2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a balance between being different and familiar. Its exterior, with the F Sport Black Line package, featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the design felt radical at its debut but had become familiar over time. The interior included an F Sport heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and NuLuxe upholstery, though the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality over form. The Wilderness model, with its rugged appearance, featured a suspension lift and protective cladding. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, offering a sense of quality construction. The Forester’s design prioritized utility, making it ideal for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with increased torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester excelled in various terrains, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger left it feeling sluggish at higher altitudes.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The cargo space was also minimal, with 16.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats up. Despite these limitations, the front seats provided excellent support, and features like a power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized ease of use, with tall seating positions for easy entry and exit. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and practical features like upgraded roof rails and a full-size spare tire. Cargo space was generous, with up to 74.2 cubic feet available, making it one of the roomiest in its class.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, and the base audio system lacked quality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a more user-friendly experience, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and available upgrades to an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera, and features like PIN Code Access added convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received top safety ratings, including a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, enhancing accuracy and stability. It included features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Forester earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, and it was expected to retain its “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.