Small crossover utilities continue to surge in new-car popularity, and the Forester helped Subaru sell more vehicles than ever before last year.
But competitors are upping their games, and the 2014-vintage Forester is now one of the older contenders.
The Big Three are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.
While the CR-V isn’t too engaging to drive, its family-friendly versatility and sheer interior volume make it a winner.
The RAV4 has only so-so safety ratings, but Toyota delivers a lot of value in this aging model.
The Escape has always been fun behind the wheel, with an elegant interior, but its EcoBoost engines fall down on real-world fuel economy.
The new Jeep Compass is closer to the Forester in size than the larger Cherokee; its off-road credentials shout louder than the Forester, though we might match the Subaru against all but its trail-rated model.
Finally, the stylish Mazda CX-5 has been renovated this year, remaining fun to drive and delivering what will likely be excellent gas mileage.
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 2018 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Jeep CompassBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Mazda CX-5Browse Used Listings |  2018 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Subaru Forester continues to offer top safety scores, remarkable space inside, and all-round versatility; it’s still one of the best small SUVs, and a good value for money. |
The 2018 Ford Escape has the road manners of another kind of car—but don't worry, it still works well as a crossover. |
The 2018 Honda CR-V may be light on personality, but this compact crossover checks off every other box. It’s a very smart choice. |
The 2018 Jeep Compass makes some compromises in size and power, but its Trailhawk model hits the crossover-SUV sweet spot. |
As long as cargo space isn’t your main reason for buying a compact crossover, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent, fun-to-drive choice. |
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a lot going for it, including a hybrid model, but you’d be wise to cross-shop its rivals as well. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $22,795 | $23,940 | $24,250 | $21,095 | $24,150 | $24,660 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2.5i Manual | S FWD | LX 2WD | Sport FWD | Sport FWD | LE FWD (GS) |
| 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 | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Ford Escape | 2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Honda CR-V | 2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Jeep Compass | 2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Toyota RAV4 | |
