Subaru Forester vs. The Competition

2025 Subaru Forester vs. The Competition

The Subaru Forester is redesigned for 2025 with exciting new features, a modern design, and a tweaked engine for exceptional performance. The two-row SUV offers the flexibility and space for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo space. But how does the new Forester compare to top rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, or Ford Escape? Standing out from the crowd can be difficult with so many excellent competitors. However, the new Forester makes it look easy with standard off-roading capabilities, desirable modern features, and a go-anywhere attitude at an affordable price. Discover the new Forester today with our team at Courtesy Subaru.

Vehicle Comparison

 Subaru ForesterToyota RAV-4Honda CR-VAudi A4 allroad
Powertrain Warranty5 years / 60,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles4 years / 50,000 miles
DrivetrainAll wheel driveAll wheel driveAll wheel driveAll wheel drive
Ground Clearance8.7 in.8.4 in.8.2 in.6.5 in.
Engine Displacement2.5 L2.5 L1.5 L2.0 L
TransmissionContinuously variable-speed automatic8-speed shiftable automaticContinuously variable-speed automatic7-speed automated manual
Engine Torque178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm179 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm273 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined)26 / 33 / 29 MPG27 / 33 / 29 mpg27 / 32 / 29 mpg23 / 30 / 26 mpg
Fuel Capacity16.6 gal.14.5 gal.14.0 gal.15.3 gal.
Seating Capacity5555

New Design

The new Forester shines with a fresh redesign that brings a more modern and sporty appeal. The two-row SUV offers seating for up to five passengers and a large rear cargo hold. Certain models will get a hands-free, foot-activated rear liftgate, and we can't help but admire the new debossed Forester logo on the liftgate. Every new Forester comes standard with roof rails for more cargo capacity, and passengers have more room in the new Forester than top competitors, with a total passenger volume of 110.8 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, there is enough room for 75 cubic feet of cargo space.

Performance and Capabilities

Unlike the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Nissan Rogue, the new Forester comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, allowing drivers to go boldly to their favorite campsites or handle deeply rutted roads with ease. The Subaru Forester comes with a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower. While it's not the strongest in the pack, it offers an improved suspension and more sound-dampening materials than previous models years to offer a refined, quiet driving experience. The Forester has the Boxer engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, which offers excellent efficiency. You can expect to get up to 33 mpg at highway speeds.

Connected Technology

The Subaru Forester now has an 11.6-inch standard touchscreen, the largest infotainment touchscreen among top competitors. While the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape offer tiny 7- or 8-inch standard touchscreens, the Forester feels luxurious with a brilliant display that makes it easy to stay connected with little driver distractions. The system includes hands-free conveniences like wireless Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto™. A wireless charging pad is also standard across the lineup, delivering modern features at a great price.

Advanced Safety Systems

All new Subaru Forester models also come standard with the Subaru Eyesight suite of safety and driver assistance features. The sophisticated system uses sensors and cameras to provide driving assistance and reduce collisions with features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Many new vehicles provide some driver assistance technology, but competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape will charge extra for the convenience of adaptive cruise control, which makes road trips less stressful and takes over many of the driver's tasks to reduce fatigue.

Why Choose the New Subaru Forester Over the Competition?

The new Subaru Forester has excellent standard features, impressive upgrades, and advanced technology at an affordable price. While many competitors will ask you to pay more for important features like all-wheel drive capabilities or luxuries like larger touchscreens, the Subaru Forester delivers all your favorite features for less and offers more passenger and cargo space. With a refreshed style and meaningful updates, the new Forester is worth a look over similarly sized but less equipped competitors.

Test Drive the New Subaru Forester Today at Courtesy Subaru

Contact Courtesy Subaru to schedule a test drive or reserve your new 2025 Subaru Forester. You'll be impressed with the affordability and generous list of features that give drivers more than top competitors. Find out why we choose the Forester over the competition and discover all the exciting new features in the refreshed Subaru Forester.







* 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.

How Can We Help?

* Indicates a required field

  1. Courtesy Subaru

    601 East Omaha St.
    Rapid City, SD 57701

    • Sales: 605-342-7034
Loading Map...

Get in Touch

  • Contact our Sales Department at: 605-342-7034
  • Monday08:00am - 06:00pm
  • Tuesday08:00am - 06:00pm
  • Wednesday08:00am - 06:00pm
  • Thursday08:00am - 06:00pm
  • Friday08:00am - 06:00pm
  • Saturday08:00am - 05:00pm
  • SundayClosed