Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester: Which Should I Buy? | Bennington, VT
Lundgren Subaru | Bennington, Vermont

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester: Which Should I Buy?

For current 2026 models, the Crosstrek is the smaller, lower-priced choice, while the Forester provides substantially more passenger and cargo room. Both give Vermont drivers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 180-horsepower gas engines, available hybrid models, and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Shop CrosstrekShop ForesterCall Sales: 802-442-3400
2026 Subaru Crosstrek outdoors2026 Crosstrek
2026 Subaru Forester outdoors2026 Forester
176.4"Crosstrek length
183.3"Forester length
Up to 54.9Crosstrek max cargo, cu. ft.
Up to 74.4Forester max cargo, cu. ft.
Choose the Crosstrek if...

You want a smaller Subaru that is easy to maneuver

The 2026 Crosstrek starts at a lower MSRP and is 6.9 inches shorter than the standard Forester. That makes it especially appealing for drivers who split time between Vermont back roads, parking lots, downtown streets and weekend trailheads.

  • Lower $26,995 starting MSRP before destination and other charges
  • 176.4-inch overall length
  • Standard 180-hp 2.5-liter BOXER engine
  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Up to 9.3 inches of clearance on Wilderness
  • Wilderness towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped
Choose the Forester if...

You need more passenger space and cargo flexibility

The 2026 Forester gives you a taller cabin, more rear legroom, and significantly more maximum cargo room. It is the stronger fit when family space, bulky outdoor gear, pets, or frequent passenger use matter more than having the smallest possible footprint.

  • $29,995 starting MSRP before destination and other charges
  • Up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume
  • Up to 74.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space
  • 39.4 inches of rear legroom
  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Available Forester Hybrid and Forester Wilderness models
What they share

Both are built around Subaru all-weather capability

The decision is mostly about size, space and how you use the vehicle because the core capability story is similar.

Standard Symmetrical AWD

Every current 2026 Crosstrek and Forester gas model includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

180-Horsepower Gas Engine

Both conventional lineups use a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder rated at 180 horsepower.

At Least 8.7 Inches of Clearance

Standard models provide 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while Wilderness versions reach 9.3 inches.

Five-Passenger Seating

Both seat up to five, but the Forester gives rear passengers more legroom and a taller cabin.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

Subaru equips both model lines with EyeSight driver-assistance technology, with additional systems varying by trim.

Hybrid Choices

Both model families include 2026 hybrid options with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and improved city efficiency.

Side profile of a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek uses a shorter 176.4-inch footprint that favors maneuverability and compact-SUV versatility.
Side profile of a 2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester stretches to 183.3 inches in standard form and converts that extra size into more passenger and cargo room.
2026 model comparison

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester Specs

Use the table below to compare the areas that usually matter most for Southern Vermont daily driving, winter use, family space and weekend travel.

2026 SpecificationSubaru CrosstrekSubaru Forester
Starting MSRP$26,995$29,995
Standard gas engine2.5L BOXER, 180 hp / 178 lb.-ft.2.5L BOXER, 180 hp / 178 lb.-ft.
All-wheel driveStandard Symmetrical AWDStandard Symmetrical AWD
Standard ground clearance8.7 inches8.7 inches
Wilderness ground clearance9.3 inches9.3 inches
Overall length176.4 inches183.3 inches; 182.9 inches Wilderness
Maximum cargo spaceUp to 54.9 cu. ft. depending on trim; 54.7 cu. ft. on most gas modelsUp to 74.4 cu. ft. on Base; 69.1 cu. ft. on most other gas trims
Rear legroom36.5 inches conventional gas models39.4 inches
Gas fuel economy, best listedUp to 26 city / 33 highway mpgUp to 26 city / 33 highway mpg
Most trims towingUp to 1,500 lbs. when properly equippedUp to 1,500 lbs. when properly equipped
Wilderness towingUp to 3,500 lbs. when properly equippedUp to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped
Hybrid availableYes, Sport Hybrid and Limited HybridYes, multiple Forester Hybrid trims

Manufacturer-published 2026 figures shown. MSRP excludes destination and delivery, taxes, registration, options and other charges. Cargo, towing, fuel economy, dimensions and equipment vary by trim and configuration.

Bennington and Southern Vermont driving

Which fits Vermont life better?

Both models start with the features many Vermont drivers care about: standard all-wheel drive, substantial ground clearance and available Wilderness trims. Your daily routine is what separates them.

  • Crosstrek: useful for tighter parking, smaller garages, commuting and drivers who carry moderate gear.
  • Forester: useful for families, dogs, bulkier outdoor equipment and drivers who value rear-seat room.
  • Wilderness: both models increase clearance to 9.3 inches for more trail-focused capability.
  • Winter: tire choice, condition and driving technique still matter regardless of AWD.
Hybrid comparison

Both Subaru SUVs now offer hybrid choices

Hybrid availability makes the decision less about choosing efficiency versus space and more about choosing the body size you prefer.

2026 Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru rates the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid at 194 combined horsepower with standard Symmetrical AWD. Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims are rated at 36 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

2026 Forester Hybrid

The Forester Hybrid also uses Subaru's 194-horsepower hybrid system with standard Symmetrical AWD. Subaru lists up to 35 mpg city and a driving range of up to 581 miles, while retaining the Forester's roomier cabin format.

Lundgren Subaru of Bennington

Compare Crosstrek and Forester in Bennington, VT

Lundgren Subaru serves drivers from Bennington and Manchester, Vermont, as well as North Adams, Massachusetts and communities across the nearby New York Capital Region. Browse both models online, then compare seating, cargo access and driving feel at the dealership.

Sales
802-442-3400
Service
802-755-7277
Parts
802-755-7299
Shopping tools

Continue your Subaru comparison online

New Crosstrek InventoryBrowse current Crosstrek vehicles, trims, colors and vehicle-specific pricing.New Forester InventoryCompare current Forester trims, colors and configurations.New Subaru SpecialsReview current dealership and manufacturer offers.Finance ApplicationStart the financing process online before visiting Lundgren Subaru.Sell or Trade Your VehicleRequest an online estimate for your current vehicle.Schedule Subaru ServiceArrange future maintenance with the Lundgren Subaru service team.
Frequently asked questions

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester FAQs

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester: which should I buy?

Choose the Crosstrek if you prefer a smaller footprint, a lower starting MSRP, and easier maneuvering while keeping standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Choose the Forester if you regularly carry more passengers or cargo and want a taller, roomier cabin with up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

Which is bigger, the Subaru Crosstrek or Forester?

The 2026 Forester is larger. Subaru lists the Crosstrek at 176.4 inches long, while the Forester is 183.3 inches long in standard configurations. The Forester also provides more passenger volume and maximum cargo space.

Which has more cargo space, Crosstrek or Forester?

The Forester has more maximum cargo room. Subaru lists up to 74.4 cubic feet for the 2026 Forester Base with the rear seatbacks folded. The 2026 Crosstrek offers up to 54.9 cubic feet depending on trim, with most gas trims listed at 54.7 cubic feet.

Do the Crosstrek and Forester both have standard all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 Crosstrek and 2026 Forester both include Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment across their current gas and hybrid lineups.

Which is better for Vermont winter driving, Crosstrek or Forester?

Both are well suited to Vermont winter conditions because they include standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The better fit depends more on your space, parking, cargo, and trim preferences than on basic winter traction.

Which Subaru is easier to park, Crosstrek or Forester?

The Crosstrek has the smaller exterior footprint. At 176.4 inches long, it is 6.9 inches shorter than the standard 2026 Forester, which can make the Crosstrek easier to place in tighter parking spaces and urban areas.

Which has more rear-seat room, Crosstrek or Forester?

The Forester provides more rear-seat space. Subaru lists 39.4 inches of rear legroom for the 2026 Forester versus 36.5 inches for the conventional 2026 Crosstrek.

Do the Crosstrek and Forester come as hybrids?

Yes. Subaru offers 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid and 2026 Forester Hybrid models. Both use Subaru hybrid technology with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the exact trims, fuel-economy ratings, cargo figures, and availability differ.

Where can I compare a Crosstrek and Forester near Bennington, VT?

Lundgren Subaru is located at 527 N Bennington Rd. in Bennington, VT 05201. The sales team can be reached at 802-442-3400, and shoppers can browse current Crosstrek and Forester inventory online before visiting.

Specifications, MSRP, fuel-economy estimates, equipment and inventory can change. Verify the specific vehicle, trim and current manufacturer disclosures before purchase. Driver-assistance technology has operating limitations and does not replace attentive driving.