2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing market for crossovers with its rugged appearance, standard all-wheel drive, and elevated driving position. It shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models like the Legacy, Outback, Ascent, and Forester, offering a refined design. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a ride height providing 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Its vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal. Inside, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional but plain interior, with some questionable design choices like clashing color accents and cheap-looking trim pieces. However, the water-repellant StarTex upholstery was a practical addition for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, was all about practicality and utility. Despite its somewhat unappealing exterior, the Forester excelled in functionality, offering easy entry and exit, and a cabin designed for durability. The interior featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's interior emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt well-constructed, albeit somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, and the Wilderness trim added features like a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. Overall, the Forester's practicality and ruggedness made it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Crosstrek's boxer engine, a Subaru trademark, provided a lower center of gravity for improved handling, although the SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, with an optional CVT available. The Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only, offering the larger engine. All trims came with standard AWD, featuring torque vectoring and X-Mode for loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like features, the Crosstrek was more suited for on-road driving, with predictable handling and a comfortable ride. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was noticeable.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was competitive, averaging 25.9 mpg during testing. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios provided a smooth driving experience, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for livelier response. The dual-function X-Mode system, standard on most trims, improved off-road capability. The Wilderness trim's re-tuned suspension and longer springs enhanced ground clearance to 9.2 inches, improving approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, though it lacked engine power and had noticeable wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space measured 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, and the front offered a convenient cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports. However, rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good outward visibility.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The interior featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, allowing for a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubes with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's cargo area was well-shaped, and new cargo hooks added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Limited trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Crosstrek's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. A second screen displayed additional information, though it seemed redundant.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trims added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester's infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating, applicable to models with optional EyeSight features and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight offered adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be blocked by wipers or sunlight.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced EyeSight 4.0, with improved accuracy and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition system for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a "Top Safety Pick+" rating expected from the IIHS.