2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid presented a fresh design for its sixth-generation model, adopting a more conventional and cohesive look compared to its predecessor. This redesign resulted in a blockier shape, reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer, which added visual heft but sacrificed some of the Forester's distinctiveness. Despite this, the Forester maintained a rugged appearance with black plastic elements hinting at its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester Hybrid featured a modernized cabin with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument panel exclusive to the hybrid model. While hard plastics were prevalent, soft-touch materials were strategically placed in high-contact areas, ensuring comfort and durability. The top Touring trim offered additional luxuries like a contrasting black roof and heated outboard rear seats, enhancing the overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out due to its standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The TX retained its large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, complemented by rear LED lighting and a small roof spoiler. Inside, the TX provided luxury features such as multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles, while innovative, seemed unnecessary, and the interior could have benefited from more attention to detail. Despite these shortcomings, the TX offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing a combined 194 horsepower. This setup included two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, replacing the CVT found in non-hybrid models. The Forester's all-wheel-drive system, combined with its hybrid components, provided better traction and consistent off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made the vehicle feel slower than it was, especially at higher speeds. The ride quality was firm, with larger 19-inch wheels contributing to some passenger jostling. However, the Forester Hybrid excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous drivers.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, catering to various driving needs. The TX featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity for a more responsive experience. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. Its suspension effectively absorbed bumps, and the brakes were firm and linear. The all-wheel-drive system offered flexibility, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed, while Trail Mode maintained traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unobstructed forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The cockpit felt open and airy, with ample space for various body types. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, though they were not overly generous. The Forester Hybrid offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for added convenience. The upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, and an optional digital rearview mirror ensured visibility even when fully loaded.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, accommodating full-sized adults with ease. However, folding the second row flat required a series of lever flips, which could be cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, while the cupholders were versatile and removable. Climate controls were primarily on the screen, with physical dials for temperature adjustments. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, adding to their practicality.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. Physical buttons flanking the screen allowed for no-look temperature adjustments, while the X-Mode off-road drive menu provided simple terrain-related controls. External camera views were particularly useful for off-roading, and higher trim levels included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues occasionally arose. A subscription was needed for in-dash navigation and other features, limiting access for some users. The back-up camera offered a clear view, with an available bird’s-eye view for added convenience. The TX also featured seven USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered on the go.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features was standard, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Rear automatic braking and automatic high beams were also included, with a driver attention monitor on the top Touring trim. The systems functioned smoothly, with the option to disable audible alarms for lane-keep assist.

The 2026 Lexus TX came equipped with Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, setting it up through the steering wheel controls was confusing. The NHTSA awarded five stars to the TX 350 and TX 500h, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front crash test. The TX offered hands-free driving via a subscription, adding to its safety features.