortable ride and secure handling, though fuel efficiency was modest, averaging 10.4 L/100 km during testing.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 240 horsepower. While not as sporty as its name suggested, the NX offered controlled handling with adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension. The steering was weighty but lacked feedback, and the ride was firm yet comfortable. The hybrid powertrain provided adequate acceleration, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, though power delivery felt slushy at times. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power at 340 hp for those seeking a more spirited drive. Overall, the NX Hybrid prioritized comfort and efficiency over outright sportiness, making it a suitable choice for those valuing a smooth and composed ride.

The 2026 Subaru Forester continued its tradition of prioritizing function over form, with a classic two-box design maximizing passenger and cargo space. The Forester Wilderness offered comfortable heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver and manual adjustments for the passenger. Rear seat comfort was commendable, with ample legroom and foot space, while the new centre console design improved storage options. The Forester provided 779 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,957 litres with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, particularly the F Sport 3 model, offered a spacious and comfortable interior with well-bolstered front seats and ample room for tall adults. Power seat and steering wheel adjustments ensured a comfortable driving position, while features like heated and ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The rear seat provided adequate space for two adults, though legroom could be tight for taller passengers. The NX's cargo space was relatively modest for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. Despite its coupe-like roofline, the NX offered sufficient space for everyday needs, though it lagged behind competitors like the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60 in cargo capacity.

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 a three-year MySubaru subscription. While the system was comprehensive, the interface could be cluttered, and the voice recognition system struggled with complex commands. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward view camera system, though the camera's distorted view made it challenging to trust in off-road situations. A Harman Kardon premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging added to the Forester's tech appeal.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM compatibility, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The infotainment system was responsive, with a driver-oriented touchscreen and physical controls for volume and temperature. Optional features included a head-up display, wireless phone charger, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX's tech package was comprehensive, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.

The 2026 Subaru Forester was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight package, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-centring assist. Additional safety features included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Emergency Stop Assist. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to rear passenger safety concerns.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid excelled in safety, earning the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Optional features included automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The NX's safety systems performed well during testing, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.