Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Forester

What's the difference?

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Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek

$36,490 - $47,590

2026 price

Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

Summary

2026 Subaru Crosstrek
2026 Subaru Forester
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Flat 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
7.2L/100km (combined)

-
Seating
5

0
Dislikes
  • Small boot
  • Pricey servicing
  • Not particularly fuel efficient

  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Needs all-terrain tyres
  • Intrusive driver alert system
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Summary

Among the many strange new car brands and names we're increasingly confronted with Subaru is an established and trusted beacon along with Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota. And Subaru’s Crosstrek SUV competes against rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross. 

So, what does the Crosstrek give you for your money and what’s different or better about the Crosstrek compared to those rivals? 

We tested the mid-grade Crosstrek 2.0S and rediscovered what this small SUV does so well and what could probably be improved.

@carsguide.com.au Three things the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek can do better than its rivals. #subaru #crosstrek #SUV #car #carsguide ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au
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2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Crosstrek 2026 Subaru Forester

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