What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and the X70, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next compact SUV.
- While the X70 has a slight edge in terms of horsepower and torque, the Forester’s naturally aspirated engine offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the X70’s 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of safety ratings, the Subaru Forester has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Subaru Forester and the X70 are two highly regarded compact SUVs that have earned a reputation for their versatility, capability, and value. Both vehicles offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and safety, making them popular choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and the X70, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next compact SUV.
Engine Performance: Power and Efficiency in Focus
The Subaru Forester offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The X70, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 254 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
While the X70 has a slight edge in terms of horsepower and torque, the Forester’s naturally aspirated engine offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the X70’s 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Forester’s turbocharged engine also provides impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Interior Comfort: Space, Refinement, and Technology
Both the Subaru Forester and the X70 offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Forester provides 39.4 inches of headroom and 43.5 inches of legroom in the front, while the X70 offers 40.4 inches of headroom and 43.4 inches of legroom. In the rear, the Forester offers 39.4 inches of headroom and 39.4 inches of legroom, while the X70 provides 38.7 inches of headroom and 38.6 inches of legroom.
In terms of refinement, both vehicles offer a quiet and comfortable ride. The Forester’s interior is well-insulated from road noise, and the suspension effectively absorbs bumps and vibrations. The X70 also provides a comfortable ride, with a well-tuned suspension that handles uneven road surfaces with ease.
Both vehicles come with a range of infotainment features, including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. The Forester’s infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, while the X70’s system is slightly more complex but offers a wider range of features.
Cargo Capacity: Versatility and Practicality
The Subaru Forester offers 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The X70 provides 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
While the Forester has a slight advantage in cargo space, both vehicles offer ample room for luggage, groceries, and outdoor gear. The Forester’s cargo area is slightly more versatile, with a lower load floor and a wider opening, making it easier to load and unload bulky items.
Safety Features: Advanced Technologies for Peace of Mind
Both the Subaru Forester and the X70 come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. The Forester also comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The X70 offers a similar range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
In terms of safety ratings, the Subaru Forester has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The X70 has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but has not yet been rated by the IIHS.
Off-Road Capability: Adventure-Ready Performance
Both the Subaru Forester and the X70 offer all-wheel drive as standard, making them capable of handling a variety of off-road conditions. The Forester comes with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces. The X70’s all-wheel drive system is also capable, providing good grip and handling off-road.
However, the Forester has a slight edge in terms of off-road capability, thanks to its higher ground clearance (8.7 inches compared to the X70’s 7.9 inches) and its X-Mode system, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for different off-road conditions.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $24,995, while the X70 has a starting price of $24,490. Both vehicles offer a wide range of trim levels, with higher trim levels offering more features and amenities.
In terms of value, the Subaru Forester offers a slightly better value proposition, especially in its lower trim levels. The Forester’s standard features include all-wheel drive, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The X70 offers a similar range of features, but some of its more desirable features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist, are only available on higher trim levels.
Recommendations: Choosing the Right Compact SUV for Your Needs
The Subaru Forester and the X70 are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. The Forester is a well-rounded choice that excels in off-road capability and fuel efficiency, while the X70 offers more power and a more spacious interior.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you value off-road performance and fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester is a great choice. If you prioritize power, interior space, and a wider range of features, the X70 is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A1: The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy than the X70, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the X70’s 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Q2: Which vehicle offers more cargo space?
A2: The Subaru Forester offers slightly more cargo space than the X70, with 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down compared to the X70’s 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Q3: Which vehicle has a higher ground clearance?
A3: The Subaru Forester has a higher ground clearance than the X70, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance compared to the X70’s 7.9 inches.