Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester: 2027 Comparison | Hughes Subaru

The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester are two of the most popular SUVs we sell here at Hughes Subaru in Athens, GA, and they are also the two models shoppers ask us to compare most often. Both come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and the kind of go-anywhere capability Subaru is known for. So how do you choose?

In this guide, we break down the 2027 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester side by side, including price, size, cargo space, fuel economy, and capability, so you can find the right fit for your life in Athens and across North Georgia. At the time of this post, we do not have the 2027 models in stock, but we expect them soon this upcoming fall.

Crosstrek vs. Forester at a Glance

Here is how the 2027 models stack up on the numbers that matter most:

Price and Value

The Crosstrek is the more affordable option, with the 2027 model starting at $26,995 MSRP. That makes it one of the most budget-friendly ways to get into a new SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The 2027 Forester starts at $29,995 MSRP, so for about $3,000 more you step up to a larger SUV with more room for passengers and cargo.

Both lineups include well-equipped Premium and Limited trims, rugged Wilderness trims, and hybrid versions. Check our current new Subaru specials to see the latest offers on both models.

Size, Space, and Comfort

This is where the two SUVs differ the most. The Forester is roughly seven inches longer than the Crosstrek, and you feel that extra size inside. It offers about 50 percent more cargo space behind the rear seats, plus a taller, boxier shape with big windows that give it excellent visibility.

The Crosstrek is smaller and nimbler, which is a real advantage when you are squeezing into a parking spot downtown on Clayton Street or navigating a busy UGA game day. It still has plenty of room for two adults and weekend gear, and the rear seats fold down when you need more space.

• Choose the Crosstrek if you mostly drive solo or with one passenger and want easy parking.
• Choose the Forester if you regularly carry kids, car seats, large dogs, or bulky gear.

Performance and Fuel Economy

For 2027, both SUVs share a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine rated at 180 horsepower. Because the Crosstrek is smaller and lighter, it tends to feel a little quicker and more playful on curvy backroads.

Fuel economy is close between the gas models, with both rated up to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway on their standard trims, according to Subaru. If fuel savings are a priority, both models also come in a hybrid version:

• Crosstrek Hybrid: 194 combined horsepower, an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, and up to 598 miles of range on a single tank.
• Forester Hybrid: 194 combined horsepower, up to 35 mpg city, and up to 581 miles of range. For 2027, it is also available as the brand-new Forester Wilderness Hybrid, the first Subaru Wilderness model with a hybrid powertrain.

For drivers commuting between Athens, Watkinsville, Winder, and Atlanta, that kind of range means fewer stops at the pump.

Off-Road and Outdoor Capability

Both models are ready for North Georgia adventures. Each comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than many SUVs in their class. That means trailhead parking lots, gravel roads, and rainy mountain drives are no problem.

For even more capability, both are available in a Wilderness trim with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, enhanced X-MODE, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Standard models can tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is enough for a small utility trailer or a lightweight single-watercraft trailer.

Planning a trip to Tallulah Gorge or the mountains near Helen this fall? See our guide to the best fall road trips from Athens, GA.

Safety and Technology

You do not have to pick between these two to get top-tier safety. Both include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, with features like Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. Both also offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 11.6-inch touchscreen on higher trims.

Which Subaru Is Right for You?

The Subaru Crosstrek Is a Great Fit If You:

• Want the lowest starting price for a new Subaru SUV
• Are a recent grad, young professional, or couple who mostly drives with one or two people
• Park downtown or in tight spaces often
• Want a fun, easy-to-drive SUV that is still trail ready

The Subaru Forester Is a Great Fit If You:

• Have a growing family or regularly carry passengers in the back seat
• Travel with large dogs, sports equipment, or camping gear
• Want more rear legroom and a roomier cabin for road trips
• Value outstanding outward visibility and a higher seating position

Still torn? The best way to decide is to drive them back to back. Many of our customers come in set on one model and leave in the other once they feel the difference in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Forester bigger than the Crosstrek?

Yes. The Forester is a compact SUV that is about seven inches longer than the subcompact Crosstrek, with more rear-seat room and up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek’s 54.7 cubic feet.

Which gets better gas mileage, the Crosstrek or the Forester?

The gas versions are rated very closely, up to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway on standard trims. For the best efficiency, the Crosstrek Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, while the Forester Hybrid is rated up to 35 mpg city.

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

Yes. Every Crosstrek and Forester comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, along with 8.7 inches of ground clearance on standard trims.

Where can I test drive a Crosstrek and Forester near Athens, GA?

You can test drive both at Hughes Subaru, located at 3010 Atlanta Highway in Athens, GA 30606. We serve drivers from Athens, Winder, Monroe, Jefferson, Statham, Bethlehem, Greensboro, Lawrenceville, and across North Georgia.

Test Drive the Crosstrek and Forester at Hughes Subaru

Whether you are leaning toward the nimble Subaru Crosstrek or the spacious Subaru Forester, our team is happy to help you compare them in person. Browse our new Subaru inventory, check out Certified Pre-Owned options, or visit us at 3010 Atlanta Highway in Athens. Questions? Call 706-715-2303 or contact us online.