The Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned for 2008, and it has a very spacious interior, with comfortable seating and a smooth ride.
The CR-V is also more fuel-efficient, but it just isn't much fun to drive and it's not as rugged when taking on the rutted trail to a campsite.
The Outlander is a different type of crossover; it also caters more to on-road performance, but it has a decidedly sporty character, with a firm ride and very crisp handling.
On paper, it competes closely with the 2008 Subaru Forester, but in reality, it's quite a bit heavier and just doesn't feel as nimble.
However, both of these models have the Forester beat for refinement.
Another choice, for those who appreciate the Forester's boxiness and city-friendliness, is the Scion xB.
The Scion has a lower price than the Forester, with a similar nimble feel on the road, and it's more fuel-efficient.
However, it doesn't have the rugged ability or the all-wheel drive of the Subaru.
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 2008 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Scion xBBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Mitsubishi OutlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The design of the 2008 Subaru Forester is far from fresh, but it’s one of few vehicles that’s both a practical, peppy city vehicle and rugged enough for mild off-roading. |
The 2009 Scion xB has polarizing looks, a no-haggle dealer experience, and a long safety features list. It provides good value for those on a budget. |
The 2008 Honda CR-V doesn't have hip style or performance on tap, but it has the security, utility, and frugality that many sensible moms want. |
Though the first-generation Outlander was often overlooked, the updated 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has emerged as a well-rounded vehicle--and one of the sportiest-driving small crossovers. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $21,195 | $15,750 | $20,700 | $19,990 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Gas Flat 4-Cyl | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| 4WD Sport Utility | Small Station Wagon | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Manual X | 5-Door Wagon Manual (GS) | 2WD 5-Door LX | 2WD 4-Door ES |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| 4 Door | 4 Door Wagon | 5 Door | 4-Door Wagon |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic | NA |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2009 Scion xB | 2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2008 Honda CR-V | 2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
