When comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2025 Subaru Forester, you’ll find two outstanding SUVs that share Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, commitment to safety, and rugged dependability—but cater to slightly different lifestyles. At Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, we know how important it is to match the right vehicle to your needs, whether you're an adventurous solo driver, a commuter, or part of a growing family. The Crosstrek stands out as the more compact and agile of the two. With a sporty profile and smaller footprint, it’s ideal for city dwellers or weekend warriors who want light off-road capability without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Available with a 2.0L engine producing 152 horsepower or an upgraded 2.5L delivering 182 horsepower, the Crosstrek offers a balance of everyday practicality and spirited driving. The Forester, on the other hand, emphasizes space and comfort with its midsize SUV frame and practical design. Powered by a 2.5L engine generating 180 horsepower, it delivers consistent performance while offering more interior room and cargo capacity than the Crosstrek. Families and those who value cabin space for passengers or gear will appreciate the Forester’s well-rounded nature and additional amenities. Ultimately, both models reflect Subaru’s dedication to building vehicles that are safe, capable, and dependable. Whether you’re looking for compact versatility or spacious comfort, you’ll find exceptional value and performance in either SUV at Byers Airport Subaru.
The 2025 Crosstrek presents a bold yet compact look with sporty lines, rugged cladding, and a lifted stance that hints at off-road capability while maintaining city-friendly dimensions. Its athletic design appeals to drivers who want something nimble and modern. The Forester, by comparison, takes on a more upright and practical approach. With a wider stance and taller profile, it offers greater road presence and easier entry and exit for passengers. Both models feature LED headlights, roof rails, and alloy wheels, but the Forester’s larger size allows for features like a hands-free power tailgate and increased cargo access.
Inside, both SUVs are thoughtfully designed, with comfortable seating for five and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The Crosstrek and Forester both feature dual 7-inch displays on most trims or an available 11.6-inch touchscreen in higher trim models. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth®, and available premium audio systems. The Crosstrek’s cabin feels sporty and snug, while the Forester delivers more spaciousness and practicality, including wider rear doors and greater legroom for rear passengers. For families or those who regularly travel with passengers or gear, the Forester offers extra comfort, while the Crosstrek caters to those who value a compact, driver-focused layout. Features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat are available in both.
Both the Crosstrek and Forester come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and excellent ground clearance—8.7 inches for each—making them capable in all weather conditions and light off-road environments. The Crosstrek offers two engine choices: a 2.0L BOXER®with 152 horsepower or a 2.5L with 182 horsepower for a sportier feel and better acceleration. The Forester uses a 2.5L BOXER engine across all trims, producing 180 horsepower, and while not as nimble as the Crosstrek due to its size, it provides stable, confident handling on the highway and in rougher conditions. Both deliver solid fuel economy for their class, but the Crosstrek edges out slightly due to its smaller size. Whether you’re prioritizing quick city maneuverability or long-haul comfort, both vehicles perform with reliability and control.
Safety is paramount for both the 2025 Crosstrek and Forester, with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard across all trims. Both include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The Crosstrek adds available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, while the Forester enhances safety further with features like the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System and Emergency Stop Assist. Both models are built with Subaru’s advanced crash-absorbing frame and prove their capability with a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The Forester's achievements take it a step further by earning a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, a clear testament to the Subaru safety standard.
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester comes down to your lifestyle and priorities. If you need a nimble, fuel-efficient SUV that’s easy to park and fun to drive, the Crosstrek is the perfect match. It delivers rugged looks, solid performance, and a lower starting price, making it a great value for adventurers and commuters alike. The Forester, meanwhile, is the better choice for families, road-trippers, and anyone needing more interior space, cargo capacity, and convenience features. It delivers outstanding comfort, safety, and practical utility without sacrificing Subaru’s legendary reliability. At Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, we invite you to experience both the Crosstrek and Forester for yourself. Our expert team will walk you through each model’s features, help you compare trims, and ensure you drive away in the Subaru that best suits your lifestyle. Stop by today and discover which SUV is the right fit for your next adventure.
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2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder BOXER® | 2.5-liter BOXER |
| Standard Horsepower | 152 | 180 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 145 | 178 |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Aluminum-alloy | 17-inch Aluminum-alloy |
| Standard Transmission | Lineartronic® CVT w/ Adaptive Control | Lineartronic CVT |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 54.7 | 74.4 |
| Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs. | 3,000 lbs. (Wilderness Trim) |
| Roof Rails | Available | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | Standard | Standard |
