
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
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. |
After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance. |
The 2013 Honda CR-V hits all the right marks for cost-conscious families—with its interior layout and safety ratings both best-in-class—although it doesn't feel as sprightly as former CR-V models. |
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. |
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive and modern crossover with great handling and surprising space, but sluggish acceleration. |
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 excels at mass-market talents like gas mileage and interior room--but for turbocharged fun in a crossover, you'll have to look elsewhere. |
MSRP From | |||||
$21,295 | $22,470 | $22,795 | $15,995 | $20,995 | $23,300 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 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 | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door Manual 2.5X | FWD 4-Door S | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door Manual Sport | FWD 4-Door LE (SE) |
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 Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Ford Escape | 2013 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Honda CR-V | 2013 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Jeep Patriot | 2013 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Mazda CX-5 | 2013 Subaru Forester vs. 2013 Toyota RAV4 |