Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Forester: Compare New Subaru Crossovers in Countryside, IL
Subaru produces versatile utility vehicles with spacious cabins, appealing features, and flexible cargo options. They're also better able to venture beyond the asphalt than many class competitors thanks to attributes like elevated ground clearance and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Conveniently sized crossovers like the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek and compact Subaru Forester are popular for delivering comfort, practicality, and capability with city-friendly maneuverability. But which is right for you? To help you determine the ideal fit for your Chicago-area lifestyle, here's a quick look at some of their differentiating characteristics.
Size and Accommodations
Subaru Crosstrek
- L x W x H: 176.4 x 70.9 x 62.8 inches
- Headroom Front/Rear: 39.8 / 38 inches
- Legroom Front/Rear: 42.9 / 36.5 inches
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: 54.9 cubic feet
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches (9.3 in Wilderness)
A subcompact crossover and Subaru's smallest SUV, the Crosstrek is still impressively accommodating for its class. It's great for drivers seeking a signature Subaru experience but with minimal space requirements. It offers ample passenger room and a 20 cubic-foot cargo area behind the second row. When your Oak Lawn adventures require more carrying capacity, the rear seats fold easily to reveal 54.9 cubic feet.
Subaru Forester
- L x W x H: 183.3 x 72 x 68.1 inches
- Headroom Front/Rear: 41.2 / 39.6 inches
- Legroom Front/Rear: 43.3 / 39.4 inches
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: 69.1 cubic feet (74.4 in base trim)
- Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches (9.2 in Wilderness)
As a slightly larger compact crossover, the Subaru Forester leverages its increased dimensions to expand the passenger and cargo compartments while retaining easy maneuverability. Most Forester trim levels have 27.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the base lacks a panoramic sunroof, which increases cargo capacity to 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.4 behind the first.
Performance
Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek Base and Premium have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Subaru BOXER® engine (152 horsepower, 145 pound-feet of torque), plus Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Subaru X-MODE® traction management for enhanced handling and all-season control. All higher trims upgrade to you'll upgrade to a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine (182 horsepower, 178 pound-feet of torque) and add an extra Deep Snow/Mud setting to the dual-function X-MODE® system.
While the Crosstrek can venture beyond paved roads in any configuration, Subaru's Wilderness trim takes the capability to a higher level. It adds attributes like off-road suspension tuning with taller ground clearance, a revised final-drive ratio (improves hill climb ability), and Yokohama® GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires. The reinforced roof rails (700-pound stationary load limit) are great for a rooftop tent, and an upgraded cooling system increases the max tow rating to 3,500 pounds.
Subaru Forester
All Subaru Forester models utilize the 182-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER® engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. However, Subaru X-MODE® is standard on all but the base trim level.
The Wilderness trim wasn't part of the 2025 Forester's initial sixth-gen redesign; however, Subaru will continue to offer the 2024 version until the next model year. The Forester Wilderness has many of the same features as the Crosstrek Wilderness, plus a 180-degree Front View Monitor.
Features
The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester have largely similar feature offerings, including nearly identical base models. However, some Forester equipment is available at lower trims than the Crosstrek. Examples include heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, wireless device charging, and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist. The top-tier Forester Touring also has a few amenities that aren't in the Crosstrek lineup, like driver memory settings, heated rear seats, and a 360-degree camera system.
Test-Drive New Subaru SUVs near Broadview
Reach out to The Autobarn Subaru of Countryside to learn more about the latest Subaru models, including available configuration options, financing offers, and reservation opportunities. We also have an extensive selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. If you'd like to try out the Crosstrek or Forester for yourself, we welcome you to schedule a test drive or visit our Chicago-area Subaru dealership at your convenience. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
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The Autobarn Subaru of Countryside
6191 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
- Sales: 708-497-3999
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