Compact crossover models have been becoming even more popular in recent years, and Subaru has been selling more Foresters than ever before, but the 2014 Forester will enter a very competitive market.
The Honda CR-V was just redesigned this past model year, and it stakes no claim on driving enjoyment but does a superb job in maximizing interior space and family-friendly versatility.
The Ford Escape is a different kind of vehicle, with a priority placed on styling and design, as well as a sporty driving personality.
It’s powered by an all-new set of turbocharged ‘EcoBoost’ four-cylinder engines that are responsive yet fuel-efficient.
The Hyundai Tucson, as well as the closely related Kia Sportage, are a bit smaller, and they don’t ride and handle nearly as well or have the trail ability of the Forester.
We like the sweet turbocharged powertrain you get in all Volkswagen Tiguan models, and it handles and maneuvers well, but it’s also a relatively small package.
The completely redesigned Toyota RAV4 is another rival, but it hasn't done nearly as well in safety, and it's a less engaging drive than the Forester.
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 2014 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Hyundai TucsonBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |  2014 Volkswagen TiguanBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The sharp-looking 2014 Subaru Forester gets a lot more comfortable inside, and offers some useful driving aids and safety electronics. |
With authentically athletic looks and performance balancing out good passenger space, cargo versatility, and loads of high-tech features, the 2014 Ford Escape is attractive to a wide range of buyers. |
The 2014 Honda CR-V isn't exactly sprightly, but it nails efficiency on a few levels and finally brings more features to the family-wagon fight. |
A better ride and improved handling should add to the appeal of the 2014 Hyundai Tucson, which carries forward with curvaceous sheetmetal and against-the-grain crossover styling. |
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is sensible and spacious; but if driving fun is a priority, you can do better. |
The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan offers just about everything a compact crossover should, though its a little conservative in style and feel. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $21,995 | $23,100 | $23,120 | $21,450 | $23,550 | $23,305 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Manual 2.5i PZEV | FWD 4-Door S | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door GLS | FWD 4-Door LE (GS) | 2WD 4-Door Manual S |
| 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 | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2014 Subaru Forester vs. 2014 Ford Escape | 2014 Subaru Forester vs. 2014 Honda CR-V | 2014 Subaru Forester vs. 2014 Hyundai Tucson | 2014 Subaru Forester vs. 2014 Toyota RAV4 | 2014 Subaru Forester vs. 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
