Choosing the perfect crossover SUV can be more challenging than you might expect. With so many options available-each offering a unique mix of performance, comfort, and capability-it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Even if you narrow your search to one trusted brand like Subaru, comparing models like the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Forester still requires time and effort. At Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, we understand how important it is to find the right fit for your lifestyle, and we're here to help make that process easier. We believe the 2025 Crosstrek is an outstanding all-around choice with its compact size, sporty handling, and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It's perfect for city driving, weekend getaways, and everything in between. But the 2025 Forester may be the better match if you're looking for more space, a higher driving position, and increased cargo capacity for family trips or outdoor adventures. To take the guesswork out of your decision, we've put together a comprehensive Crosstrek vs. Forester comparison, allowing you to view their features side by side and make an informed choice without the hassle. Read more below to explore which model aligns best with your needs, and when you're ready, contact Capitol Subaru to schedule a test drive. We're here to help you drive home in the Subaru that suits you best!
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Design & Exterior Features
Both the 2025 Crosstrek and 2025 Forester start with an 8.7-inch ground clearance and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Wilderness trim on both crossovers ups the ground clearance, 9.3 inches for the Crosstrek and 9.2 inches on the Forester, for better off-roading capabilities. All-season tires are standard fare on both models while the Wilderness model of both boasts standard all-terrain tires. You'll find standard LED steering responsive headlights and LED fog lights on higher trim levels on both the Crosstrek and the Forester. Heated side mirrors are available for easier morning commutes, while roof rails are available for extra cargo space. A moonroof is optional on the Crosstrek while you can find one on the higher trim levels of the Forester.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Comfort & Technology
With seating for 5, both the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Forester offer incredible comfort inside. The Crosstrek has 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, while you'll find 110.8 cubic feet in the Forester, which also boasts over 35% more cargo space with the rear seat laid flat. Heated seats are available on the higher trim levels of both models while only the Forester offers available heated rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Both SUVs come with leather-trimmed upholstery on higher trims as well as a standard dual-zone climate control.
The standard SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system keeps you connected in both the Crosstrek and the Forester with easy access to your favorite apps through standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While both models offer an 11.6-inch display with navigation on the higher trim levels, only the Forester has a third option of an 8-inch display as well as Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Performance
The 2025 Crosstrek packs a punch under the hood with the standard 2.0-liter BOXER®, generating 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Forester offers a standard 2.5-liter BOXER and makes 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Only the Forester offers a hybrid option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Both models come standard with SI-DRIVE®, Symmetrical All-wheel Drive, and Active Torque Vectoring. XMODE® is standard fare on the Crosstrek but is only available in higher trim levels of the Forester. Both crossovers are paired to a Lineartronic® CVT - the Crosstrek adds Adaptive Control and Incline Start Assist while Low Shift Mode is included on the Forester's transmission. Both base models can tow up to 1,500 lbs, but if you choose the Wilderness trims, the Crosstrek can manage up to 3,500 lbs, while the Forester can take up to 3,000 lbs.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Safety
While both the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2025 Forester received perfect 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, only the Forester was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Both models offer the standard EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology, which includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Automatic Emergency Braking, Land Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-collision Braking. You'll find the Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking on the higher trim levels of both crossovers, while only the Forester boasts the available Driver Focus Mitigation System that can warn you if it detects you're driving while distracted or drowsy.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Overall Value
In the end, both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2025 Subaru Forester offer the legendary capability, safety, and reliability that drivers have come to expect from the Subaru brand. The Crosstrek stands out with its compact size, sporty design, and agile handling-perfect for city driving and weekend escapes. On the other hand, the Forester provides more interior space, a taller ride height, and added practicality for families or those needing extra room for gear and passengers. At Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, we're here to help you decide which Subaru best fits your lifestyle. Whether you lean toward the nimble Crosstrek or the spacious Forester, you can't go wrong. Check out our full comparison to see the key differences side by side, and contact us today to schedule a test drive. We're excited to help you find your next adventure-ready Subaru.
 | 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 (Wilderness Trim) | 3,500 lbs. | 3,000 lbs. |
| Roof Rails | Available | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | Standard | Standard |
