What To Know
- When paired with the standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Crosstrek achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
- The Crosstrek Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Forester Hybrid delivers 33 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- While the naturally aspirated Crosstrek and Forester have comparable fuel economy, the turbocharged Crosstrek slightly outperforms the Forester in terms of power and fuel consumption.
When considering fuel efficiency, the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester are two highly acclaimed compact SUVs. Both vehicles offer impressive gas mileage, making them ideal choices for eco-conscious drivers. However, there are subtle differences in their fuel consumption that warrant a closer examination. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester gas mileage, providing you with detailed insights to help you make an informed decision.
Powertrain and Engine Options
The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester share the same 2.5-liter boxer engine, which is known for its reliability and efficiency. However, the Crosstrek is available with both a naturally aspirated version and a turbocharged version, while the Forester only offers the naturally aspirated engine.
Naturally Aspirated Engine Comparison
In the naturally aspirated configuration, the 2.5-liter engine in the Crosstrek and Forester produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Crosstrek achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Forester, with its slightly larger size and weight, delivers slightly lower fuel economy numbers of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Turbocharged Engine Comparison
The Crosstrek’s turbocharged engine, available on higher trim levels, boasts 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Despite the increased power, the turbocharged Crosstrek still maintains impressive fuel efficiency. It achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
All-Wheel Drive and Fuel Consumption
Both the Crosstrek and Forester come standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. However, all-wheel drive can slightly impact fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Real-World Fuel Consumption
While EPA estimates provide a valuable benchmark, real-world fuel consumption may vary depending on factors such as driving habits, traffic conditions, and terrain. According to Fuelly, a popular fuel tracking website, the average fuel economy reported by Crosstrek owners is 26.5 mpg, while Forester owners report an average of 25.7 mpg.
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Options
For even greater fuel efficiency, Subaru offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the Crosstrek and Forester. The Crosstrek Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Forester Hybrid delivers 33 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Forester Plug-In Hybrid, with its larger battery capacity, offers an all-electric range of up to 35 miles and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 36 mpg when operating in hybrid mode.
Wrap-Up
The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester offer a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, performance, and all-wheel-drive capability. While the naturally aspirated Crosstrek and Forester have comparable fuel economy, the turbocharged Crosstrek slightly outperforms the Forester in terms of power and fuel consumption. For drivers seeking the ultimate in fuel efficiency, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of both vehicles provide even more impressive numbers. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy, the Crosstrek or the Forester?
A: The naturally aspirated Crosstrek and Forester have comparable fuel economy, while the turbocharged Crosstrek offers slightly better fuel efficiency.
Q: Does all-wheel drive affect fuel economy?
A: Yes, all-wheel drive can slightly reduce fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Q: Are there hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions of the Crosstrek and Forester?
A: Yes, both the Crosstrek and Forester offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants with improved fuel efficiency.
Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading, the Crosstrek or the Forester?
A: Both the Crosstrek and Forester have excellent off-road capabilities due to their standard all-wheel drive and ground clearance.
Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Crosstrek or the Forester?
A: The Forester offers more cargo space than the Crosstrek, with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.1 cubic feet compared to 55.3 cubic feet in the Crosstrek.