At Shingle Springs Subaru, we know Sierra Foothills drivers want vehicles that blend everyday practicality with true weekend capability. That's why the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2025 Subaru Forester sit at the top of many test-drive lists in Shingle Springs. Both deliver standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ground clearance, and advanced driver assistance, inspiring poise on Highway 50, during rainy commutes through Placerville, and along gravel detours to favorite trailheads.
The Crosstrek leans compact and athletic. Its tidy footprint, quick steering, and rugged details make it easy to park, eager to explore, and fun to personalize with roof gear. The Forester counters with an airier cabin, taller seating position, and larger cargo bay, creating effortless room for kids, pets, coolers, and camping equipment. Each model shares Subaru's durable engineering, composed ride quality, and smart utility, yet their personalities diverge-Crosstrek reads playful and city-friendly, while Forester feels spacious, reassuring, and road-trip ready. In the sections ahead, we'll compare exterior styling, interior comfort, technology, performance, and safety so you can decide which Subaru fits your lifestyle best. If you're drawn to nimble maneuverability and adventurous style, the Crosstrek is an easy match. If you prize maximum visibility, flexible space, and highway poise, the Forester makes an excellent companion. Either way, you get renowned Subaru reliability, all-weather traction, and long-term value-ideal for everyday life and weekend escapes throughout Northern California.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Crosstrek features a bold, compact silhouette with rugged fender cladding and an athletic stance. At about 175 inches long, it's easy to park while still offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road adventures. Standard roof rails and steering-responsive LED headlights enhance utility and safety, while available wheel designs and color options let you personalize your look. The 2025 Forester has a taller profile and clean, upright lines that emphasize visibility and practicality. At roughly 182 inches long, it provides more interior and cargo space without feeling cumbersome. Like the Crosstrek, it comes with standard roof rails and steering-responsive LED headlights, plus available style upgrades such as chrome accents and premium wheels. Both SUVs combine rugged Subaru character with versatile features suited for city streets and Sierra backroads alike.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Comfort & Technology
Step inside the 2025 Crosstrek and discover supportive cloth seats, with available upgrades like StarTex™ water-repellent upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control on upper trims. The 2025 Forester has the same setup of interior features and upgrades, but takes it a step further with available ventilated seats as well. The Forester also provides a roomier interior with generous rear legroom and nearly 30 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row. Both come standard with a dual 7.0-inch Multimedia System, integrated with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, with the option to upgrade to an 11.6-inch touchscreen and premium audio.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Performance
The 2025 Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter BOXER® engine producing 152 horsepower, paired with a Lineartronic® CVT and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Higher trims offer a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, delivering stronger acceleration for highway merging or mountain climbs. Its lighter weight and precise steering give it an agile feel both on winding roads and unpaved trails. The 2025 Forester produces the same 180 horsepower with the 2.5-liter BOXER® engine across all trims, delivering smooth, consistent power through a Lineartronic® CVT and standard all-wheel drive. X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control is standard on most trims, improving low-traction performance. Both SUVs feature a standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance and well-balanced handling, with the Crosstrek favoring nimble responsiveness and the Forester prioritizing ride stability and comfort on longer journeys.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Safety
The 2025 Crosstrek is engineered for peace of mind with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard across all trims. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Available features such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking add further protection. It also earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its robust crash protection. The 2025 Forester matches these driver-assistance and available safety technologies while also benefiting from its upright design for excellent outward visibility. Like the Crosstrek, it holds a five-star overall NHTSA rating, but it goes one step further with a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. Both models combine advanced safety systems with strong structural engineering, making them standouts in their segment for driver and passenger protection.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Subaru Forester: Overall Value
At Shingle Springs Subaru, both the 2025 Crosstrek and 2025 Forester deliver Subaru's hallmark reliability, capability, and award-winning safety. Each model comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced driver-assistance features, and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA-giving you confidence in every drive. The Crosstrek's compact size, nimble handling, and available 2.5-liter engine make it an ideal choice for drivers seeking maneuverability and adventure-ready style. Its efficiency and agility shine both in town and on backroads. The Forester offers greater interior space, expansive visibility, and a smooth ride, making it perfect for families, frequent travelers, or anyone needing extra cargo capacity. Whichever you choose, you'll enjoy a versatile, safe, and capable Subaru-perfect for life in Northern California's varied landscapes.
 | 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 | 1,500 lbs. | 3,000 lbs. (Wilderness Trim) |
| Roof Rails | Available | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | Standard | Standard |
