Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Forester
Verdict
The Subaru Forester asks RM222,689 against the Subaru Crosstrek’s RM190,788, so the RM31,901 gap mainly buys size and output. The Forester’s 2.5-litre makes 182 hp and 247 Nm, versus the Crosstrek’s 2.0-litre with 154 hp and 196 Nm, and its boot is a much bigger 496 litres instead of 315 litres. Both are CBU petrol C-segment SUVs with AWD, a CVT, eight airbags, AEB, a 63-litre tank and a five-year warranty, so the cheaper Crosstrek is not stripped mechanically.
Pick the Subaru Crosstrek if you want Subaru AWD with the lower purchase price, lower road tax and a more compact body.
Pick the Subaru Forester if you need the bigger boot, taller body and stronger 2.5-litre output.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Crosstrek RM190,788; Subaru Forester RM222,689
- Engine: Subaru Crosstrek 1,995 cc; Subaru Forester 2,498 cc
- Output: Subaru Crosstrek 154 hp/196 Nm; Subaru Forester 182 hp/247 Nm
- Size: Subaru Crosstrek 4,480 x 1,800 x 1,575 mm; Subaru Forester 4,655 x 1,830 x 1,730 mm
- Boot space: Subaru Crosstrek 315 litres; Subaru Forester 496 litres
- Road tax: Subaru Crosstrek RM438/year; Subaru Forester RM838/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 190,788✓ | RM 222,689 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,995 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 154 hp | 182 hp✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 247 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 9.7 s |
| Top speed | — | 205 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,575 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Boot space | 315 L | 496 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 63 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 8 | 8 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 438✓ | RM 838 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Crosstrek
- Lower price by RM31,901
- Lower annual road tax
- Same AWD, CVT, eight airbags and AEB
- 181-litre smaller boot
- Less power and torque
- Lower and narrower body
Forester
- Stronger 182 hp and 247 Nm output
- Much larger 496-litre boot
- Taller, longer and wider body
- Costs RM31,901 more
- Annual road tax is RM400 higher
- Less compact in town
Crosstrek vs Forester FAQ
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester better?
The Subaru Forester is better for space and performance, with 182 hp, 247 Nm and a 496-litre boot. The Subaru Crosstrek is the better buy if price and road tax matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester costs RM31,901 more than the Subaru Crosstrek, before insurance considerations.
Which has more boot space?
The Subaru Forester has more boot space at 496 litres, compared with 315 litres in the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a 181-litre advantage for luggage or family use.