2022 Subaru Forester vs Crosstrek Detailed Comparison

subaru forester vs crosstrek

The popularity of compact crossovers is increasing day by day in the USA. There are many crossovers coming onto the market in the automotive industry. But no vehicle is as famous as the Forester or the Crosstrek. To give you better crossover deals, let’s compare the Subaru Forester vs Crosstrek today. 

Both the Subaru Crosstrek and 2022 Forester stand as the most reliable and versatile compact SUV with their performance. Thanks to the standard all-wheel drive and the Subaru BOXER engine, the Crosstrek offers impressive off-road properties. 

The Forester is the larger of the two vehicles and, thanks to its higher roof, is ideal for those who are looking for a family-friendly SUV or someone who likes to drive their vehicle. 

Now you are excited to learn more about Subaru Forester vs Crosstrek. Therefore, we present a direct comparison of performance, cabin quality, trunk, reliability, and prices so that you can decide which model best suits your priorities.

2022 Subaru Forester Overview

compare subaru forester and crosstrek

The 2022 Subaru Forester contains many safety and convenience features that were previously available on the higher-level variant.

Also Checkout: A Complete Guide Of 2022 Subaru Forester

The Forester base variant now comes with now features high beam assist, the rear seatbelt reminder, and LED steering responsive headlights, which remain standard across the lineup. 

The Forester Premium trim previously had optional keyless access with push-button start and fog lights, but now these two features are standard for the 2022 model year.

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The Forester Sport variant now contains advanced features such as blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.

2022 Subaru Forester Specifications

  • MSRP: $24,795 – $34,895
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 26 City / 33 Hwy 
  • Horsepower: 182 hp
  • Capacity: 5 Seats
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Overview

subaru forester vs subaru crosstrek

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, now in its fourth model year since a major redesign in 2018, is getting a few smaller looks, including a new grille, front bumper, and wheel design. 

There is also a new sport fairing between Premium and Limited that features a unique bronze-colored exterior fairing. Most importantly, the Sport and Limited models are now fitted with a larger and more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine as standard.

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The new engine enhanced horsepower and torque power. The Subaru Crosstrek 2022 is also available with a plug-in hybrid drive.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Specifications

  • MSRP: $22,245 – $35,345
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 28 City / 33 Hwy 
  • Horsepower: 182 hp
  • Capacity: 5 Seats
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

2022 Subaru Forester vs Crosstrek – Which You Should Buy?

Subaru has a solid reputation for building fast and furious vehicles. All its models are designed for adventure and have a lot of power under the hood. 

When considering your options for a new car, there are a few features to compare between the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2022 Subaru Forester. The 2022 Subaru Forester is brand new this year, while the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek remains a popular choice among Americans.

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looking for an affordable and reliable way to handle the journey. Find both SUVs for better lease deals, but first, We will compare the Subaru forester and Crosstrek, which one works best for you.

1. Price

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $ 22,245 for a 2.0i trim vehicle with a manual transmission. Adding an automatic CVT increases the price from $ 1,000 to $ 23.20. Premium-spec models also have a 6-speed manual transmission and are priced at $ 23,870.

 There are five trim levels for the Forester, with the base model starting at $ 24,795 and only with the alloy wheel option of $ 600. Premium models are priced at $ 27,670 and come with three option packs – the Crosstrek is a lot, and the most expensive is just $ 35,395, which makes it cheaper than the Forester.

But the Forester is only $ 25,270 initially and offers more Performance and space for this price. Subaru crosstrek vs forester Price Comparison, Subaru Forester has an advantage.

Winner: Subaru Forester

2. Design

The Subaru SUV is designed to a high standard of ground clearance, and both the Forester and XV Crosstrek are 8.7 inches above the ground, making it one of the best SUVs for snow and another rough terrain. 

The latest version of the Forester is larger than before and still maintains the standard of crossover capabilities to balance four-wheel-drive commands with impressive cargo space and car-like comfort. 

The Crosstrek is a foot shorter than the Forester, six inches thinner, and a fraction of an inch shorter. What it loses in size makes up for invisibility, versatility, and easy navigation. 

Overall, both designs are comfortable to stand equal on the Subaru crosstrek vs forester designs comparison.

Winner: Tied

3. Cargo Space

Whether passenger or cargo space, the Forester is the best choice in Subaru crosstrek vs forester cargo space comparison. While it might seem like the difference in passenger space isn’t huge, you’ll definitely find that the Forester offers more legroom. 

In addition, the loading capacity of the Forester by far exceeds that of the Crosstrek and the lower lifting height makes loading easier. 

However, if you are looking for maximum space in your crossover, you should avoid the sunroof.

Winner: Subaru Forester

4. Towing Capacity

Both SUVs come with high ground clearance and the Subaru symmetric all-wheel-drive system as standard, with features like X mode with hill descent assist. 

The 2018 Subaru Forester can haul up to 2,700 pounds. The Crosstrek haup up to 1,500 pounds. With the Subaru Crosstrek against the forester trailer load, the forester wins again.

Winner: Subaru Forester

5. Performance

The base model of the Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 170 horsepower, 174 pound-foot engine. of the torque. 

Two options are also available for the Crosstrek, with the standard being a 148-horsepower, 2-liter, 145 pound-foot engine. of the torque. A significant change in fuel efficiency accompanies the hybrid and hybrid touring engine, which uses a traction battery to deliver 160 horsepower and 163 pound-feet. of the torque. 

With more power, more driving modes, and the same fuel economy, the Forester is the Subaru Crosstrek’s best choice against the force of the Forester. 

The only reason you might want the Crosstrek in terms of the drivetrain is the six-speed manual transmission available. So when we compare Subaru’s forester and crosstalk performance, Forester is again champion.

Winner: Subaru Forester

6. Technology

The Subaru Crosstrek comes with heated front seats, the Subaru Forester also has heated front and rear seats. 

When it comes to technology, they have a lot in common: they both offer 4G LTE WiFi, are equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen (available with an 8-inch option), and four-speaker audio systems as standard. 

While the Subaru Crosstrek has an available 8-speaker system, the Subaru Forester has an available 9-speaker audio system. In terms of technology, Subaru Forester also stands out.

Winner: Subaru Forester

7. Handling

You will enjoy the ease of use of the new Crosstrek which makes driving a car fun and exciting. The smoothness of the ride is one of the car’s main selling points, along with the vehicle’s ability to drive like a sports car despite its size. 

Those who drive the latest Subaru Forester will appreciate the new styling additions that have been added to the exterior, including 18-inch wheels, orange roof rail accents, and a grille with glossy black trim. 

The Forester comes with an engine that is more powerful than its predecessor. Both SUVs have good driveability, which makes them the same when dealing with the Subaru forester vs Subaru crosstrek.

Winner: Tied

8. Safety

The Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Forester are Subaru’s safest SUVs on the road today. They’ve both got five-star overall safety ratings from the NHSTA

However, there are some mirror differences when it comes to standard and advanced safety features. For one, the Subaru Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. These features are available in the Subaru Crosstrek upgraded trim. 

What’s more, the Forester offers available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation, which isn’t available on the Subaru Crosstrek at all making Forester top in Subaru forester vs crosstrek safety.

Winner: Subaru Forester

9. Fuel Efficiency

While offering impressive performance and space, you also get exceptional fuel economy making the best gas mileage SUVs in 2022, with the Forester rated up to 33 mpg EPA highway and 26 mpg city. 

The Crosstrek, on the other hand, is rated up to 33 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city, according to EPA estimates. 

In the Subaru Forester vs Subaru Crosstrek mileage compression, Crosstrek takes the lead.

Winner: Subaru Crosstrek

10. Final Verdict

The Crosstrek and Forester both use the same four-wheel drive and have similar ground clearance. The Forester gets more horsepower to compensate for its added weight, so road performance is very similar. 

Both offer an excellent combination of efficiency and utility. By spending $ 3,000 more, the Forester will offer you a more familiar interior and a few key features that are optional on the Crosstrek. So we recommend Forester in the Subaru forester vs Subaru Crosstrek SUV race.

Winner: Subaru Forester

Top FAQs About Crosstrek vs Forester

Which is better Subaru Crosstrek or forester?

In every way, the Forester expands the smaller model with more space, more functions, better safety features, and the same nominal fuel consumption for a very small price difference. Provides added value without sacrificing efficiency. For buyers looking to fill the interior of their crossover, this is clearly the best option.

Which has more cargo capacity Crosstrek or Forester?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2022 Subaru Forester give you some different features. The Crosstrek has various engine models, while the Forester is a more boxy SUV with plenty of cargo space.

After the rear seats are folded down, the Forester has increased 74.7 cubic feet of access space, while the Crosstrek has up to 51.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Which SUV provides more value crosstrek or forester?

If you compare the Subaru Crosstrek vs Forester, it’s easy to see that both models give tremendous value for money. Note, however, that the Forester costs about $2,500 more. The Crosstrek is better for those who want an affordable SUV, while the Forester is perfect for drivers who need some extra space and features. 

Final Thought

If you’re looking for a new SUV, you can’t go wrong with a rugged Subaru. All Subaru models are designed to overcome challenges with ease while providing a premium driving experience.

Once you have Subaru in your options list, it can be difficult to make a final decision while comparing the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek to the Forester. After we compare the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek, we discovered that the Subaru Forester offers added value without sacrificing efficiency. For buyers who intend to fill the interior of their crossover, it is clearly a better option.

Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Bob Gubanc

    Appreciate your detail with Subaru Forester vs Subaru Crosstrek.

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