2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Forester | Features & Specs Compared in Moline, IL

Both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Forester are versatile, family-friendly SUVs with elegantly crafted style. They each seat up to five passengers, offer two engine options, and include similarly advanced EyeSight® suites. For more information on key features, continue reading this 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Forester guide created by the team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL. 

If you’d like to compare the new Subaru Outback and Forester in person, find both models at our Subaru dealership near Bettendorf and Davenport, IA. Locate your ideal SUV in our inventory, then schedule a test drive with a member of our team. Plan your visit here with our directions. If you have any questions, you can give us a call at (309) 797-5654 or send us a message — we’re always happy to chat. 

New Subaru Forester Key Features

For energetic performance capabilities and fuel-efficient power, consider the new Subaru Forester. The Forester is available with either a gas or hybrid engine. Plus, you can choose an off-road-ready Wilderness trim if you’re interested in adventuring off the beaten path. You’ll also appreciate the generous cargo space inside the Forester with the rear seats up and down. 

To explore the Forester further, check out our review, then find your ideal configuration in our inventory. 

New Subaru Crosstrek Key Features

For versatile capability, turn to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. Offered with two energetic engine options, you’ll find the power you need to take on your daily commutes and weekend adventures. The off-road capable Crosstrek Wilderness trim is ready to handle your more rugged explorations. The compact body style of the Crosstrek also makes it easier to maneuver in and out of tight parking situations.

You can more fully immerse yourself in Crosstrek features by reading through our review. Also, have a look at our current inventory. 

Interior Features Compared

Revel in plush seating and easy-to-use conveniences when you opt for a 2025 Subaru Forester or 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. You can choose from cloth, leather, or StarTex® water-repellent seat upholstery in either SUV, depending on the trim you select. The Crosstrek also offers sport cloth seat upholstery and vivid yellow or orange stitching. Both offer available heated front seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel for those chillier days. The Forester also offers ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats on select higher-level trims. 

Shared interior features include: 

• Cloth, leather, or StarTex® water-repellent seat upholstery
• Ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped shifter handle
• Folding rear seat armrest with dual cup holders
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system
• Keyless access with push-button start

Available Subaru Forester interior features include: 

• Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outboard seats

Available Subaru Crosstrek interior features include:

• Sport cloth seat upholstery
• Seat upholstery with yellow or orange stitching
• Four-way manually adjustable front passenger's seat

Cargo Space & Dimensions Available

There’s plenty of space inside the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. Both seat five passengers comfortably. The Forester offers more space overall, particularly when it comes to cargo and rear-seat legroom — rear-seat passengers have up to 39.4 inches of legroom, compared to the Crosstrek and its 36.5 inches of legroom. You can fold either rear bench seat down with the 60/40 split-fold functionality, which is further bolstered by the one-touch fold capability that the Forester offers. With the rear seats fully lowered, the Forester has up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space and the Crosstrek has up to 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Interior dimensions are shown in the accompanying table. 

Engine Options & Specs Compared

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Subaru Forester both offer robust engine options. The Crosstrek is standard with a 2.0L SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder powertrain, while the Forester comes with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder. On higher level trims, the Crosstrek can instead be equipped with an 182 horsepower 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, while the Forester offers a hybrid version of its 2.5L engine on select trims. 

When it comes to performance, you’ll find that each SUV offers dynamic capabilities. The Crosstrek offers comparable highway MPG to the Forester — with its standard engine, you can achieve up to 34 highway MPG, while you need the Forester hybrid engine to reach this same MPG. If you opt for the Crosstrek, it can tow 500 pounds more than the Forester for a total of 3,500 pounds. 

Engine specs are shown in the accompanying table. 

Technology Features Compared

Find advanced tech systems in either the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek or 2025 Subaru Forester. They offer similar capabilities, with both able to be equipped with 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus or Navigation systems on higher-level trims. Easily connect to your infotainment system with available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Each can be equipped with a Harman Kardon® premium audio system on top trims for an immersive listening experience. 

Shared technology features include: 

• Four- or six-speaker audio system 
• SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system with dual 7-in. displays or SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus or Navigation with 11.6-in. display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• HD Radio™
• USB-A and USB-C ports
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
• SiriusXM Travel Link® capability
• Bluetooth®
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability

Available Subaru Forester technology features include: 

• Nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus or Navigation with 8-in. display 
• Subaru Live Traffic

Available Subaru Crosstrek technology features include: 

• Ten-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• SiriusXM Traffic capability

Driver Assistance Safety Features Available

Protect your family and friends with the advanced driver assistance and safety features available with the 2025 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek. You’ll find similar features across the lineup of either SUV, including EyeSight features like advanced adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The Forester also offers some exclusive, cutting-edge features like a 360-degree surround view monitor, DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system, and 180-degree front view monitor.

Shared driver assistance features include:

• Blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Rear vision camera
• EyeSight driver assist technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Automatic emergency steering

Available Subaru Forester driver assistance features include: 

• 180-degree front view monitor
• 360-degree surround view monitor
• DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system
• LED daytime running lights

Available Subaru Crosstrek driver assistance features include: 

• Halogen daytime running lights

2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Forester | Features & Specs Compared in Moline, IL

Are you interested in a five-passenger Subaru SUV, but need help narrowing down your choices? McLaughlin Subaru is here to help! We’ve put together this 2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Subaru Forester comparison to parse out the differences between these two Subaru SUVs. Read on to learn more!

If you’re interested in viewing one — or both — of these Subaru SUVs, check out our new Crosstrek inventory and new Forester inventory. Then, use our online form to schedule a test drive at our Moline, IL, dealership. If you have any questions, give us a call at (309) 726-4684 or message us online. Our Quad Cities dealership team is dedicated to serving residents of Bettendorf, IA, and Davenport, IA, and you can find us by checking our hours and directions page. 

New Subaru Forester Key Features

What are some key features of the new Subaru Forester? This Subaru SUV has a spacious, comfort-focused cabin with available heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. 

You can learn more by heading over to our Forester review and pick out your favorite model from our Forester inventory. 

New Subaru Crosstrek Key Features

Turn to the new Subaru Crosstrek if you’re looking for a compact SUV with impressive infotainment technology options. The display set into the center console of the Crosstrek can be up to 11.6 inches when you choose a higher trim level. And you can seamlessly connect to this same display with wireless smartphone connectivity capabilities.

For more details, take a look at our Crosstrek review, then find the Crosstrek you love in our online inventory. 

Interior Features Compared

Recover from the day’s events inside either the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or 2024 Subaru Forester thanks to the plush amenities within. Both SUVs offer an available ten-way power driver’s seat so you can adjust your seat to your ideal specifications. Front passengers can also find their most comfortable seating position with the eight-way power adjustability on the Forester or four-way manual adjustability on the Crosstrek. Fight back against the cold with heated front seats available on both SUVs. The Forester also offers heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers in the Forester can also find their ideal seating position with rear-seat recline, which is not available on the Crosstrek. Admire views of the sky and skyscrapers through the panoramic power moonroof standard across most of the Forester lineup or the optional power tilt/sliding moonroof offered on the Crosstrek. 

Cargo Space & Dimensions Available

While both Subaru SUVs offer ample space for their five passengers, as well as cargo, the Forester ultimately offers more space. Configure the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats equipped to both SUVs to accommodate both passengers and cargo — or just cargo. The Forester offers some additional cargo solutions to make loading gear easier, including one-touch folding rear seatbacks and a power rear gate with automatic close, height memory settings, and a vehicle lock button. 

View interior dimensions in the accompanying table. 

Engine Options & Specs Compared

Whether you choose a 2024 Subaru Forester or 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, you’ll find engines with excellent fuel efficiency and light-duty towing capabilities. Also, both SUVs, as is the case with most Subaru vehicles, are equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). Both also come with Lineartronic® CVT (continually variable transmission) with adaptive control. A small difference in performance capabilities is that the Crosstrek offers an eight-speed manual mode on most higher level trims, while it’s the reverse on the Forester — a seven-speed manual mode is offered with select higher level trims, with the exception of the Forester Wilderness trim, which comes with an eight-speed manual mode. 

View engine specs in the accompanying table.

Technology Features Compared

Modern technologies await you in either the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or 2024 Subaru Forester. Use Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to connect with the SUBARU STARLINK® infotainment system built into either SUV, with the Crosstrek offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Crosstrek offers the larger infotainment touchscreens no matter if you choose a base model or a higher level trim — it comes standard with dual 7-inch displays or offers an available 11.6-inch display, while the Forester instead has a standard 6.5-inch display or available 8-inch display. Audiophiles will appreciate the available Harman Kardon® premium audio system on either SUV, which has ten speakers on the Crosstrek and nine speakers on the Forester. 

Infotainment features available on both SUVs include:

• SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia, Multimedia Plus, or Multimedia Navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• SiriusXM Traffic® and Travel Link®
• AM/FM stereo
• HD Radio™
• Dual USB input ports
• Bluetooth®
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
• Four- or six-speaker sound systems
• Harman Kardon premium audio system

Available Driver Assistance Safety Features

While the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester do offer several similar driver assist features, there are some distinct differences between the features available. Even though both come with an EyeSight® driver assist technology suite, you’ll find each EyeSight system offers unique capabilities. For example, the Crosstrek EyeSight suite includes pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency steering, while the Forester EyeSight suite includes a pre-collision braking system and pre-collision throttle management. Both EyeSight systems also come with lane departure and sway warning and advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering. 

Alert your fellow drivers to your presence with LED daytime running lights on the Forester or halogen daytime running lights on the Crosstrek. Other driver assist features offered on the Forester include a DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system and a Wilderness-exclusive 180-degree front-view monitor. 

Driver assist features available on both SUVs include:

• High beam assist
• Blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Rear vision camera
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Daytime running lights

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Subaru Forester | Head-to-Head Comparison

In this Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester side-by-side review, we compare these two adventure-seeking SUVs across key areas to help illuminate their similarities and differences. Learn about the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Subaru Forester, and if you’d like more information visit our Crosstrek review and Crosstrek trims pages or Forester review and Forester trims pages. 

If you’re ready to move forward, search our Crosstrek inventory or Forester inventory to find a model and trim you like, and plan a visit to McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL, to take it for a test drive. Contact us at (309) 726-4684 or send us a text or chat message if you have any questions.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester Interior Features

The in-cabin experience on both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester is outfitted for comfort, connectedness, and exploration. For example, the steering system you’ll find on both models is equipped not only for easy access but also engagement with the vehicle when you want to change gears to better suit your preferences or driving conditions. A tilt/telescoping steering column helps you find a comfortable position, especially on long trips, while integrated controls help keep your hands near the wheel with quick access to cruise control, the audio system, and Bluetooth® connection.

Interior features both models share include:

• Power moonroof (panoramic on Forester)
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Automatic climate control system (Forester adds dual-zone on higher trims)
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel 
• Cloth, StarTex® water-repellent, leather-trimmed (Crosstrek) upholstery – Forester adds sport cloth and leather upholstery
• Whiplash-reducing, heated front seats 
• Manually- or power-adjustable front seats
• 60/40 split flat-folding rear seatbacks
• AM/FM stereo with four or six speakers, or an eight- (Crosstrek) or nine-speaker (Forester) Harman Kardon® premium sound system 
• SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia or Multimedia Plus system with 6.5- or 8-in. LCD touchscreen display 
• USB charging ports

Additional features offered with the 2023 Subaru Forester include a Multimedia Navigation system, sport cloth upholstery with orange stitching, and heated rear outboard seats with reclining capability.

Engine Specs, Transmission, & Fuel Economy

The 2023 Crosstrek features a six-speed manual transmission on the Base and Premium trims and a Lineartronic® CVT on higher trims. If you’re looking for a hybrid option, the Crosstrek also offers a plug-in hybrid engine that brings together a gas-powered SUBARU BOXER® engine with an efficient permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. Both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester are equipped for agility and traction control thanks to the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system. 

The 2023 Subaru Forester equips all trim options with the larger BOXER engine, which is mated to one of two Lineartronic CVT options.

Cargo Space & Dimensions

Both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester feature roomy cabins with plenty of legroom to stretch your legs. If you’re looking for maximum cargo carrying ability, the Forester provides more cargo space behind the rear seat and when you fold the rear seat down.

Both models feature storage solutions to help you organize and stow your stuff. Along with outside roof rails for carrying things like cargo carriers, bikes, or cargo baskets, the Crosstrek offers an available cargo tray and cargo organizing hooks inside the cabin. The Forester provides a protective, removable cargo area tray and a cargo net for keeping items like water jugs, dog food, or a bag of oranges from rolling around in the rear cargo area while you’re driving.

Tire Size & Wheel Options

You’ll find a variety of wheel designs on both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester. With the Forester, each trim level is outfitted with a unique wheel design. 

Crosstrek

All 2023 Crosstrek trims feature all-season tires.

• 17-in. black with machine-finish aluminum alloy wheels (Base, Premium)
• 17-in. dark gray aluminum alloy wheels (Special Edition)
• 17-in. dark gray aluminum alloy wheels (Sport)
• 18 in. alloy wheels (Limited)
• 18-in. black with machine finish lightweight/high-strength aluminum alloy wheels and low-resistance all-season tires (Hybrid)

Forester

All 2023 Forester trims except for the Wilderness model come with all-season tires.

• 17-in. aluminum wheels with silver finish (Base)
• 17-in. black aluminum alloy wheels with machine finish (Premium)
• 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with black finish (Sport)
• 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels with matte black finish and all-terrain tires (Wilderness)
• 18-in. black aluminum alloy wheels with machine finish (Limited)
• 18-in. dark gray aluminum alloy wheels with machine finish (Touring)

Safety & Driver Assistance Features

You’ll find plenty of passive and active safety features on the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Subaru Forester, including the EyeSight® Driver Assist technology system. This suite of advanced tech features ― which includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision throttle management, and pre-collision braking ― comes standard on all Forester trims, is optional on the Crosstrek Base and Premium trims, and comes standard on the Sport, Limited, and Hybrid trims.

Among the safety features you’ll find on both Subaru SUVs:

• Daytime running lights
• High beam assist
• Comprehensive airbag system
• Rear vision camera
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Brake assist
• Brake override system
• Reverse automatic braking (available on Crosstrek trims, standard on Forester Touring)
• Blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
• LATCH child seat mounting system