2024 Subaru Forester vs Competitors
Overview
For better or worse, the compact crossover class is teeming with desirable options. While this may be great for those who enjoy putting in the work of sizing up the competition, buyers who suffer from choice paralysis might feel a little overwhelmed. If you happen to fall into the latter group, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. While the 2024 Subaru Forester is widely considered one of the most appealing models in its segment, the detailed comparison below against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5 supports this claim through fact-based evidence.
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Convenience and Practicality
When it comes to flat-out value, the Forester comes out on top. Unlike nearly every other model in this comparison (except for the CX-5), it has the distinction of being equipped with standard all-wheel drive, something you’ll need to pay extra for with the others. The ’24 Forester is also one of the least expensive of the bunch, boasting a starting MSRP of $27,095. Its cargo area is quite cavernous, too, offering up to 74.2 cubic feet with the Base trim (that’s 4.4 cu. ft. greater than the RAV4’s and 14.9 cu. ft. greater than the CX-5’s). To top it off, the ’24 Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the rugged Wilderness trim, which is more than you’d be able to haul with the CR-V, Tucson, Sportage, and CX-5. .
Fuel Economy
The ‘24 Forester is more fuel efficient than the Tucson and Sportage, achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 33 mpg on the highway. With AWD, the Tucson and Sportage only return 23 city/29 highway. The ’24 Forester can also hold a considerable amount of fuel thanks to its 16.6-gallon gas tank, which is larger than the tanks in the aforementioned rivals.
Noteworthy Features
The 2024 Subaru Forester is replete with upscale amenities. The loaded Limited trim comes with steering-responsive LED headlights, LED fog lights, a panoramic moonroof, a windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather upholstery, and a crystal-clear 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with SiriusXM satellite radio. The CR-V EX doesn’t come with steering-responsive LED headlights, LED fog lights, a windshield wiper de-icer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, or leather upholstery. Plus, its touchscreen is an inch smaller and doesn’t include SiriusXM satellite radio. The Tucson XRT is a little more expensive than the Forester Limited and still lacks some of the Subaru’s standard features. The same applies to the Sportage SX Prestige, which is priced higher than the Forester and doesn’t get leather upholstery. With the CX-5 S Premium, LED fog lights and a windshield wiper de-icer are unavailable.
As far as all-out ruggedness, the ’24 Forester has the rugged Wilderness trim in its lineup, which offers higher capability than can be found in any of the competitors mentioned here. In addition to its 9.2 inches of ground clearance (the highest of any model in this comparison), it receives all-terrain tires, water-repellent StarTex upholstery, an exclusive 180-degree front-view monitor, and a robust roof rack that can support up to 800 pounds at a standstill – making it ideal for camping.
Advanced Driving Aids
Every 2024 Forester is equipped with the EyeSight driver-assist technology suite, consisting of a pre-collision braking system, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure and sway warning, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and automatic high beams. Most of the other models have similar features, but as mentioned earlier, the Forester Base is one of the least expensive of the pack. What’s more, the ’24 Forester Wilderness and Touring trims get reverse automatic braking, a sought-after technology that’s more expensive to access with some of the other models.
