2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and additional styling elements like bronze accents on the Sport trim. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape but introduced geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window shape. Inside, the Forester offered a more intentional design with structural dash elements and various upholstery options, including the easy-to-clean StarTex material in the Sport trim. The cabin was designed to be practical and user-friendly, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced a retro look with its base 1958 model, featuring round headlights and basic equipment. The more upscale Land Cruiser trim offered a modern appearance with additional color options and a more refined interior. The Premium Package added real leather, a sunroof, and other luxury features. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized utility, with a traditional two-box SUV shape and dark gray cladding. Inside, the Land Cruiser provided a utilitarian feel with traditional switchgear, but the Premium Package elevated the experience with advanced technology and comfort features.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester's performance was stable and confident on various surfaces, though acceleration was modest. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser boasted a hybrid system with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its real-world fuel economy was lower than expected, at 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser offered a powerful and responsive driving experience, though it struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Forester's interior was spacious, with a roomy second row and various power-adjustable seating options. The dark headliner was designed to resist marks from pets and gear.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured SofTex artificial leather, with the Premium Package adding real leather and a sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second row lacked support. The high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a navigation system, Harman Kardon sound system, and Subaru's Starlink connected services with new capabilities.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless smartphone integration and various connected service plans. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology, with enhancements for 2025. Emergency Stop Assist was available on the Touring trim, along with a digital rearview mirror and reverse automatic braking. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, and Subaru expected similar results for 2025.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with varying results in specific tests.