Compared: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Subaru Forester

Here's how the redesigned Crosstrek stacks up against the bigger Forester.

By Brennan Sullivan Mar 25, 2024

Blue 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport and white 2023 Subaru Forester compared Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Forester

QuickTakes:

The 2024 model year brings the newest iteration of Subaru's popular subcompact crossover, the Subaru Crosstrek. With rugged styling and capable features, the Crosstrek embodies much of the adventurous spirit that defines the Subaru brand. It's only natural that you might see it as a viable alternative to the slightly larger and slightly costlier Subaru Forester.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Is the Cost-Efficient Choice

The 2024 Crosstrek starts at just under $27,000. Meanwhile, the 2023 Forester starts a bit higher, at around $28,000.

Both can easily crest $30,000 with extra options. At least for now, the Forester is available in a wider range of trim levels — including the luxurious Touring with its brown leather upholstery option.

Subaru | Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester Is the More Powerful Vehicle

The Crosstrek may be better at tight off-road trails, thanks to its shorter wheelbase and lighter curb weight. Both vehicles feature the same 8.7-inch ground clearance and come standard with Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction-control system. This inclusion changes as Subaru features Dual-Function X-Mode on select upper trims. Both vehicles share Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.

While the Crosstrek's smaller size aids maneuverability, the larger Forester can haul more gear. It features a maximum cargo capacity of 74.2 cubic-feet compared with the new Crosstrek's maximum of 54.7 cu-ft.

The Forester also has more standard power. Its 182-hp flat-four engine offers 30 more horsepower than the downsized engine found in the Crosstrek base and Premium trim levels. The Crosstrek Sport and Limited versions feature the 182-hp engine. The Crosstrek and the Forester both come with a continuously variable automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The 2024 model year also brings the arrival of an optional 11.6-inch touchscreen for the Crosstrek. The Forester sticks with an 8.0-inch display as its largest option. The two models both come equipped with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, while blind-spot monitoring is widely available.

Subaru | Crosstrek

The Crosstrek and Forester Go Head to Head in Fuel Economy

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers an EPA city/highway/combined estimate of 27/34/29 mpg, while the 2023 Forester's fuel economy achieves 26/33/29 mpg.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

TAGScomparison20242023subarucrosstrekforester

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Brennan Sullivan

Brennan Sullivan is a writer and lifelong car fanatic. With an appreciation for all makes and models, Brennan is particularly passionate about the rich history of the automotive industry. In his spare time, he's the caretaker of a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, and a Golden Retriever named Willow.