2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester: Which Is Better?

The 2025 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek both feature excellent all-wheel-drive capability and advanced safety features. You may like the Crosstrek for its smaller size and more affordable price, while the Forester might be a better fit if you need extra space. To help you decide between the Crosstrek and Forester, we’ve created this guide that discusses the key differences between these models.

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Pricing and Value Comparison

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek begins at $26,560. You’ll find five Crosstrek trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. The 2025 Subaru Forester starts at $29,995. This model costs more than the Crosstrek mainly because of its larger size. The Forester gives you six trim options: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring.

Both models are an excellent value. The entry-level trims of each SUV come with many desirable features, including all-wheel drive, EyeSight driver-assistance technology, and a 7-inch infotainment display.

Design and Dimensions

The Forester and Crosstrek share similar rugged styling. However, the Crosstrek has a more athletic look than the Forester, which has a smoother profile.

The most significant difference between these models is their size. The 2025 Forester measures 183.3 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. In comparison, the Crosstrek’s dimensions are 176.4 inches in length, 70.9 inches in width, and 62.8 inches in height. Both share an identical 105.1-inch wheelbase. Each SUV is easy to park, but the smaller Crosstrek has an advantage in tighter spots around Denton.

Both SUVs offer 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance. If you’d like more ground clearance and all-terrain tires, you can choose a Wilderness trim. The Crosstrek Wilderness has 9.3 inches of ground clearance, and the Forester Wilderness has 9.2 inches.

Interior Space and Practicality

Both SUVs have plenty of space for your cargo and all five passengers. But you’ll find more room in the Forester thanks to its larger size.

When it comes to passenger volume, the Forester offers 106.6 cubic feet compared to the Crosstrek’s 100.5 cubic feet. The Forester delivers 40 inches of front headroom and 37.7 inches of rear headroom, while the Crosstrek has 39.8 inches in the front and 38 inches in the rear. For legroom, the Forester offers 43.3 inches up front and 39.4 inches in the second row, compared to the Crosstrek’s 42.9 inches in the front and 36.5 inches in the rear.

The Forester provides 69.1 cubic feet of cargo volume versus 54.7 cubic feet in the Crosstrek. Behind the second row, the Forester holds 27.5 cubic feet, and the Crosstrek manages 19.9 cubic feet.

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Performance and Capability

The base Crosstrek runs a 2.0-liter BOXER engine that generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. By choosing the Premium trim or higher, the Crosstrek comes equipped with a stronger 2.5-liter BOXER engine with 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Every Forester comes with a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that outputs 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Both SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. However, with the Wilderness trims, you get extra towing power. The Crosstrek Wilderness pulls up to 3,000 pounds, and the Forester Wilderness can manage 3,500 pounds.

All versions of each model come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a continuously variable transmission. The system is perfect for wet weather and trails around Lewisville Lake.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Both SUVs are efficient compared to other vehicles in their classes. While the Forester provides more standard power, the Crosstrek offers better fuel economy.

With the standard engine, the Crosstrek is rated for 27/34 mpg (city/highway), and the upgraded engine achieves 27/33 mpg. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim has a lower efficiency at 25/29 mpg.

The Forester Base, Premium, and Limited trims are rated for 26/33 mpg. The Sport and Touring trims share a slightly lower fuel efficiency of 25/32 mpg, and the Wilderness gets 25/28 mpg.

Technology and Infotainment

Both SUVs feature a standard dual 7-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offer a larger 11.6-inch infotainment system with an optional navigation package. The Crosstrek and Forester also have options for Harman Kardon premium audio systems on certain trims. Overall, the tech packages are similar between these models.

Safety Ratings and Features

While both SUVs have scored well in crash testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2025 Forester a Top Safety Pick award. These Subarus come standard with the same EyeSight safety technology. Standard features include adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency steering.

Both models offer optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. The Forester has two exclusive safety features: the DriverFocus distraction detection system and a 360-degree camera system.

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Reliability and Warranty

Subaru’s famous reliability hasn’t changed for this model year. Both the 2025 Forester and Crosstrek earned reliability ratings of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power.

Subaru’s standard warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles. You also get a powertrain warranty that covers you for five years or 60,000 miles.

Choose Your Perfect Subaru SUV at Huffines Subaru Corinth

Are you still deciding between the Subaru Forester and the Crosstrek? We recommend trying each model yourself. Visit our dealership in Corinth, Texas, to drive both and feel the differences. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive and learn more about these SUVs.