2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its familiar, utilitarian design, reminiscent of its predecessors over the past two decades. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was a nod to the many green Foresters seen on the road. The Forester came in various trims, with the Touring trim showcasing 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, enhancing its appearance. The robust roof rails were a practical feature, supporting up to 700 pounds, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Inside, the Forester Touring offered Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a traditional layout with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the interior was functional and easy to clean, with a straightforward control layout.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a more upscale and conservative design. The Luxury trim featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler look. The TX 350, with its turbocharged engine and available AWD, offered a luxurious interior with premium leather and suede upholstery. The Peppercorn interior, though dark, was complemented by a panoramic sunroof. The TX's cabin was spacious, with a third-row seat suitable for adults, addressing previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT with eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive system with a Sport mode. Most trims included an X-Mode off-road system with various driving modes. The Forester Touring handled challenging weather conditions with ease, showcasing its off-road capabilities. Despite its adequate power, the engine was louder than desired. The Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, with precise steering and effective brakes, though a turbocharged engine would have been a welcome addition. It returned 25.9 mpg, below the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in about eight seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a comfortable yet responsive driving experience. The AWD option provided better traction and slightly improved acceleration. The interior was quiet, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate for a luxury SUV, though not exceptional.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering practical features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements. The interior provided excellent visibility and easy entry and exit. However, the sunroof's lack of tinting led to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller passengers. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with them folded. Interior storage was plentiful, though some compartments were smaller than ideal.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury trim included premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was suitable for adults, with ample leg support and visibility. However, adjusting the second-row seat for third-row comfort reduced legroom. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. Storage compartments were numerous but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital panel, head-up display, and surround-view camera. The Lexus Interface system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital assistant offered impressive voice recognition, and the TX included various connectivity subscriptions. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced an updated EyeSight system with improved cameras and software. It included features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some new tests.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in. The TX lacked a high-speed hands-free driving system.