2024 Subaru Forester vs. Crosstrek | Cargo Space, Dimensions, & Features Compared

When you’re in search of a bold SUV built to help you reach the pinnacle of every adventure, the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are two exceptional models to consider. Each offers a host of premium features, stirring performance, and forward-thinking tech for enhanced confidence and convenience. Not sure which meets your needs? The Grand Subaru team has put together this 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Crosstrek comparison to help you decide. 

Browse our Subaru Forester inventory and our Subaru Crosstrek inventory to find the model that speaks to you, and explore our available offers to secure a competitive rate. To get behind the wheel of either the Forester or Crosstrek, schedule a test drive at our dealership in Bensenville, IL. Contact us online or call us at (888) 840-3934 if you have any questions.

Key Subaru Forester Features

The 2024 Subaru Forester is designed to make your journeys more exciting with top-of-the-line amenities, exceptional performance and capabilities, and advanced technologies. Whether you're exploring uncharted territories or going on a long road trip, this rugged SUV can be your perfect companion. Key available features of the 2024 Forester include:

• All-terrain tires
• LED fog lights and steering-responsive headlights
• Power panoramic moonroof
• Reclining rear seat backs
• Cloth, StarTex®, leather, or sport cloth seat upholstery with orange stitching

For additional information about key highlights and specifications, visit our detailed Forester review. 

Key Subaru Crosstrek Features

Tackle the great outdoors in a recently revamped compact SUV like the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. This vehicle boasts exceptional performance and efficiency, luxurious interior features, and cutting-edge technology to elevate your driving experience and take you and your loved ones on unforgettable journeys. Available key features of the 2024 Crosstrek include:

• All-terrain tires
• LED fog lights and steering-responsive headlights
• Retractable and removable cargo-area cover
• Illuminated USB charging ports
• Cloth, premium cloth, StarTex®, leather with orange stitching, or sport cloth upholstery with yellow accents and contrast stitching

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our comprehensive Crosstrek review.

Interior Features & Cargo Space Compared

The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are premium SUVs that offer a comfortable and luxurious driving experience for the entire family. With high-quality materials and attention to detail, each is expertly crafted to provide top-of-the-line comfort. Either model offers relaxation-enhancing amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. Exclusively on the Forester, you can access available heated rear outboard seats and reclining rear seat backs. 

When it comes to spacious accommodations, the 2024 Forester and Crosstrek offer ample space for up to five passengers. When you need to bring along a hefty cargo load, the Forester delivers up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Crosstrek offers up to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Engine Specs Available

Discover the ultimate driving experience in the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek no matter where your journey takes you. Equipped with powerful SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine options and a Lineartronic® CVT with adaptive control, each SUV offers exceptional performance and efficiency. On either model, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) contributes to better road grip while Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE®) helps enhance control. You can also benefit from the X-MODE® system — standard on the Crosstrek and available on the Forester — which optimizes AWD system engagement for improved handling on various terrain types.

Towing Capacity Offered

Don’t hesitate to bring along more than just the essentials in the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Each model offers an off-road-ready Wilderness trim, which can tow up to 3,000 pounds on the Subaru Forester and up to 3,500 pounds on the Subaru Crosstrek. 

Technology Features Compared

The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek take advanced technology features to the next level. Each offers premium STARLINK® Multimedia systems with either dual 7-inch touchscreens or a single 11.6-inch touchscreen on the Crosstrek, or a 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreen on the Forester. Additionally, either SUV offers wireless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ as well as available Wi-Fi® capability. The Crosstrek exclusively offers wireless charging on higher trims. 

You now have the option of choosing between dual 7-inch infotainment touchscreens or a recently introduced 11.6-inch touchscreen. Additionally, you can enjoy wireless features such as smartphone integration, charging, and Wi-Fi® capability, which ensure a smooth on-the-go connectivity experience.

Safety Features Offered

If you’re looking for an SUV that prioritizes safety, the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are excellent choices. Each comes equipped with standard EyeSight® driver assistance technology designed to help ensure your peace of mind on the road. With features such as automatic emergency steering and a rear vision camera, you can confidently set off knowing you’re supported from every angle. For even more enhanced focus, the Forester exclusively offers a DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Subaru Forester Comparison | Bensenville, IL

Ready to take home a new Subaru SUV but not quite sure yet if the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek or 2023 Subaru Forester is right for you? The team at Grand Subaru in Bensenville, IL, put together this side-by-side review to help you compare the two models across key areas. If you’d like more model-specific information, visit our Crosstrek review and Forester review pages. 

If you’re ready to move forward and find your perfect 2023 Crosstrek or Forester, search our Crosstrek inventory or Forester inventory then contact us at (888) 840-3934 or send us a text or chat if you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester Interior Features

Enjoy comfortable seating, smart storage solutions, and plenty of connectivity and entertainment tech in both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester. You’ll find the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology suite, too.

Do you love opening the cabin to the sky above on warm nights or sunny days? The 2023 Crosstrek offers an optional power tilt and sliding moonroof on all trims except the Base trim, while the 2023 Forester features a panoramic power moonroof as standard equipment beginning with the Premium trim. 

Other features these two models share include:

• Keyless entry 
• Push-button start
• USB charging ports
• AM/FM stereo with four or six speakers or an eight- (Crosstrek) or nine-speaker (Forester) premium Harman Kardon® sound system 
• SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia or Multimedia Plus systems with 6.5- or 8-in. LCD touchscreen display (Forester includes multi-touch gesture display)
• Bluetooth® technology
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ 
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot
• HD Radio™ 

• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Cloth, StarTex® water-repellent, leather-trimmed (Crosstrek), or leather (Forester) upholstery
• Whiplash-reducing, heated front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Manual or power-adjustable front seats
• 60/40 split flat-folding rear seatbacks
• Automatic climate control system (Forester also features dual-zone)

The 2023 Subaru Forester also offers navigation on the top-level Touring trim, sport cloth upholstery with orange stitching on the Sport trim, reclining rear seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a fold-down rear armrest.

Dimensions & Cargo Space

Both the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Subaru Forester can seat five passengers; however, if you’re looking for maximum interior space for your traveling companions ― and cargo-carrying needs ― the Forester delivers more. 

*Base trim features 41.2 and 39.6 inches of headroom space

Transmission, Engine, & Fuel Economy

Reliability is at the heart of a SUBARU BOXER® engine, and you’ll find one under the hood of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Subaru Forester. Three powertrain options are offered with the Crosstrek, including a hybrid option that pairs the 2.0L gas-powered BOXER engine with a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and a Lineartronic® CVT with adaptive control and incline start assist. The Base and Premium trims on the Crosstrek come with a six-speed manual transmission for sporty appeal, while higher trims feature the CVT.

Both the Crosstrek and the Forester come with symmetrical all-wheel drive, with select trims adding X-MODE® software with hill descent control. Both models also feature the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE®) engine management system with drive modes and a vehicle dynamics control system that uses sensor technology to monitor key operations.

The 2023 Forester offers two Lineartronic CVT options with either adaptive control or adaptive control and seven-speed manual mode. 

Color Options

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

• Crystal Black Silica
• Cool-Gray Khaki
• Pure Red
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Magnetite Gray Metallic
• Horizon Blue Pearl
• Crystal White Pearl
• Plasma Yellow Pearl
• Lagoon Blue Pearl
• Desert Khaki

2023 Subaru Forester

• Crystal Black Silica
• Cascade Green Silica
• Geyser Blue
• Horizon Blue Pearl
• Sapphire Blue Pearl
• Crystal White Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Autumn Green Metallic
• Brilliant Bronze Metallic
• Magnetite Gray Metallic

Safety & Driver Assistance Technology

Both the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Subaru Forester come equipped with a wide range of passive and active safety features to help support and protect you and your loved ones when you’re on the road and away from home.

Among the safety features the two models share include:

• Brake assist
• Brake override system
• High beam assist
• Daytime running lights
• Comprehensive airbag system
• Blind spot detection/rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking (available on Crosstrek, standard on Forester Touring)
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision braking system
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear vision camera
• SUBARU STARLINK® Safety and Security connected services
• LATCH system

The 2023 Forester also features lane change assist and a DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, which leverages infrared cameras to detect drowsiness or fatigue in the driver’s face and alert you so you can avoid a potential accident. 

 The 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim also features a 180-degree front view monitor.