Two of our most popular SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester, have won the hearts of owners everywhere with their standard all-wheel drive capability, advanced safety, spacious comfort, and quality Subaru engineering. These two compact SUVs do share some features like standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Both vehicles have previously earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award for safety features like EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. But there are important distinctions between them as well, which we'll break down to help you find the Subaru SUV you’ll love for years to come.
Certain specifications reference 2024 Forester Wilderness models. The 2024 Forester Wilderness will have extended availability after the release of the 2025 Forester. See your retailer for details.
Which is bigger: Crosstrek or Forester?
As compact SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester seem to be very similar in size, but there are a few aspects where they diverge. While they share the same wheelbase of 105.1 inches (or 104.9 inches for the Crosstrek and Forester Wilderness trims), the Crosstrek is 176.4 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and up to 63 inches high. The Forester is slightly larger, measuring up to a 183.3-inch length, up to 72.2-inch width, and up to 68.9-inch height.
Since the Forester is 6.9 inches longer, the Crosstrek has a minor edge in extremely tight parking situations, while the Forester offers the driver a higher seating position for a more commanding view of traffic. The Crosstrek is built on a unique hatchback SUV design that, while providing a slightly more responsive highway driving, allows a little less passenger and cargo room compared to the compact SUV layout of the Forester.
2024 Premium shown
Length:
176.4 inches
Width:
70.9 inches
71.7 inches (Wilderness)
Height:
62.8 inches (Base)
63 inches (Premium, Sport, Limited)
63.6 inches (Wilderness)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
104.9 inches (Wilderness)
Base Curb Weight:
3,277 – 3,369 pounds
2025 Sport shown
Length:
183.3 inches
182.7 inches (Wilderness)
Width:
72.0 inches
72.2 (Wilderness)
Height:
68.1 inches
68.9 inches (Wilderness)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
104.9 inches (Wilderness)
Base Curb Weight:
3,510 - 3,664 pounds
Which has a more powerful engine and greater towing capacity: Crosstrek or Forester?
Power and towing capacity are two key differences between Crosstrek and Forester but the engines of both crossovers share the same reliable Subaru engineering. The Crosstrek and Forester are both equipped with the time- and trail-tested SUBARU BOXER® engine to power their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems. Every SUBARU BOXER engine is built with a unique horizontal layout, giving both vehicles a lower center of gravity and a finely tuned balance between power and fuel efficiency.
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a choice between prioritizing fuel economy or horsepower. You can pick the standard 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine with up to 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for a balance of power and efficiency or choose the available 2.5-liter engine with up to 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque for fun everyday driving. On the other hand, the Subaru Forester features a single standard 2.5-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine that provides 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. For towing capacity, most Crosstrek and Forester models can tow up to 1,500 pounds. However, the Forester Wilderness trim, which has 182 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, can tow up to 3,000 pounds while the Crosstrek Wilderness has an even greater towing capacity at 3,500 pounds
Engine:
2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Available 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
152 hp at 6,000 rpm (2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
182 hp at 5,800 rpm (2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
Towing Capacity
1,500 pounds
3,500 pounds (Wilderness)
Engine:
2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
180 hp at 5,800 rpm
182 hp at 5,800 rpm (Wilderness)
Towing Capacity
1,500 pounds
3,000 pounds (Wilderness)
Which has more ground clearance: Crosstrek or Forester?
The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester both feature the same standard ground clearance of at least 8.7 inches, which lets them rise above rough terrain and deep snow for more standard off-road and all-weather capability. However, both vehicles’ rugged Wilderness trims feature greater ground clearance, with the Forester Wilderness offering 9.2 inches and Crosstrek Wilderness an improved 9.3 inches. Both Wilderness models feature a standard front skid plate along with many other trail-ready upgrades for off-road adventuring.
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
2024 Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.2 inches
Which has more passenger and cargo space: Crosstrek or Forester?
Even though both crossovers are five-passenger vehicles, the Subaru Crosstrek is built on a hatchback design that’s slightly smaller than the Subaru Forester. Still, the Crosstrek offers up to 100.5 cubic feet of impressively roomy passenger volume and up to 54.9 cubic feet of versatile cargo space with the standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks lowered. The Forester, with its larger compact SUV layout, gives passengers up to 111.6 cubic feet in its spacious interior and up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo room with its similar rear seats folded. While each SUV makes the most space possible out of their design footprint, drivers looking for maximum cargo capacity or needing lots of headroom will love the Forester interior.
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 54.9 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
99 cubic feet (Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims with moonroof)
100.5 cubic feet (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.9 inches (front)
36.5 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 39.8 inches (front)
38.0 inches (rear)
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 74.4 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
106.6 cubic feet (Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims)
107.6 cubic feet (Wilderness)
110.8 cubic feet (Base trim)
Passenger Legroom:
43.3 inches (front)
39.4 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 41.2 inches (front)
Up to 39.6 inches (rear)
Build and Price
Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester, but online research can only take you so far. Each vehicle has its own unique personality, driving feel, and customization options. You can start by building your own Crosstrek and Forester with our online tools and try each vehicle out in a test drive at your local retailer to find the Subaru SUV that’s perfect for you.
MSRP:
$25,195 - $32,195*
MPG:
Up to 34/27 MPG highway/city**
Sport shown
MSRP:
$29,695* - $39,995*
MPG:
Up to 33/26 MPG highway/city**
Limited shown
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Certain colors are only available on select trims
Alpine Green
+ $395 paint upgrade
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Geyser Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Lithium Red Pearl
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Offshore Blue Metallic
+ $395 paint upgrade
Pure Red
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Sun Blaze Pearl
Certain colors are only available on select trims
Autumn Green Metallic
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Geyser Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
River Rock Pearl
+ $395 paint upgrade
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Base
Premium
Sport
Limited
Wilderness
Base
Premium
Sport
Wilderness
Model Year 2024 only*
Limited
Touring
*The Subaru Forester Wilderness is currently only available in model year 2024.
Both the Crosstrek and Forester are made to protect every passenger on every drive. They’re both designed with trusted Subaru safety engineering like the Subaru Global Platform. Both the Crosstrek and Forester are built on this protective architecture, which uses high-strength steel to provide durable crash protection and rigidity. They are also both equipped with industry-leading active safety systems like standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which gives you an extra set of eyes on the road and, if need be, an extra foot on the brake when you drive
The Crosstrek and Forester both feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across every trim for outstanding capability. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction in virtually any weather or road condition. It delivers better handling, improved efficiency, and a quicker response to road conditions than competitors’ optional systems.
X-MODE®, also standard on both vehicles, works in conjunction with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to optimize your traction on slippery surfaces and includes Hill Descent Control, which helps you descend difficult grades. Select Crosstrek and Forester trims offer a dual-function X-MODE that lets you choose settings for specific conditions like deep snow, dirt, and mud.
The Crosstrek and Forester both use the Subaru Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT system features two pulleys that can vary in width connected by a steel chain. By changing this width, the CVT can create an infinite “gearing” across its range, which lets it continuously and smoothly adapt to performance demand by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. Both vehicles also offer available manual modes, which allow you to move through these “gears” using paddle shifters and give you more precise engine control.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Transmission
2025 Subaru Forester Available Transmissions
Like every new Subaru, the Crosstrek and Forester feature two standard warranties. The Subaru Limited Factory Warranty provides limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the Powertrain Warranty covers the engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive and lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
You can also purchase extended coverage for both vehicles through the Subaru Added Security Program®, which offers two different plans. The Classic Plan covers major parts, including the engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), and transmission (as well as towing and car rental), while the Gold Plus Plan adds coverage to air conditioning, electrical, steering, front suspension, brakes, and other systems.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Multimedia Touchscreens
2025 Subaru Forester Multimedia Touchscreens
Since both the Crosstrek and Forester are compact SUVs that feature the balanced engineering of the SUBARU BOXER engine, both vehicles have similarly excellent gas mileage. As the slightly smaller and lighter of the two vehicles, the Crosstrek has a minor advantage in fuel economy with its Base and Premium trims reaching 34/27 MPG highway/city compared to the Forester at 33/26 MPG highway/city. Both Wilderness models, engineered for off-road power, have slightly lower fuel economy, with the Forester Wilderness providing 28/25 MPG highway/city and the Crosstrek Wilderness coming it at 29/25 highway/city.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Miles Per Gallon**
2025 Subaru Forester Miles Per Gallon**
Fuel capacity is another area where the Crosstrek and Forester are exactly the same. Both vehicles feature a 16.6-gallon fuel tank. But when it comes to driving range, the smaller and lighter Crosstrek can reach about 20 miles farther on that tank with a range of over 560 miles compared to the over 540-mile range of the Forester.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Fuel Capacity:
16.6 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 560 miles
Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle’s condition.
2025 Subaru Forester
Fuel Capacity:
16.6 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 540 miles
Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle’s condition.
