Battle of the wilderness: subaru forester vs crosstrek – which adventure beast reigns supreme?
What To Know
- However, the Forester Wilderness comes with a more robust CVT, while the Crosstrek Wilderness features a more refined and fuel-efficient CVT.
- The Forester Wilderness offers a higher level of off-road capability and a more spacious interior, while the Crosstrek Wilderness is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price.
- The Forester Wilderness excels in terms of ground clearance, suspension, and interior space, while the Crosstrek Wilderness offers a more refined driving experience, improved fuel economy, and a lower price point.
For adventure enthusiasts seeking rugged and capable SUVs, the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness stand out as formidable choices. Both vehicles boast impressive off-road capabilities, but each offers unique strengths and characteristics. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two wilderness-ready Subarus to help you make an informed decision.
Off-Road Prowess
Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles
The Forester Wilderness reigns supreme in terms of ground clearance, boasting an impressive 9.2 inches compared to the Crosstrek Wilderness‘s 8.7 inches. This extra height provides a significant advantage when traversing uneven terrain and obstacles.
When it comes to approach and departure angles, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a slight edge. Its 20.4-degree approach and 23.6-degree departure angles allow it to tackle steep inclines and declines more confidently.
Suspension and Tires
Both vehicles feature enhanced suspension systems for improved off-road performance. The Forester Wilderness benefits from a heavy-duty suspension with increased ground clearance and revised spring rates. The Crosstrek Wilderness, on the other hand, offers a modified suspension with tuned dampers and increased wheel travel.
In terms of tires, the Forester Wilderness comes equipped with Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 tires, while the Crosstrek Wilderness features Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires. Both tires provide excellent grip and traction in off-road conditions.
Engine and Performance
Powertrain and Output
Under the hood, the Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness share the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. However, the Forester Wilderness produces slightly more horsepower (182 hp vs. 180 hp) and torque (176 lb-ft vs. 174 lb-ft).
Transmission and Drivetrain
Both vehicles offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard. However, the Forester Wilderness comes with a more robust CVT, while the Crosstrek Wilderness features a more refined and fuel-efficient CVT.
Both the Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness feature Subaru‘s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing excellent traction and stability in all conditions.
Interior and Comfort
Cabin Space and Seating
The Forester Wilderness offers a more spacious interior with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Crosstrek Wilderness, while smaller in size, still provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
Features and Amenities
The Forester Wilderness comes loaded with features such as heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 6.5-inch infotainment system. The Crosstrek Wilderness offers similar features, but with a smaller 6.3-inch infotainment screen.
Off-Road Enhancements
Both vehicles feature a number of off-road-oriented enhancements, including water-resistant upholstery, rubber floor mats, and additional storage compartments.
Safety and Technology
Standard Safety Features
The Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Crosstrek Wilderness offers additional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and automatic high beams.
Price and Value
MSRP
The Subaru Forester Wilderness has a starting MSRP of $33,945, while the Crosstrek Wilderness starts at $29,695.
Value Proposition
The Forester Wilderness offers a higher level of off-road capability and a more spacious interior, while the Crosstrek Wilderness is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price.
Final Thoughts
Both the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness are excellent choices for adventure-seekers looking for a capable and rugged SUV. The Forester Wilderness excels in terms of ground clearance, suspension, and interior space, while the Crosstrek Wilderness offers a more refined driving experience, improved fuel economy, and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness?
A: The Forester Wilderness offers more ground clearance, a more robust suspension, a larger interior, and a slightly more powerful engine. The Crosstrek Wilderness has a lower starting price, a more fuel-efficient CVT, and a smaller, more agile body.
Q: Which vehicle has better off-road capabilities?
A: The Forester Wilderness has a slight edge in off-road capabilities due to its higher ground clearance and more robust suspension.
Q: Is the Crosstrek Wilderness as capable off-road as the Forester Wilderness?
A: While the Crosstrek Wilderness is not quite as capable off-road as the Forester Wilderness, it still offers impressive off-road performance for its size.
