The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. the 2025 Subaru Forester: Compact SUV Comparison

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Forester are two compact SUVs that offer strong off-road capabilities. With their standard all-wheel drive and reputation for safety and practicality, they make excellent everyday vehicles that help drivers tackle every type of terrain. Today, your local Subaru dealership will compare these two esteemed choices to help you make a more informed buying decision.

Your Trusted Subaru Dealership Compares the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2025 Subaru Forester

Performance

The Crosstrek offers two four-cylinder BOXER engine options, both of which are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. In the base trim, the 2.0L BOXER engine produces 152 hp, while in all other trims, a 2.5L version delivers 182 hp. The Wilderness trim adds significant off-road ability with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and selectable drive modes.

The Forester offers the 182-hp 2.5L BOXER engine in all of its models, with the same CVT and AWD configuration. For 2025, Subaru has introduced a hybrid engine option that raises power output to 194 horsepower. It also provides a boost to fuel efficiency, with an estimated 35 mpg combined. Like the Crosstrek, the Wilderness trim was designed specifically for off-road uses, and it includes a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.

Comfort and Styling

The Crosstrek is the smaller of the two SUVs, offering 100 cubic feet of total passenger space, 20 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, and 55 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Comfort features are available on select trims, such as leather-trimmed seating in the Limited trim. Wilderness models come with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, which increases the cabin’s durability and usability.

The Forester is larger than the Crosstrek, offering a comfortable 40 inches of legroom in the second row. Cargo capacity is also greater, with 30 cubic feet in the rear and 74 cubic feet with second-row seats flattened. The Forester has been redesigned for 2025, featuring a new grille and more angular body lines. It also adds a hands-free power liftgate to its list of available convenience features.

Technology

Both vehicles offer a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in base models, while all other models feature an 11.6-inch vertically oriented display. A navigation system is a handy optional add-on, as is a 360-degree camera, which is only available in the top Touring trim of the Forester. The Forester’s Touring trim also offers an available Harman Kardon 9-speaker premium audio system.

Both the Crosstrek and Forester are well-equipped and capable SUVs that help drivers tackle both city streets and rugged trails with ease, efficiency, and comfort. Find your perfect Subaru at Dean Team Subaru in Ballwin, MO.

Tags: Comparison, Fenton Subaru Dealer, New Subaru, St. Louis Subaru Dealer, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, Subaru SUV
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