When you're looking for a crossover SUV that's reliable, offers comfortable space for up to 5 and plenty of cargo, as well as award-winning safety features, Subaru is a great choice. The 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester are two of the best-selling models in the lineup and there's a good reason: both offer exceptional value, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the potent BOXER® engine under the hood. The Crosstrek is the perfect daily driver but capable of taking you and your family on an unforgettable weekend adventure while the Forester is the ultimate in outdoorsy vehicles, with the rugged Wilderness model that offers extra power and a higher ground clearance to easily take you off the beaten path. At Byers Airport Subaru, we realize how difficult it can be finding the perfect SUV that suits not only your needs but that of your family. Below, you'll find a handy comparison page we've cobbled together so you can easily see what the Crosstrek and the Forester have to offer. We'll take a deep dive into the features and specs of both SUVs including performance, safety, technology, and more, so you can make an informed decision. Once you've finished reading, we encourage you to contact us here at Byers Airport Subaru with any questions or to get on our books with a test drive.
You'll find 17-inch wheels as standard fare on both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester with the option to upgrade trim levels on both for 18-inch wheels. While both SUVs offer a standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches, the Forester Wilderness model ups the ante with a 9.2-inch ground clearance for more extreme off-roading. The Crosstrek delivers standard multi-reflector halogen headlights and available LED steering responsive headlights, which are standard fare on the Forester. LED fog lights are available on higher trim levels of both vehicles as well as the helpful windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors. While the Crosstrek offers standard raised roof rails, they're an available feature for the Forester. If you choose the Forester Wilderness model, it can hold up to 800 static pounds on its rails.
When it comes to interior space, the 2023 Forester edges out the win with more headroom, legroom, and passenger volume. You'll get almost a dozen more cubic feet of space inside the Forester than the 2023 Crosstrek and when you lay the rear seats flat, you'll see almost 35% more cargo space in the Forester. Heated front seats are standard on every model but the base on both SUVs while only the Forester offers heated rear outboard seats. StarTex® water-repellent upholstery is available on higher trim levels of both the Crosstrek and the Forester so your vehicle stays looking cleaner longer.
You'll be able to stay easily connected with the outside world thanks to the SUBARU STARLINK® multimedia system, standard on both the Crosstrek and the Forester. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard fare on the Crosstrek while the Forester offers standard 7-inch dual touchscreens. You can upgrade trim levels of both for an 8-inch display with navigation and hands-free text messaging.
You have a few powertrain options when choosing between the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester. The 2.0L BOXER® is standard on the Crosstrek, making a solid 152 horsepower or you can upgrade to the 182 horsepower 2.5L BOXER®, which is standard fare under the hood of the Forester. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly vehicle, only the Crosstrek offers a hybrid model within its lineup, offering up to 90MPGe on the highway. SI-DRIVE® is standard on the Forester and on higher trim levels of the Crosstrek. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on the Crosstrek with the option of choosing the Lineartronic® CVT, the standard transmission on the Forester. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on both SUVs for better traction and balance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester a perfect 5-star safety rating, continuing many years of award-winning safety from Subaru. The IIHS also named the 2023 Forester a Top Safety Pick+, their highest honor. The stellar suite of driver assist features, the EyeSight®, is standard on the Forester and available on higher trim levels of the Crosstrek. It features the Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Advance Adaptive Cruise Control. Pre-Collision Throttle Management is only available on the Crosstrek while Automatic Emergency Steering is exclusive to the Forester.
No matter if you choose the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek or the 2023 Subaru Forester, you're getting amazing value for your money. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the iconic BOXER® engine, and award-winning safety features are guaranteed plus a plethora of quality standard and available features to make every drive comfortable and exciting. Stop by Byers Airport Subaru today to check these reliable and long-lasting SUVs out, or contact us by phone or online to schedule your test drive today!
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2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 2023 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $23,645 | $26,495 |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 28 City / 33 Highway | 26 City / 33 Highway |
| Standard Horsepower | 152 | 182 |
| Roof Rails | Standard | Available |
| Passenger Volume | 100.9 Cubic Feet | 111.6 Cubic Feet |
| Cargo Volume | 20.8 Cubic Feet | 28.9 Cubic Feet |
| Max Cargo Volume | 55.3 Cubic Feet | 74.2 Cubic Feet |
| EyeSight® | Available | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 17-Inch Aluminum-Alloy | 17-Inch Steel |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 Inches | 39.4 Inches |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
