Over the years, Subaru has evolved and changed as a brand. Where their focus used to be on roaring rally cars, they’ve switched their focus towards us, the consumers. In some ways, this has made them tamer, but in other ways, it has made them one of the best value-for-money players in the current market.
For those looking for an entry-level SUV with some rugged capability and undeniable reliability, the Forester and the Crosstrek are Subaru’s offerings. With their evolution over the years, they have easily become some of the brand’s most popular vehicles. It is, however, extremely hard to pick between the two similarly positioned SUVs.
The Crosstrek and the Forester have a small gap in price, and it's difficult to ascertain which might be the right SUV for you. To help with this, we’ve broken down all the key differences between Subaru’s compact and subcompact SUVs. From features to capability, we provide all the information you should need to make your choice.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Subaru websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and Carbuzz.
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An Overview Of The Crosstrek And The Forester
Subaru has a brilliant reputation for reliability, safety, and versatility, and this reputation is exemplified by both the Crosstrek and the Forester. The Crosstrek is Subaru's subcompact offering, while the Forester is their slightly larger compact SUV. While both of these small SUVs share similar DNA, they both serve distinct purposes and are appealing in their own unique ways.
Crosstrek Overview
The Crosstrek is an extremely unique subcompact SUV. It is small and nimble and can also travel further off the beaten path than any of its competitors. This is even more true if you opt for the new Wilderness trim, which gives it better ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
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The Crosstrek features a ton of modern technology and a bevy of safety features as standard. Its lower price tag makes it a better choice for those on a budget. Its smaller size also means that it's more nimble, making it easier to maneuver in urban environments. If you're someone who does more city driving than anything else on a daily basis, we'd suggest considering the Crosstrek.
Forester Overview
Subaru's compact Forester has gone through a major update for the 2025 model year. It does, however, retain all the aspects that make it recognizable as a Forester. Compared to the Crosstrek, the Forester is cavernous on the inside, with a clear focus on comfort and cargo space. Both those in the back and front rows will feel comfortable on even the longest of journeys.
The Forester comes pretty well-equipped in all trim levels, getting access to a ton of driver-assist technology. Just like all other Subarus, it comes standard with all-wheel drive and is capable of leaving the tarmac for some light off-road adventures. If you have a family, or you're likely to go on long road trips from time to time, then you'll find the Forester a little more comfortable than the Crosstrek.
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The Crosstrek Can Be Equipped With A More Powerful Engine Than The Forester
Despite the fact that the Forester is the bigger car, the Crosstrek can actually be equipped with a more powerful engine. This does, however, mean having to buy a more expensive trim level. We compare the base offerings on both models and what this means in terms of performance and capability.
Crosstrek Performance
Engine | 2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four | 2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four |
|---|---|---|
Transmission | CVT | CVT |
Horsepower | 152 HP | 182 HP |
Torque | 145 LB-FT | 178 LB-FT |
Driveline | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway/Combined) MPG | 27/34/29 | 26/33/29 |
Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 LBS | 3,500 LBS |
The Crosstrek comes in a number of different trims. The first two get access to the less-powerful 2.0-liter flat-four. This engine can feel a little underpowered, and we'd definitely suggest going for the Sport trim or higher in order to get access to the more powerful 2.5-liter engine. All models come with a CVT, but anything higher than the base trim has a manual shift mode which simulates an eight-speed automatic.
Maximum towing capacity for the Crosstrek is achieved by going with the top-of-the-range Wilderness trim. This pushes it from 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds, making it the most affordable SUV to be able to tow that amount. This model is suited for the off-road and comes with a number of different unique features.
Forester Performance
Engine | 2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four |
|---|---|
Transmission | CVT |
Horsepower | 180 HP |
Torque | 178 LB-FT |
Driveline | AWD |
Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway/Combined) MPG | 26/33/29 |
Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 LBS |
The Forester's updated powertrain actually drops two horsepower over the outgoing model. While this doesn't likely translate into any noticeable differences while driving, the Crosstrek is technically more powerful when equipped with the 2.5-liter engine. In most forms, the Forester achieves the same levels of efficiency as the Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter, but it drops a mile per gallon in each category if you go with the Sport or Touring models, according to the EPA.
The 2024 Forester was capable of a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, still shy of the Crosstrek Wilderness' maximum. The 2025 model has yet to receive the Wilderness treatment, though, meaning that it tops out at 1,500 pounds.
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The Forester Has A Much More Spacious Interior Than The Crosstrek
From the first look, you can tell just how different the Crosstrek and the Forester are, especially with the Forester's updated styling. These changes continue as you climb inside, with the interior design and the comfort elements being unique to each SUV. They both hold on to what Subaru values most, though, and that is practicality.
Crosstrek Interior And Exterior
On the outside, there is no mistaking that the Crosstrek is more rugged than anything else in the subcompact SUV segment. Its strong lines and aggressive-looking front end make its intentions well known. This is especially true of the Wilderness trim. Despite this, it remains fairly sleek. It also features plenty of protective plastic trim for when the going gets tough.
On the inside, the Crosstrek is utility-focused, with everything designed with ease of use in mind. Seats are comfortable, with the option of equipping a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Front seats are heated, and you have the option of getting your Crosstrek with a power-operated moonroof. Cargo capacity is also a key focus, with the 2024 Crosstrek offering up to 54.7 cubic inches of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Forester Interior And Exterior
The Forester's styling has been updated for the 2025 model year, with it taking on a somewhat more sensible look. Where the Forester and the Crosstrek used to look related, the Forester is now more akin to others in its class, like the Honda HR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Despite its new boxier look, it retains its rugged attitude.
The Forester's cabin is extremely spacious, much more so than the smaller Crosstrek. Subaru claims the 2025 model grants you up to 75 cubic inches of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat. The interior is also incredibly comfortable, with even mid-level trims offering leather-wrapped equipment. The new Forester also comes with better sound-deadening, which Subaru claims will make the cabin quieter. The Forester also comes with one-touch power folding rear seats and a hands-free tailgate.
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The Crosstrek And Forester Offer Similar Safety And Tech Features
Subaru has opted to standardize its current lineup when it comes to safety and tech features. While the outgoing Forester may have had many differences with its smaller sibling, the 2025 model year has been updated to bring it into the modern age. This means that both SUVs offer very similar equipment.
Crosstrek Safety And Tech
In terms of safety equipment, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is pretty stacked. Every model comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight safety suite. This package includes features such as pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. More expensive trim levels also offer reverse automatic braking and blind-spot detection/rear cross-traffic alerts.
In terms of tech, the Crosstrek is home to Subaru STARLINK, the brand's infotainment software. The base model comes with a seven-inch infotainment display, while other models house the 11.6-inch, vertically oriented unit. Other features like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system can also be equipped on your Crosstrek.
Forester Safety And Tech
Just like the Crosstrek, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes equipped with the full EyeSight suite of safety equipment. Some trims are also equipped with reverse automatic braking. The main difference between the Crosstrek and Forester is that the top trims on the Forester also come with blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as Subaru's DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System.
The base Forester comes with the same seven-inch infotainment display that was available in the outgoing model. However, other trims now get access to the updated 11.6-inch screen. The larger system offers wireless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a wireless charging pad. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon speaker system is now the best offered on the Forester.
