What Will Suit You Better: The Crosstrek or the Forester?

Deciding between two great models is never easy. Each has something to offer that makes it special, while both offer you exceptional value in a vehicle. So how do you choose? What should be the deciding factor to help you make up your mind? This is certainly the case when drivers compare the Forester compact SUV and the Crosstrek subcompact SUV.

At Williams Subaru, your go-to Charlotte car dealership, we work with drivers like you to help take the mystery out of choosing your next model. We feature the full lineup of Subaru cars and SUVs, including the Crosstrek and the Forester. The good news is that there are no wrong answers here; both are excellent models that you’ll love to drive. Our friendly sales staff will get to know you and work with you so you can find the Subaru model that works best for you.

Setting the Standard for Safety and Performance

The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester feature Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This is because Subaru is dedicated to passenger safety. Unlike other brands that make you pay extra for the added traction afforded by all-wheel drive, Subaru has made this standard on almost all of its vehicles, like the Crosstrek and Forester. This means that no matter the weather in Charlotte, you will have the ability to handle heavy rain and cold icy conditions in your Subaru. In addition, because the Crosstrek and Forester were designed as all-wheel drive vehicles, they don’t have the issues that many other brands’ compact and subcompact SUVs have because they were designed as a front-wheel drive model. In addition, both have an impressive 8.7-inches of ground clearance, allowing you to traverse many obstacles.

As for the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, this is a suite of standard active safety and driver assist features that utilize cameras and radar. These include things like Lane Keep Assist that will use slight steering adjustments to keep your Subaru safely in the lane you are traveling in, and Pre-Collision Braking, which will use the emergency brakes to bring you to a stop if the system senses an imminent crash. Each of these will help keep you and your passengers safe wherever you go in and around Charlotte.

The Crosstrek and Forester are Ideal for the Daily Commuter

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers drivers a choice of two different engines, while the 2023 Forester has one standard engine across all trim levels. In almost all cases, the Crosstrek will give you better fuel economy than the Forester, which is the key to choosing a daily commuter vehicle.
Since you are going to work, you want to spend as little money as possible both on the vehicle and on gas. First, the Crosstrek comes with a lower base MSRP of $24,995 as compared to $26,495 on the 2023 Forester.^[a] This means you will get behind the wheel of a Crosstrek for less money.

As for fuel economy, the Crosstrek and Forester have similar ratings. The Crosstrek, equipped with a 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine and a Lineartronic CVT transmission, gets 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. If you opt for the bigger 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine with the Lineartronic CVT, you get 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The 2023 Forester is only equipped with one 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine with the Lineartronic CVT. The Forester can get up to 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, exactly the same as the Crosstrek gets with the 2.5-liter engine.

When it comes to performance and efficiency, you cannot go wrong with either model.

Have Kids and/or Pets? The Forester is Perfect

If you are driving around with your kids or your pets frequently, you need to add space to the equation. The Forester is a larger vehicle than the Crosstrek. The Forester is over 6 inches longer, almost 5 inches higher, and over a half-inch wider than the Crosstrek.

All of these numbers translate into more roominess inside the passenger compartment of the Forester. Overall, the Forester has 111.6 cu.ft. inside of its passenger compartment. This is significantly more than the 100.9 cu.ft. inside of the Crosstrek. This translates into more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room inside of the Forester than in the Crosstrek, especially in the rear seat. For example, the Forester gives front-row passengers 43.3 inches of legroom, while the Crosstrek gives them 43.1 inches, which is only slightly less. However, when you look at the rear seat, Forster passengers will enjoy 39.4 inches of legroom, while those in the Crosstrek get only 36.5 inches. When it comes to taking your kids or your pets out on the town, your loved ones will have a little more room to stretch out inside the Forester than in the Crosstrek.

The Forester gives you more trunk space as well. If you have young children, then you’ll know about the times you seem to take half the house along with you just for a trip to the local park. In addition to the kids’ toys, you are going to need to pack snacks, strollers, and maybe even a change of clothes. The Forester gives you 28.9 cu.ft. of space inside the Base model’s trunk and 26.9 cu.ft. in all other trims. This is significantly more than the 19.9 cu.ft. inside of the 2024 Crosstrek. When you are packing up the kids and/or the pets, you need all the cargo space you can get, and the Forester definitely delivers in this regard.

Both Have Their Benefits for Running Errands

Are you working on your home? Are you into DIY projects? If you frequent home improvement stores, then the Forester may make more sense since it gives you more room for things with the second row of seats folded down. On the other hand, if you are primarily shopping for groceries and clothing for your kids, then the cargo space in the Crosstrek behind the second row should be sufficient for your needs. The Forester has a maximum cargo space of 74.2 cu.ft. while the Crosstrek has a maximum cargo space of 54.7 cu.ft.

There is one other thing to consider. While both of these Subaru SUVs are very maneuverable, the Crosstrek has a slightly tighter turn radius due to its slightly shorter wheelbase. This will make it easier to parallel park on the streets of Charlotte. If you are going to many stores around town, then you want as little hassle getting into and out of tight spaces, which is why the Crosstrek might be better if this sounds like you.

Two great SUV models for Charlotte drivers

Charlotte drivers like vehicles that are dependable, affordable, safe, and easy to drive. The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester are two of the best models you will find in this regard. Choosing between them won’t be easy as they have quite a lot in common, but if you wish to have more space we highly recommend the Forester. If you drive alone more often and don’t require too much cargo space, the Crosstrek is a great choice. Regardless of which model you pick, we can guarantee that you will be happy with your next Subaru from our dealership!

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^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

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