5 Differences Between Crosstrek and Forester

The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester are both popular SUVs that people love driving whether they're on their daily commute or they're exploring independently or enjoying family road trips on the weekends. Both are dependable, four-wheel drive SUVs that can handle just about any terrain and are fun to drive. 

While the Crosstrek and the Forester share many exceptional qualities, they do stand apart. It's helpful to look at some of the differences between these SUVs to determine which might be the right vehicle for you. Here are five important differences between the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester: 

Styling

One of the differences between these two SUVs you'll notice as soon as you look at them. The Subaru Forester has a much more rugged appearance, which is apropos for its name. It is a bit bulkier, with more geometric lines and a wider profile. In contrast, the SUV Crosstrek has a sleeker style with smooth lines and a more aerodynamic profile. 

Neither style is better than the other, and both SUVs have plenty of appeal. The choice comes down to a simple matter of personal preference. 

Performance

Though both SUVs are designed for off-road performance, the Subaru Forester is a bit more powerful than the Crosstrek. It has a slightly larger engine with a bit more horsepower, which carries through trim levels and model years. If you are looking for more power in your SUV, you may want to look to the Forester for your needs. 

Interior and Cargo Space

Passengers in both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Crosstrek will enjoy a comfortable and roomy ride. However, the Forester does boast more interior space than the Crosstrek, giving passengers a bit more room to stretch. The Forester also has considerably more cargo space, with or without the rear seats folded. That will give you more space for all your gear when taking trips.

Convenience and Technology Features

You'll start to notice a theme here: Though both SUVs offer plenty of advanced features, the Subaru Forester edges out the Crosstrek with slightly more offerings. The exact features you'll enjoy depend on the model year and configuration, but features you can expect to find on the base-model Forester but not the Crosstrek include XM satellite radio, HD radio, and power adjustable front seats. The top trim levels also offer navigation and a premium sound system, which are only optional on the Crosstrek.

Safety 

The Forester also edges out the Crosstrek on safety ratings, but only just slightly. Both scored five stars overall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and both scored four stars for the rollover test. The Forester scored five stars on front and side impact tests, while the Crosstrek scored four stars on the front impact test but five stars on the side impact test.

Both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Crosstrek have plenty to offer, but many drivers may find that the Forester offers a little more of what they want and need. Granite Subaru is proud to offer both models, and our knowledgeable associates are ready to help you find the perfect model for you. Visit us today to take a test drive and learn more.