Head To Head Redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester Vs. All-New 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Should you wait for the 2025 Forester or buy the 2024 Crosstrek now? The 2025 Subaru Forester has been completely redesigned, and the 2024 Crosstrek also gets next-generation upgrades. Which new model is the best?

I have covered both new SUVs in detail, and here is a comparison for new car shoppers. Both models have compelling reasons to buy them. 

The 2024 Forester is ranked as one of the ten best new cars this year by Consumer Reports. The 2024 Crosstrek is Subaru's most reliable new model in the lineup. Forester is the second most reliable Subaru model according to CR testing. 

2025 Forester vs. 2024 Crosstrek by the numbers.

The Forester stands four inches taller than the Crosstrek, so you sit a little higher, have a little more headroom, and have a better view of the road. Forester was recently ranked highest and best for older drivers. Forester also scores best in outward visibility. The Forester is almost six inches longer, making a difference when parking, so Crosstrek is ideally suited for urban dwellers.

Cargo

Forester offers more cargo-carrying ability than the Crosstrek. The 2025 Forester provides 74.4 cubic ft with the rear seats folded flat, and the Crosstrek has considerably less at 54.7 cubic ft. Forester's rear tailgate opening is wider and has a lower cargo floor (2.5 inches), making it easier to load heavy cargo.

Ride Quality

The Forester weighs a couple hundred pounds more, so it feels slightly more substantial than the Crosstrek. They both have more "travel" with their raised suspensions than most vehicles. "Travel" is just a fancy way of saying that there is more space for the suspension to compress, which results in a more compliant ride.

Subaru of America says the next-generation Forester and Crosstrek have improved dynamic performance and ride quality from a 10 percent stiffer chassis. SOA says, "These updates deliver improved dynamic performance, a smoother ride, and a quieter cabin." 

Engines

Crosstrek offers a 2.0-liter engine as standard, and an optional 2.5-liter engine comes on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. The 2025 Forester has only one 2.5-liter Boxer engine on all trim levels.

Fuel Economy

Standard engines in both vehicles run regular unleaded gas.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek with the larger 2.5-liter Boxer engine comes with 30 more horsepower and gets an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 27/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

CR’s 5 Most Reliable New SUVs Under $30K - Why Subaru Crosstrek Is The Top Pick @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @TucsonSubaru#subaru #crosstrek #subarucrosstrek #crosstrekwildernesshttps://t.co/RJ3lg5e5fE
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) December 21, 2023

The 2024 Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine gets an EPA-estimated 27/34 mpg and 29 combined mpg. The Crosstrek 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 29 combined and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Crosstrek Wilderness receives an estimated 27 combined mpg and 25/29 city/highway mpg.

The EPA still needs to rate the 2025 Forester. I will share this new information as soon as it's released. Say tuned. 

The 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV has an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The EPA says the 2024 Forester Wilderness gets an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

What is the price of the 2024 Crosstrek?

For 2024, the Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels and has a starting price of $26,290 (the same MSRP as the 2023 Base model equipped with the Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission).

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $27,440, Sport ($30,290), and Limited ($32,190). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,290, including dealer destination and delivery fees ($1,295).

Subaru of America has yet to release pricing on the 2025 Forester. I expect that the new 2025 Forester will have a significant price increase. Stay tuned as SOA will announce pricing closer to the dealer launch in the spring of 2024.

Both the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Forester are capable all-wheel-drive SUVs. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has the Wilderness trim level for active outdoor enthusiasts. The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness has yet to be announced, and I expect the rugged model will arrive next fall or winter. 

An All-New Next-Gen Subaru Forester Hybrid Emerges From The Shadows via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #foresterhybridhttps://t.co/yEDRDk5MQd
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) November 20, 2023

Another thing for the shopper's consideration is that the 2025 Forester will have a new fuel-stingy hybrid trim level. But customers will have to wait until 2025 to get one. 

My Take

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a top pick for customers needing a small SUV. It has significant upgrades and a new Crosstrek Wilderness trim level for getting further off the grid. The Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness, now made in the U.S., will likely be easier to find in the new year than the redesigned 2025 Forester manufactured in Japan. Customers needing a larger cabin and the additional cargo room should wait for the new Forester. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Forester vs Crosstrek comparison story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Vs. Honda HR-V And Toyota Corolla Cross, It’s No Contest
• Where’s The New 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness? It’s A No Show
• The Remodeled 2025 Subaru Forester - 10 All-New Hidden Interior Upgrades

Watch the All-New 2025 Subaru Forester First Look // What do you think of the design?

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers! 

photo credit: Subaru USA