Compare the2023 Subaru ForesterVS 2023 Lexus UX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Forester. But it costs extra on the UX.

Both the Forester and the UX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Lexus UX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Lexus UX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are almost 3 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Forester’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Forester’s reliability 11 points higher than the UX.

The Forester’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 1 more horsepower (182 vs. 181) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Forester lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The UX doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The Forester has 6 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX (16.6 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Forester’s brake rotors are larger than those on the UX:

The Forester stops much shorter than the UX:

The Forester Wilderness has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the UX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Forester’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the UX (105.1 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

The Forester Limited handles at .82 G’s, while the UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Forester Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD (27.3 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Forester has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The UX uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Forester uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The UX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Forester has 21.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the UX (111.6 vs. 90.4).

The Forester has 3.9 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, .3 inches more front hip room, 3 inches more front shoulder room, 3.3 inches more rear headroom, 6.3 inches more rear legroom, 1.3 inches more rear hip room and 4.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the UX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s rear seats recline. The UX’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Forester has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the UX (28.9 vs. 17.1 cubic feet).

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the Forester Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The UX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The Forester has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The UX has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Forester uses the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The UX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The engine in the Forester is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the UX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s exterior PIN entry system. The UX doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Both the Forester and the UX offer available heated front seats. The Forester Touring also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the UX.

Insurance will cost less for the Forester owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Forester will cost $235 to $2145 less than the UX over a five-year period.

The Forester will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Forester will retain 54.16% to 57.43% of its original price after five years, while the UX only retains 50.29% to 53.08%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Subaru Forester will be $3630 to $6778 less than for the Lexus UX.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Forester as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Forester outsold the Lexus UX by over 11 to one during 2022.