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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda PilotAlternatives to the Subaru Forester
The Forester is a great compact crossover option that features standard AWD. But what are some good alternatives to the Subaru Forester?
Capable AWD on a Compact Crossover
The Forester has long been one of Subaru’s most popular models. And that’s for good reason as the crossover has always had ample space for a small family, handsome looks, and one of the best all-wheel drive (AWD) systems in the business. The modern generation bolsters those great qualities with a bevy of advanced safety tech, better performance, and modern updates. However, while the compact crossover has plenty of pros, there are some alternatives out there that overcome the Forester’s cons. Here are ten great alternatives to consider when shopping for a Subaru Forester.
Subaru Outback
Sometimes a good alternative to a car is just a model from the same brand. If you’re looking to experience the same great technology, style, and the capable Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system found in the Forester but in a more premium package, the Subaru Outback is a great choice. The Outback comes in a bit shorter than the Forester but it’s also slightly longer which allows it to carry slightly more interior space. This lower height and some added weight enable the Outback to offer a smoother ride over bumps in the road.
The Outback also has the availability of a turbocharged 2.4L boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Those specs not only outright beat the Forester’s lone engine option, but they also allow the Outback to tow up to 3,500 pounds which is 500 pounds more than the best capacity found only on the Forester Wilderness edition.
Subaru Ascent
Another Subaru of note to consider when shopping for the Forester is the Subaru Ascent. This large mid-sized crossover SUV again offers everything that makes the Forester a great vehicle but in a larger form. The Ascent actually provides less cargo space but that’s because of its added third-row seating. This additional seating makes the Ascent the ideal choice for slightly larger families. Go for the standard bench seat and you can haul up to eight passengers or opt for the second-row captain’s chairs to lose one spot but make accessing those rear seats a breeze. More seating with all the same great technology and AWD found in the Forester.
Ford Bronco Sport
If you’re looking outside the Subaru stable, then perhaps the Ford Bronco Sport might fit the bill. It fits the same mold that the Forester does as a small crossover dedicated to outdoor adventurers, has a tall roof for storing items like bikes, and it offers a standard 4×4 drivetrain. The Bronco Sport also benefits from some retro-inspired options that give it a unique, vintage look while carrying modern technology. This Ford SUV also offers under-seat storage in the second row, rear cargo hook points, and a design tailored for camping out of your vehicle.
Toyota 4Runner
If you’re looking to get a vehicle that’s even more capable off-road than the Forester, perhaps the Toyota 4Runner is worth a look. This model was getting a bit long in the tooth, but it’s finally gotten a new generation for 2024. The 4Runner has been given significant updates to pack it full of modern safety and entertainment tech as well as build upon its already potent off-road performance from the previous generation. Available four-wheel drive, a powerful i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, automatically decoupling sway bars for extreme wheel articulation, a Mult-Terrain Monitor that provides exterior camera angles to traverse safely, and all the exciting additions from TRD make the 4Runner a beast when the terrain gets tough.
Honda CR-V
If you’re not interested in the great outdoors and are instead simply considering the Forester for its AWD during those winter months, look at the Honda CR-V. This model is more suited for daily commutes in the city while offering available real-time AWD that adjusts itself to provide optimal traction depending on road conditions. It also offers a host of different advanced driver assistance and safety features, entertainment tech, and plenty of cargo space.
The CR-V also aids in extending your time away from the fuel pump. While the Forester gets a decent 29 mpg combined, The CR-V nearly meets those numbers in base AWD form with a combined 28 mpg rating. However, Honda also offers a hybrid variant of their compact crossover SUV that can achieve a combined 37 mpg rating. There’s also the unique CR-V e:FCEV which is the first example of a plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in the United States. While only viable in California currently, this model can achieve a range of 270 miles utilizing an electric motor and hydrogen fuel cell to get around town.
Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 may be a relative newcomer to the crossover segment, but its premium interior, handsome looks, and decidedly responsive handling make it a great alternative to the Forester. The CX-50 is fun to drive, which is a rare note in the bland SUV market of today. Not only is that a boon to its desirability, but this Mazda comes with available AWD. While that drivetrain may not be ready for the rough-and-tumble nature of going fully off-road, it’s ready to work when you need it during the snowy months or should you need to take things off the pavement for a bit. Inside is a spacious cabin with premium quality materials throughout. The infotainment is nicely laid out and the available safety tech keeps driver’s minds at ease even in the tightest parking lots. Plus, there’s the available hybrid powertrain which can achieve a combined rating of 38 mpg.
Toyota RAV4
Another nice alternative that blends the moderate off-road capable AWD with available hybrid powertrains is the Toyota RAV4. When optioned with the available AWD, this compact Toyota SUV can go just about the same places a Forester can go. That’s all while offering a full range of advanced safety tech, a comfortable ride, great entertainment tech, and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain options. The standard hybrid can achieve a nice 39 mpg combined, but the RAV4 Prime with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain can drive up to 42 miles of all-electric driving range together with the internal combustion engine to achieve a combined 94 MPGe rating.
Rivian R1S
If you’re considering switching to electric and enjoy the Subaru Forester, we could suggest the fully electric Subaru Solterra as an alternative. However, the best option for going fully electric and experiencing off-road is the Rivian R1S. The relative automotive newcomers have found a nice niche for themselves in the growing electric vehicle landscape with their R1T electric truck and the subsequent R1S electric SUV. These Rivian models have already proved their stuff in the few years they’ve been on the scene, and they’re commonly considered against the likes of other major players in the space.
The R1S features a multitude of unique cargo space and little gimmicks throughout its well laid out interior that haven’t been used before. Hidden under-seat cubbies, integrated flashlight holder, built-in air compressor, and plenty of charging ports. If even has the unique “frunk” for extra storage at the front of the vehicle. Then there’s the Quad-Motor AWD system that attaches an electric motor at each wheel that not only gives it acceptable traction but up to 1,025 horsepower to send this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Rivian also includes responsive air springs that allow for over 5.5 inches of vertical adjustment to optimize your ride for the best handling and comfort. Those adjustable springs also help in allowing the R1S to ford just over three feet of water. Rivian offers all of this, plus more, and you get an electric SUV capable of 270 to up to 410 miles of driving range on a single charge depending on configuration.
