What To Know
- The Forester has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with an additional 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance warranty.
- Its fuel efficiency and affordable price point make it a suitable choice for those seeking a basic and reliable SUV.
- The Subaru Forester has a more powerful engine, with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque compared to the Dacia Duster’s 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
When it comes to compact SUVs, two formidable contenders emerge: the Subaru Forester and the Dacia Duster. Both vehicles offer distinct advantages, making it a challenging decision for prospective buyers. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and value propositions to help you determine which SUV best suits your needs.
Performance and Capability
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Forester boasts a more powerful 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Dacia Duster offers a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the Duster has a slight edge in torque, the Forester’s higher horsepower results in better acceleration and passing power.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Duster has the advantage. It delivers an impressive 37 mpg combined, while the Forester returns 28 mpg combined.
All-Wheel Drive and Off-Road Prowess
Both the Forester and Duster come standard with all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. However, the Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is renowned for its superior performance, especially in off-road situations. With X-Mode, the Forester offers additional control and capability when navigating rough terrain and slippery surfaces.
Cargo Capacity and Interior Space
The Forester offers a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Duster. With 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, the Forester provides ample room for passengers and luggage. The Duster’s cargo capacity is smaller, at 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Features and Technology
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Dacia Duster offers an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. The Forester’s infotainment system is more intuitive and user-friendly, with a cleaner interface and responsive controls.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
The Forester surpasses the Duster in terms of safety and driver assist features. It comes standard with EyeSight, a suite of advanced safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Duster offers a more limited range of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Value Proposition
Price and Warranty
The Dacia Duster is significantly more affordable than the Subaru Forester. The base Duster starts at around $21,000, while the base Forester starts at around $25,000. However, the Forester’s higher price is justified by its superior performance, features, and safety.
Both vehicles offer competitive warranty coverage. The Duster comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Forester has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with an additional 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance warranty.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester is the ideal choice for buyers who prioritize performance, safety, and off-road capability. Its powerful engine, spacious interior, and advanced safety features make it an excellent all-around SUV.
The Dacia Duster is a budget-friendly option that offers a decent balance of features and practicality. Its fuel efficiency and affordable price point make it a suitable choice for those seeking a basic and reliable SUV.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?
A: The Dacia Duster has better fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 37 mpg compared to the Subaru Forester’s 28 mpg combined.
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more powerful engine, with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque compared to the Dacia Duster‘s 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Forester has more cargo space, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down compared to the Dacia Duster‘s 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.