Verdict
The Subaru Forester asks RM222,689 against the Subaru Crosstrek’s RM190,788, so the RM31,901 gap mainly buys size and output. The Forester’s 2.5-litre makes 182 hp and 247 Nm, versus the Crosstrek’s 2.0-litre with 154 hp and 196 Nm, and its boot is a much bigger 496 litres instead of 315 litres. Both are CBU petrol C-segment SUVs with AWD, a CVT, eight airbags, AEB, a 63-litre tank and a five-year warranty, so the cheaper Crosstrek is not stripped mechanically.
Pick the Subaru Crosstrek if you want Subaru AWD with the lower purchase price, lower road tax and a more compact body.
Pick the Subaru Forester if you need the bigger boot, taller body and stronger 2.5-litre output.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Crosstrek RM190,788; Subaru Forester RM222,689
- Engine: Subaru Crosstrek 1,995 cc; Subaru Forester 2,498 cc
- Output: Subaru Crosstrek 154 hp/196 Nm; Subaru Forester 182 hp/247 Nm
- Size: Subaru Crosstrek 4,480 x 1,800 x 1,575 mm; Subaru Forester 4,655 x 1,830 x 1,730 mm
- Boot space: Subaru Crosstrek 315 litres; Subaru Forester 496 litres
- Road tax: Subaru Crosstrek RM438/year; Subaru Forester RM838/year
Crosstrek
- Lower price by RM31,901
- Lower annual road tax
- Same AWD, CVT, eight airbags and AEB
- 181-litre smaller boot
- Less power and torque
- Lower and narrower body
Forester
- Stronger 182 hp and 247 Nm output
- Much larger 496-litre boot
- Taller, longer and wider body
- Costs RM31,901 more
- Annual road tax is RM400 higher
- Less compact in town
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM190,788✓ | RM222,689 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM438✓ | RM838 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with direct injection and variable valve timing | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,995 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | 182 hp✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 247 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | Lineartronic |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 9.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 205 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,575 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,643 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 315 litres | 496 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | — | SI-Drive and X-Mode |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Passenger Seat Cushion | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee & Front Passenger Seat Cushion, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Crosstrek & Forester for sale
Crosstrek vs Forester FAQ
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester better?
The Subaru Forester is better for space and performance, with 182 hp, 247 Nm and a 496-litre boot. The Subaru Crosstrek is the better buy if price and road tax matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester costs RM31,901 more than the Subaru Crosstrek, before insurance considerations.
Which has more boot space?
The Subaru Forester has more boot space at 496 litres, compared with 315 litres in the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a 181-litre advantage for luggage or family use.
