Welcome! Hard to answer without knowing your needs, preferences and criteria. It's like asking a forum which shoe model you'll like. Also - have you seen the 2025 Forester about to come out?

Few general hints: coming from a Fozzy, discard 2.0 Crosstreks. You will be disappointed by the reduction in torque/power acceleration.
Now, with the same engine, a Crosstrek vs a Forester will be

• Quicker/more nimble
• More fuel efficient
• Cheaper
• Smaller
• Less cargo space
• With the exact same dashboard layout (2024 Crosstrek vs 2025 Forester)

 

The honeymoon will be over in a short time

 

My kid went from a 2001 Forester to a 2015 Crosstrek. The size difference here isn't as great as the newer Foresters and Crosstreks. He's very happy with the Crosstrek. If you don't need the space to haul stuff the crosstrek is (I think) more fun to drive and you will get better fuel economy. If you go with the 2.5L better performance. We have a 2023 Forester and it's huge compared to the Crosstrek. So it sort of depends on your needs. It goes without saying drive both but they are almost apples and oranges to me.

 

Without knowing your situation and needs, all I can say that will be of any slight benefit for you is that I'm not disappointed in mine in the slightest.

 

Drive both and see which one works for your needs. My elderly family member went from a MY11 Outback to a MY18 Crosstrek. The car was much safer for them as the handling was better, vastly better visibility, Eyesight, and was much better for them size-wise(IE Outback way too big for them). Good luck with the search.

 

Elderly? Well I'm 78 so I guess I qualify. Really though, that's the info that I need so thanks. Maybe a little worried about entry and exit as it looks (specs) like Crosstrek is lower so don't want to hit my head on entry or exit. Gotta keep those brain cells as long as I can. Ha Ha

 

I went from a 2021 Forester Touring to a 2024 Crosstrek Limited. It rides better than the Forester, is quieter and smoother. Both cars use the same platform and the wheel base and tread dimensions are the same The wheels and tires are the same size. The Crosstrek is 6” shorter and not as tall as the Forester. Throttle response is better in the Crosstrek.

 

We have a 2018 Forester and 2019 Crosstrek. The Forester has more cargo and storage space. For example we could not transport our two yellow labrador retrievers in our Crosstrek with the seatback up. No problem doing so in the Forester. The Crosstrek has absolutely no storage under the cargo floor. The Forester has an organizer under the cargo floor where I store emergency items. In the Crosstrek I can't even find space to store a quart of oil under the cargo floor.

 

Unanswerable question as stated. love my 2018. good luck.

 

the new Crosstrek is closer in size to the 2010 Forester you had.
The new Forester is noticeably larger than the 2010

 

This may be a handy guide to help you decide

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester | Compare Models

 

you won't be disappointed with a crosstrek but you'll hate the forester unless you have kids of soccer age

 

I just comparison drove/shopped and now have two Foresters. The Crosstrek was more fun to drive and better HK sound by far. But it would have been more difficult to take 3 adults and luggage on a recent trip, while the Forester had plenty of room. Both have the 2.5 engine which is a must. The view is so much bigger in the Forester.

 

Elderly? Well I'm 78 so I guess I qualify. Really though, that's the info that I need so thanks. Maybe a little worried about entry and exit as it looks (specs) like Crosstrek is lower so don't want to hit my head on entry or exit. Gotta keep those brain cells as long as I can. Ha Ha

Elderly? Well I'm 78 so I guess I qualify. Really though, that's the info that I need so thanks. Maybe a little worried about entry and exit as it looks (specs) like Crosstrek is lower so don't want to hit my head on entry or exit. Gotta keep those brain cells as long as I can. Ha Ha

FWIW, here’s my 2 cents from someone who’s just a few years younger than you. As a senior, I just use my CT mostly for weekly shopping - grateful no longer have a 100-mi. daily commute. I love the smaller size of the CT and at 5’7” I have no problem getting in and out of the car - however, I can see how the additional 5” height of the Forester may be attractive in this regard. There are minor differences, but IMO it comes down to personal taste. I prefer the sportier look of the CT over the more box-shaped Forester. Passersby sometimes give a double-take when they see my car - doubt if that would ever happens with Foresters!

 

Thing with Forresters is they can only go as fast as 10 mph under the speed limit and can only be captained by those 70+ who hug the wheel peering fearfully through the windshield while riding the brake.. Next time you pass one...they don't pass you....look at the driver and think of me.

 

I resemble that remark

 

The main reason for getting rid of my XV and getting another Forester is I love sitting high and appreciate the better view from the Forester

 

The Forester has a lot more cargo room but the handling is much worse. I had a 21 Forester and it felt unsafe above 75 mph while my Crosstrek hits 95 mph before it feels that way. Foresters just handle poorly so unless you drive very slow you will notice a significant difference.

 

Something was wrong with your vehicle. Possibly over inflation.

 

Side by side. My kids on the right.