Subaru Crosstrek vs Forester: Best Choice
Looking at Subaru Crosstrek vs Forester means comparing two SUVs made for adventure. They both have great features and can handle daily tasks or outdoor fun.
Deciding which one suits you involves understanding their differences. The Crosstrek is a compact SUV, perfect for city life and easy to handle.
On the other hand, the Forester has more room, making it great for families. Both have the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ensuring a smooth ride.
The Crosstrek has a 2.0L engine for saving fuel, and an optional 2.5L for extra power. Meanwhile, the Forester’s 2.5L engine offers good performance for daily use.
You’ll discover their sizes, performance, fuel economy, technology, off-roading skills, and dependability here. Whether you travel alone or with family, this comparison will help you choose wisely.
Let’s explore the differences between the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester to see which fits your life best.
Introduction To The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester
The Subaru Crosstrek shines as a compact SUV. It’s perfect for those who love a sporty look and saving on gas.
If you are a city person or like a bit of adventure off the road, this car is for you. In this subaru crosstrek overview, find out why many people love it.
The Subaru Forester, however, is all about family. It’s a traditional SUV that gives you lots of room and utility.
It’s super comfortable and practical, great for anyone who needs a dependable, roomy car. The subaru forester overview shows its big cargo space and top-notch safety features, perfect for families.
Both cars show Subaru’s focus on keeping you safe. They come with all-wheel drive, which means better control and performance.
So, whether you’re into sporty driving or need a family car, the Crosstrek and Forester are great choices.
Key Differences Between Subaru Crosstrek and Forester
When looking at Subaru Crosstrek versus Forester, they meet different desires. The Subaru Crosstrek shines in agility and fuel efficiency, perfect for individuals or small families who love driving.
It has a 2.0-liter engine for 152 horsepower, or a 2.5-liter engine for 182 horsepower. This balance gives you 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
The Subaru Forester, however, is all about space and comfort, great for families and outdoor lovers.
It provides 180 horsepower with its 2.5-liter engine, supporting a variety of family needs. With rear seats down, you get up to 75 cubic feet of space for all sorts of cargo.
Plus, it offers more torque, 178 lb-ft, ensuring a strong drive in the city and beyond. Both models have Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, but differ in tech options.
The Crosstrek comes with a 7-inch display, upgradeable to 11.6 inches in higher trims, focusing on performance tech.
The Forester, aiming at families, starts with an 8-inch display. Higher trims offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy connectivity.
These differences make it easier to choose between Crosstrek’s sportiness and Forester’s roominess according to your needs.
Subaru Crosstrek vs Forester: Size and Dimensions
Comparing the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester, size matters depending on your needs. Knowing how their sizes and spaces differ helps choose the right one.
Each model has a different exterior shape and interior roominess. This difference is key to fitting your lifestyle.
Comparing Exterior Dimensions
The Subaru Crosstrek is designed for city life. Its compact, aerodynamic shape makes it easy to handle and park, perfect for urban areas. On the other hand, the Subaru Forester’s design is all about space.
Its bigger, boxier shape is great for passengers and cargo. This makes it a top choice for families and those who love adventures.
Interior Space and Comfort Factors
The Subaru Forester beats the Crosstrek in interior space. It has more room for passengers, offering 111.6 cubic feet versus the Crosstrek’s 100.5 cubic feet.
This means more headroom and legroom in the Forester. Specifically, it gives you 41.2 inches of front headroom and 43.3 inches of front legroom.
The Crosstrek has a bit less, with 39.8 inches of front headroom and 42.9 inches of front legroom.
For cargo, the Forester has 74.2 cubic feet with the seats down, surpassing the Crosstrek’s 54.7 cubic feet.
| Dimension | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | 2024 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 100.5 cubic feet | 111.6 cubic feet |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 39.8 in / 38 in | 41.2 in / 39.6 in |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 42.9 in / 36.5 in | 43.3 in / 39.4 in |
| Cargo Volume (Behind 2nd Row) | 19.9 cubic feet | 28.9 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (Seats Folded) | 54.7 cubic feet | 74.2 cubic feet |
Performance and Engine Options
The performance of the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester heavily relies on their engine options.
Knowing the engine specifics helps in deciding which suits your driving style better.
Comparative Engine Specifications
The Subaru Crosstrek features a standard 2.0L engine. It’s great for city driving and weekend trips, offering a mix of agility and fuel efficiency.
If you want more thrill, a 2.5L engine option adds power and quickness. On the other hand, the Subaru Forester starts with a 2.5L engine.
This engine guarantees smooth drives and strong highway performance. With higher horsepower in all models, the Forester is praised for its dependability in different driving conditions.
Both vehicles come with Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, giving top-notch grip in all weather.
Your choice depends on what’s more important: the Crosstrek’s efficiency and nimbleness, or the Forester’s overall robust performance.
Fuel Efficiency of Crosstrek and Forester
The Subaru Crosstrek is great for saving gas on daily commutes. It gets 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
This shows how the subaru crosstrek fuel efficiency is great for everyday driving. Thanks to its smaller engine and light design, it offers better mileage.
This makes it a smart pick for those caring about fuel economy. The Subaru Forester also has good fuel economy.
It has 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. This makes the subaru forester fuel economy appealing to SUV buyers.
Even though it’s a bit less efficient than the Crosstrek, the Forester offers more power and space. It’s ideal for people who want versatility and fuel savings.
Both cars have all-wheel drive and a CVT. This setup helps you get the most out of your fuel, no matter the driving conditions.
So, your decision will hinge on if you prefer saving more on gas or having a mix of power and efficiency in an SUV.
Technology Features in Subaru Crosstrek and Forester
The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester come with cool tech features to help keep you safe and make your ride smoother.
Getting to know the safety tools in the Subaru Crosstrek and the tech gear in the Subaru Forester can guide you in picking the best one for you.
Advanced Safety Technologies
The Subaru models are packed with safety gear, like the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes things like adaptive cruise control and helping you stay in your lane.
The Subaru Crosstrek has extra safety tools like pre-collision braking and steering you away from potential accidents.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology in both models
- Adaptive cruise control for maintaining speed and distance
- Lane-keep assist for added safety in the lane
The Forester adds even more safety options that are great for families. This means everyone in the car can feel safer when on the move.
Infotainment Systems Comparison
The Crosstrek and Forester offer cool tech for your entertainment and info needs. The Crosstrek’s screen can be really big, up to 11.6 inches, and is super easy to use.
It also works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your favorite apps easily.
| Feature | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display Size | Up to 11.6 inches | Up to 8 inches |
| Standard Audio System | 10 speakers | 9 speakers |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Customization Options | Limited | More extensive for family needs |
The Forester’s system may be a bit smaller, at 8 inches, but it offers more ways to make it suit your family.
Whether you pick the Crosstrek or Forester, you’re getting a car that meets today’s tech expectations.
Off-Road Capability of The Crosstrek and Forester
The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester excel in off-road performance. They both have 8.7 inches of ground clearance and come with four-wheel drive.
This makes them perfect for outdoor adventures. The Crosstrek, being more compact, excels on narrow trails. The Forester, with its larger size, can carry more gear and people with ease.
The Forester boasts a larger engine, which means more power in tough terrains. It also has more room inside for cargo and passengers compared to the Crosstrek.
However, the Crosstrek isn’t left behind. It has a great towing ability. Specifically, its Wilderness edition offers a ground clearance of 9.3 inches, making it a great choice for the outdoors.
Check out the comparison table below to see key figures affecting off-road capability:
| Feature | Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | Subaru Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 182 horsepower | 182 horsepower |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Ground Clearance | 9.3 inches | 9.2 inches |
| Approach Angle | 20 degrees | 23.5 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 33 degrees | 25.4 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 21.1 degrees | 21 degrees |
| Cargo Capacity | 20.8 cubic feet (55.3 with seats folded) | 26.9 cubic feet (69.1 with seats folded) |
Both SUVs have earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This means they are safe for your off-road adventures. If you love exploring, consider what you need off-road to make the best choice.
Subaru Crosstrek vs Forester: Reliability and Maintenance
When looking at the subaru crosstrek reliability next to the subaru forester maintenance, both are highly reliable.
The Subaru Crosstrek has a great reliability score of 4.5 out of 5. This makes it the best pick in its class.
On the other side, the Subaru Forester’s reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5, placing it 21st out of 26. The yearly repair costs for the Crosstrek are about $492.
This is less than the Forester’s average of $632. People often look at the vehicle reliability comparison when choosing between these two.
The Crosstrek needs fewer repairs on average. The Forester, while dependable, has a more typical repair frequency. It has a total of 1,142 problems reported.
The Crosstrek has fewer issues to worry about, with only 8 known problems and 5 recalls.
In comparison, the Forester has to deal with 95 recalls. Yet, buyers tend to prefer the Crosstrek for its dependability.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester depends on what you need and like. If you want a small, sporty car with great gas mileage, go for the Crosstrek.
It gets 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. But if you need more room and comfort, the Forester is better.
It has more space for stuff and people, great for families and explorers. Both cars show Subaru’s focus on keeping you safe and making sure the car runs well.
The Crosstrek is a bit more reliable, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating. And it tends to have fewer problems than the Forester. The Forester keeps about 68% of its value after five years.
Think about how much you can spend, too. The Crosstrek starts at about $23,645, while the Forester starts at $26,395.
No matter which one you pick, you’re getting a reliable car that fits your way of living. You might like the Crosstrek for its quickness or the Forester for its space.
Both are great choices from Subaru, offering safety and a good drive.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester?
The Crosstrek is smaller and zippier, perfect for the city and mild off-road fun. The Forester, on the other hand, has more room. It’s great for families and big outdoor adventures.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient, the Crosstrek or Forester?
The Crosstrek wins in fuel efficiency because of its smaller engine and lighter build. It’s a top pick for everyday driving.
How do the dimensions of the Crosstrek compare to the Forester?
The Crosstrek is sleeker and more compact. But the Forester is bigger and offers more space for passengers and gear.
Are there any significant reliability differences between the Crosstrek and Forester?
Both models are known for their reliability, needing fewer repairs. They have strong engines and affordable maintenance.
What advanced safety features do the Crosstrek and Forester offer?
Both come with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This tech boosts safety with tools like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The Forester might have extra safety features for families.
Which model has a better infotainment system?
Both the Crosstrek and Forester boast up-to-date infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Yet, the Forester could have more features that families will love.
Which vehicle is more suitable for off-road adventures?
For off-roading, the Forester is the better choice because of its bigger cargo and passenger areas. The Crosstrek, though, can handle tight trails well with its compact size.
What engine options are available for the Crosstrek and Forester?
The Crosstrek starts with a 2.0L engine, offering a 2.5L for extra power. The Forester has a 2.5L engine, ready for different driving needs.
