Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs. Forester Hybrid

Mileage is one of the first numbers that shoppers look for in a hybrid, and Subaru hybrid vehicles deliver impressive efficiency and power by combining SUBARU BOXER^® engines and Subaru hybrid electric drive technology — along with the legendary capability of standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. 

Since the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid are compact SUVs with the same advanced hybrid powertrains, both vehicles have similarly excellent gas mileage. As the slightly smaller and lighter of the two vehicles, the Crosstrek Hybrid has a minor advantage in fuel economy at 36/36 MPG highway/city compared to the Forester Hybrid at 34/35 MPG highway/city.

While the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid are both similarly sized compact SUVs, the profile view of each vehicle illustrates the differences in their dimensions and designs. Although the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid have the same wheelbase of 105.1 inches, the Crosstrek Hybrid is the smaller vehicle at 176.4 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 63 inches high. The Forester Hybrid measures 183.3 inches long, 72.0 inches wide, and 68.1 inches high.

Along with being 6.9 inches longer and 5.1 inches higher, the Forester Hybrid is engineered with a modern SUV design that gives the driver a higher seating position and view of surrounding traffic, as well as providing more total interior space. The Crosstrek Hybrid design is based on a unique hatchback style with a shorter length and height that helps in cramped parking spots as well as providing a slightly nimbler highway driving feel.

Power and towing capacity are areas in which the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid share identical specs. Both SUVs feature efficient 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engines with proven durability and power. SUBARU BOXER engines are designed with a unique horizontal layout where the cylinders are arranged on either side of the crankshaft opposing each other. This flat design allows the engine to sit deeper in the vehicle for a lower center of gravity, which helps improve overall driving feel as well as safety since the engine can be pushed below the cabin by the force of a frontal impact. 

These gas-powered engines are combined with Subaru hybrid electric drive technology to deliver 194 total system horsepower for responsive acceleration and 1,500 pounds of towing capacity. That means you enjoy exciting daily driving and can haul bikes, kayaks, and other equipment on all your adventures.

Ground clearance is another area where the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid are equally matched: They both feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which lets them rise above rough terrain and deep snow or mud. That means you can explore rutted trails and winter landscapes in either vehicle and head back home with confidence.

The Crosstrek Hybrid and the Forester Hybrid can both fit up to five passengers in their surprisingly spacious interiors, but there are differences in their passenger and cargo space. The smaller hatchback design of the Crosstrek Hybrid gives it an interior volume of up to 118.8 cubic feet. As a more upright SUV, the interior space of the Forester Hybrid is larger at 134.1 cubic feet. When it comes to cargo space, the story is the same. The smaller Crosstrek Hybrid with its rear seats folded gives you 50.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the Forester Hybrid at 69.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded. So if cargo space or head room is a priority, the Forester Hybrid may be your pick.

After exploring the similarities and differences between the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid, you should have a better idea of which vehicle will work best for you. But numbers and comparisons are no match for a real test drive where you can personally experience the differences in driving feel, interior layout, and even paint colors. So start building, explore the options at your local Subaru retailer, and choose the Subaru hybrid that fits your life.