Forester v/s competition

Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Chevy Equinox

Compare Compact Crossovers in Franklin, PA

With its comfortable and practical accommodations, standard advanced safety technologies, and real four-season capability, the Subaru Forester offers one of the most complete packages in its class. But compact crossovers make up the industry's highest-volume segment, meaning Oil City drivers have more than a few options when searching for a versatile daily drive. Still, the Forester delivers a well-roundedness that's tough to top. Here's a quick look at how it measures up in a few important areas to three of the segment's most  prominent competitors, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Chevy Equinox.


Schedule Your Visit

Subaru Forester vs. Toyota RAV4

  • Interior: The Subaru Forester offers one of the roomiest passenger compartments in the segment at 112 cubic feet, significantly exceeding the RAV4's 99 cubes. Plus, by stepping up just one trim level from base, you can enjoy appealing amenities like a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The RAV4 only offers these as options, and a panoramic sunroof is only available on the top tier.

  • Utility: The Subaru Forester offers great practicality, with its base model offering a max cargo capacity of 74.2 cubic feet and all other trims equipping raised roof rails. The RAV4's cargo area tops out at just under 70 cubic feet, and it only offers raised roof rails on its two specialty trims.

  • Technology: Both models include advanced driver aids as standard, including lane-centering, collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. However, Forester also comes standard with steering-responsive headlights and offers an available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System-features unavailable on the RAV4. Subaru's STARLINK® Multimedia touchscreen is crisp and intuitive, but Toyota's Entune system has a reputation for being a bit cumbersome and unrefined.

Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V

  • Accommodations: The Forester and CR-V are two of the segment's roomiest compact crossovers. Still, Forester provides front-seat passengers with 1.8 inches more headroom and 2.0 inches more legroom than the CR-V. And rear-seat passengers will appreciate an extra 1.6-inches of shoulder room and 4.0 more inches of hip room.

  • Capability: The Subaru Forester delivers great handling on or off the road. Subaru's well-tuned suspension instills confidence through curves and corners while neatly absorbing road imperfections for a comfortable ride. And with features like Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, X-MODE advanced traction control, and 8.7-inches of ground clearance, it's well-suited to winter treks and off-road exploration. The CR-V is comfortable and stable on the road. But it doesn't come standard with AWD and is less suitable for more rugged terrain.

  • Value: The Subaru Forester delivers more for your money, with a starting MSRP of $1,200 less than the CR-V. It comes standard with AWD, EyeSight® driver aids, steering-adaptive headlights, and STARLINK® Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V has standard Honda Sensing®, but all-wheel drive and touchscreen smartphone integration are only options. Adaptive headlights aren't offered at all.

Subaru Forester vs. Chevy Equinox

  • Performance: While both SUVs offer adept on-road handling and comfortable ride quality, the Forester's 2.5-liter BOXER engine (182 horsepower) slightly outmuscles Equinox's turbocharged 1.5-liter (170 hp). And while Equinox offers AWD as an option, it can't match the Forester's all-weather and off-road capability.

  • Comfort and Cargo: The Forester offers spacious passenger accommodations, with more headroom and legroom and a clean, modern design that makes Equinox feel a bit dated. Plus, the Forester's base trim has 74.2 cubic feet of max cargo space, and all other tiers have 70 cubes. Equinox tops out at 63.9 cubic feet.

  • Features: While the Forester's starting MSRP is $1,800 below the Equinox, it offers appreciably more value, with standard all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and steering-responsive headlights. The Equinox requires climbing the trim ladder for these features. And even Equinox's top-tier Premier trim necessitates an optional package to get adaptive cruise control.

Test-drive a New Subaru Forester near Oil City and Titusville, PA

If you have any questions about the Subaru Forester or would like more information regarding available configuration options, financing offers, and reservation opportunities, get in touch with A. Crivelli Subaru at your convenience, and we'll be happy to assist you. If you'd like a closer look at any of the models currently in our new Subaru inventory, we welcome you to visit us here in Franklin, PA, for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.

* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.

**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.