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Lexus ES vs Subaru Forester - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (302 HP vs 180 HP), trunk space and price (42,000 $ vs 30,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Lexus ES or Subaru Forester?

Lexus ES vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Lexus ES

  • significantly more power
  • markedly more efficient

Subaru Forester

  • considerably cheaper
  • very slightly lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

ES

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Subaru Forester is considerably cheaper – starting at 30,000 $ , while the Lexus ES costs 42,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 12,045 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Lexus ES performs markedly better – achieving 43 mpg, compared to 26 mpg for the Subaru Forester. That’s a difference of about 17 mpg.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Lexus ES offers significantly more power – delivering 302 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 122 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Lexus ES delivers visibly more torque with 267 lb-ft compared to 178 lb-ft. That’s about 89 lb-ft more.

ES

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is very slightly lighter – 3,510 lbs compared to 3,690 lbs. The difference is around 180 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Lexus ES is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $42,000
ES

Lexus ES

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 203 - 302 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES rides like a rolling spa, with a plush cabin, hushed manners, and the kind of build quality that makes your shoulders drop the moment you shut the door. It’s not here to light up back roads, but if you want a stress-free commute, long-haul comfort, and the peace-of-mind ownership Lexus is famous for, it nails the brief with quiet confidence.

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Reviews Lexus ES

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Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is the outdoorsy family SUV that shrugs off muddy trails and bad weather as easily as it handles school runs. With airy visibility, a practical cabin, and unflappable all-wheel-drive confidence, it delivers no-drama comfort during the week and genuine adventure vibes on the weekend without trying too hard.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
42,000 - 52,300 $
Price
30,000 - 40,300 $
FuelEconomy City
22 - 43 mpg
FuelEconomy City
25 - 26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
31 - 44 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
32 - 33 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
13.2 - 15.9 gal
Fuel tank capacity
16.6 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,690 - 3,737 lbs
Curb weight
3,510 - 3,664 lbs
Trunk Volume
13.9 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
183.3 in.
Width
73.4 in.
Width
72 in.
Height
56 in.
Height
68 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
203 - 302 HP
Power HP
180 HP
Torque
163 - 267 lb-ft
Torque
178 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 - 3.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Lexus
Brand
Subaru
What is the starting MSRP for the Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES starts at 42,000 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.