What’s the Difference Between Subaru Forester and Crosstrek? (Explained!)

Subaru is known for making economical, practical, family-friendly cars with a high resale value and a devout following of satisfied customers. Subaru has many different makes, but two common ones are the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Crosstrek. So what makes these cars unique, and how are they different from each other?

The main difference between the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek is that the Subaru Forester has significantly more cargo space than the Subaru Crosstrek, offering about 11 cubic feet of extra cargo space. There is also a price difference, with the Forester being about $3000 more than the Crosstrek.

If you’re in the market for a new car with good fuel economy, plenty of space, a pleasant appearance, and a nice resale value, then it may be a good idea to take a look at a Subaru! In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of two of Subaru’s popular models: the Forester and the Crosstrek. We’ll also talk about the differences between the two vehicles so you can make a more educated decision about which car is right for you.

About the Subaru Forester

First, let’s talk about the Subaru Forester: a hefty little cruiser that was first released in 1997 and has since been updated to include a more appealing frame, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and the latest safety technology. This vehicle starts at a base rate of $25,195. Subaru owners love the safe, dependable nature of this car.

If you’re wondering why the Forester is known for being one of the safest cars, one reason is the fact that it has excelled in test crashes, absorbing front and side-impact especially well. The Forester also earned 4 out of 5 stars in a standard rollover test.

Also, the Subaru Forester 2022 is equipped with a new standard Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. This new tech comes with every Forester and seems to be a combination of frontal collision warning and lane-keep assist that is found in many other cars. And it’s very effective too, preventing injuries that result from rear-end crashes by up to 85%.

The Forester has a passenger volume of 111.6 cubic feet and a cargo volume of 35.4 cubic feet. With the seats down, you can fit up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo, making this a great car for road tripping or moving. In addition, this car gets up to 33 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in the city.

About the Subaru Crosstrek

Now let’s move on to talk about the Subaru Crosstrek— a recent model that is basically a lighter, more compact version of the Forester. This vehicle starts at a base cost of $22,245 and is great for people looking for many of the same features of the Forester, but cheaper.

There are many safety features on the Forester, but that is not to say that the Crosstrek can’t be equipped with the same features. While Subaru’s new Standard Eyesight Driver Assist Technology comes with the standard Forester, it can be added to the Crosstrek as well for an extra cost. The Premium, Sport, and Limited models are also equipped with STARLINK Safety and Security, which notifies an operator in the event of an emergency.

The Crosstrek has an interior volume of 121.5 cubic feet total— more than similar models of Toyota, Hyundai, or Nissan. The CrossTrek also has a fuel economy of 34 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in the city, nearly identical to the Forester. This model has a powerful 2.5-liter direct-injection engine, which helps it to accelerate faster than its counterparts. In fact, it only takes 8.3 seconds to get to 60 miles per hour.

Main Differences

The Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek are both midsize cars of exceptional quality. They can both be equipped with plenty of safety features, and they are both built to last years. The main difference comes down to size and price.

The Forester has about 15 cubic feet more cargo space than the Crosstrek (with the rear seats down). That’s 35.4 cu ft on the Forester compared to 20.8 cu ft on the Crosstrek.

There is also a difference in passenger space, with the Forester containing 111.9 cubic feet versus 100.9 cu ft for the Crosstrek. This makes the Forester feel much roomier than the Crosstrek and contributes to the Crosstrek’s bulkier appearance.

We have mentioned the starting prices for both vehicles. It’s a price jump of $2950 to go from the basic Crosstrek to the basic Forester. However, it should be noted that while the Forester is equipped with the Standard Eyesight Driver Assist Technology safety feature at its most basic rate, that feature must be added to the Crosstrek, which will affect the price.

Another difference is the fuel economy. As a smaller vehicle, the Crosstrek enjoys slightly better fuel economy on the highway with 34 MPG compared to Forester’s 33 MPG.

Which Car is Best for You?

When choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Crosstrek, it really comes down to the needs of the individual? Do you have a large family? Do you road trip often? What are your budget needs? These questions will all affect whether the Forester or the Crosstrek is a better car for you.

The extra 15 cubic feet of cargo space in the Subaru Crosstrek is pretty significant if you have a lot of gear to haul around, or if you’re trying to fill up the car with people. If you’re buying the car for yourself, then you might not notice the decrease in space in the Crosstrek. If you’re buying it as a family car for lots of people, however, that extra space may be desirable.

Another thing to consider is your budget. Both the Forester and the Crosstrek are quality cars and will be sure to serve you well over many years. If you doubt it, just look at the thousands of satisfied Subaru customers. No one can doubt that they love their cars. While both cars are great, the Subaru Crosstrek is definitely cheaper, so that is also something to take into account if you are on a tight budget.