2013 Subaru Forester vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7 out of 10

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Aug 24, 2012

The best-selling compact crossovers are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.

The latter two are new for 2012 and 2013, respectively, and offer nicer interiors and much-improved fuel economy.

The RAV4 is by far the oldest design in the class, but it offers both a V-6 engine and a small third row.

Though the Jeep Patriot, now in its last year, is smaller than the Forester, its similarly utilitarian interior may appeal to the same buyers--who seek rugged capability in an inexpensive, all-wheel drive crossover--and it costs considerably less.

Finally, the new Mazda CX-5 is also a more modern vehicle with a nicer interior, and like the Escape, has significantly better dynamics than the Forester.

2013 Subaru Forester Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Escape Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Jeep Patriot Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mazda CX-5 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda CR-V Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota RAV4 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7 The rugged 2013 Subaru Forester handles well and copes confidently with any weather and road surface--and the XT turbo models are sporty--but its economy-car interior and sluggish automatic remain drawbacks.	8 After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance.	7.4 The 2013 Jeep Patriot is handsome and utilitarian and makes sense for urban-dwelling weekend-warrior types on a tight budget—but its lack of refinement could make it tough to live with.	7.4 The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive and modern crossover with great handling and surprising space, but sluggish acceleration.	7.8 The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs.	6.8 The 2012 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong, refined choice for families, even though some of its design might be a blast from the past.
MSRP From
$21,295	$22,470	$15,995	$20,995	$22,495	$22,650
Gas Mileage
	21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas Flat 4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility Vehicles	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
4-Door Man 2.5X	FWD 4-Door S	FWD 4-Door Sport	FWD 4-Door Man Sport	2WD 5-Door LX	FWD 4-Door I4 (Natl)
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door
Transmission
Manual	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Manual	Manual	Automatic	Automatic w/OD