Crosstrek Wilderness vs. Forester Wilderness, which 2024 Subaru is Better?

[@dkim3589]

Just purchased the Forester Wilderness and one of the major reaasons for it is the physical buttons for volume, tuning and HVAC. For something that i will own for years, this makes life easy. Controlling everything from a screen, to me, will not age well. LOVE MY FORESTER WILDERNESS!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great decision! 🙂

[@NEWFIEBULLET1497]

Totally agree, I was disappointed the crosstrek or outback didnt offer the same configuration

[@brandonpetrilla1731]

I have a Forester Wilderness and absolutely love it, think it's the best looking out of all three.

[@JSBowling2011]

What color is your wilderness? And how is the gas mileage?

[@brandonpetrilla1731]

Geyser blue, 21-23 city

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

I think the Outback Wilderness is the best by far.

[@JSBowling2011]

@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn The problem with the outback is that it doesn’t have the approach angle clearance that the Forester has,, but that only matters if you’re going off road, and that’s a biggie

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

@@JSBowling2011 But it has the Turbo....

[@Jay-j6s6r]

Foresters are made on Japan (VIN starts with a J). Crosstreks are made in USA and Japan (2.0L made in Japan, 2.5L made in Indiana, USA).

[@MDZac2024]

I own a geyser blue 2023 Forester Wilderness. Love it. I just wish Subaru put either a more negative offset wheel and/or larger more aggressive tire. I will be doing at least a 235 Falken AT3/W tires when I need to replace mine. As far as comparison, the Forester Wilderness just feels more premium. The physical buttons are much better in my opinion, the powered tailgate, the large sunroof, better approach angle, better factory skid. The Forester Wilderness has plenty of power for running around, and I recently took mine on an 800 mile trip and has no issues passing people. It’s the best overall Wilderness model all things considered.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

If I was going to be doing challenging off-road driving, I would go with the Forester. I would prefer the additional approach angle, the full-size spare, and the front camera.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Agreed! 🙂

[@leedaq7767]

the sleekness of crosstrek but the roomy all arounder forester! i really cannot decide it !

[@TJDawgs72]

I can understand some of the reasons folks go with the FW over the CTW, but for me I fell in love with CTW immediately after I test drove it. Ended up getting the Alpine Green CTW and I'm very happy with it...the green (I think it's more military green than alpine) is just so cool looking on it. Personally, I love the large display console and the hatch-back design over the more SUV/Station Wagon look of the FW. It also whips around in city traffic a lot better than some of the reviews make it seem. If I was ever to "upgrade" from my CTW I would go with the OBW Turbo...man that ride is frickin' cool AF! Thanks for video dude.....

[@johnw9177]

I’ve had my wilderness forester for one week now and I really like it. I didn’t see myself purchasing a Subaru, but the leg room up front is great. The wilderness high makes getting in and out for me MUCH easier (I’m tall). The wilderness style and appearance appealed to me also. I looked at the Outback, but I didn’t want a turbo. I’ve had two turbos and I’ve had my fill. The engine in my Wilderness Forester isn’t going to beat anybody at a stop light, but I don’t drive that way. It provides all the power I need to pass so I’m happy with that. My dogs love it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m glad it all worked out and you found a vehicle that you and your dogs can enjoy!

[@bruceanable7739]

Thanks for putting in the measurement of both

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad that was helpful information. 🙂

[@tomtribur458]

I have a Autumn Green ‘22 Forester Wilderness and my wife just got a Offshore Blue Metallic (+$395 for color) ‘24 Crosstrek Premium with Optional Package # 14 and a couple other add ons to keep the cost to around 30K. She didn’t like the color scheme of the Sport or the price of the Limited and Wilderness. I’m bigger and I like the fit of the Forester better but am comfortable in both. I like the more physical controls in the Forester but I like the needle fuel gauge of the Crosstrek better. My wife misses the CD player. The vehicles are very similar. I have found a lot of quality aftermarket accessories online that rival and are cheaper than factory, and when I want OEM Subaru there are discount dealers online for factory parts. We use the Forester with the 2.5L for longer trips and the Crosstrek with 2.0L more for zipping around town.

[@gunmetalblue6965]

So fun fact about the plastic trim with ridges by the back seat. That is a step spot to access the roof rack or roof area. It comes in handy once you get a roof rack

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for adding that! 🙂

[@floppinfish]

It is in fact very useful. Roof top tent on my crosstrek and I use it all the time.

[@daveg6530]

Outstanding and very detailed comparison! Both great looking vehicles. The older infotainment screen and actual HVAC knobs in the Forester vs the giant tablet in the CT would be enough reason for me to choose the Forester over the CT. And I'm with you, if the Forester Wilderness was offered with the 2.4L turbo, I would get it in a heartbeat. FYI, I see a lot of Outback and Forester Wilderness's in Dallas, TX where there is pretty much little if any off roading and maybe 1 week of snow/ice. The looks are obviously selling themselves. They really do look much nicer than the less expensive models IMHO.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Subaru did a good job to offer an enthusiast model. 🙂

[@kjamesjr]

Just test drove and bought the new forester wilderness. It has plenty of pep without the turbo.

[@snoboyz3]

Owned both Crosstrek 2018 and Outback Wilderness 2023. Not a big fan of the Outback looks but it has the best engine option. Live in Florida so having a turbo to offset altitude power drop not an issue. If I bought again probably be the FW.

[@frankpoperowitzmusic]

I have a Lithium Red Crosstrek Wilderness. I've already heard people say, "Wow that's a cool lookin car..." I had it for a few weeks now and really enjoy it. I plan on taking it down the OBX to get some wheeling shots on the beach.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Those are gorgeous, very nice red color! Good call, definitely take some photos while it’s still nice and pretty. 🤩

[@JSBowling2011]

I test drove cross trek and man I felt like I was really boxed in, not much room, so definitely would go with the Forester for a few thousand more, and it just looks and feels beefier.

[@Amberdogproductions]

Wanna feel boxed in...come get inside my Lotus Elise. Lol

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I bet that Elise is a lot of fun!! I have a 2023 Miata Club. 🙂

[@Amberdogproductions]

Darn near went with one of those. Neat rides.

[@adamybarra3518]

Love my 2023 Forester Wilderness! Great vid, thanks for sharing. Cheers from Houston, TX!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad you’re enjoying your FW! Very cool that you’re watching from across the country! 😎

[@wheresthepictureidk2817]

I ordered a CTW over a FW. If equipped the same the CTW is a significant discount, although the FW is just more physical car for the money. But I chose the CTW because I actually like the uniqueness of the vehicle. There are lots of soft road suvs for the money but I can’t think of any off-roady lifted compact hatchbacks? Other than the regular CT, maybe the Jeep renegade trailhawk? But I’d consider that more of a CUV in design than the CT. But I’d much rather have a Subaru than a Jeep anyway haha.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m excited for you! They’re definitely unique and a much more reliable option than any Jeep, lol.

[@dirtycommtroop]

In terms of offroad prowess the Renegade Trailhawk dominates the Subarus for a multitude of reasons. However, i think the Subarus are more practical. Im going on 9 years with my Renegade TH but it is small. I may be going with a Forester Wilderness next for a little more storage.

[@MDZac2024]

The CTW is a really cool car, and I actually think Subaru has done a great job with the Wilderness lineup. They’re not just cosmetic changes or just wheels and tires. Subaru really differentiated them from the standard models. I went with the Forester Wilderness vs the Outback due to size, front camera with physical button plus I like the older style navigation with HVAC physical buttons, more SUV styling, better departure and approach angles, better CVT with lower “gearing” and I still believe for the money, the Forester Wilderness is the best in its segment no doubt and the Wilderness models in general are a phenomenal value in 2023. My only plans are going down a size on wheels (17” -> 16”) and a taller tire (225 -> 235 or even 245s).

[@goneoutside1011]

The Outback will always be king of the 4

[@SaltLifeTradition]

Buy the Outback Wilderness Turbo for 5k more, the ride is better, Outback is loaded front to rear. Took our first trip today and running speed limit 70 mph here in Florida averaged 27-29 mpg. Bought it on the 18th after looking at Crosstrek, just to noisy and rough ride. 2024 Outback Wilderness rides like a dream. And we have drove Subaru's forever.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Very insightful, thank you for sharing your experience! 🙂

[@victorvu8105]

Love the info! Btw If you are going to do a bunch of B Roll shots I would record the audio back at home make it sound better so you don't get background noise

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah you’re right, this one was pretty bad! I’ve finally got around to ordering some wind muff lapel mics I’m just waiting on their arrival to hopefully avoid this in the future. 😬

[@echols2010]

I have forester Sport but i love the massive windows , and simple head unit, i hate console on ct and OB

[@gobear83]

My 2024 Forester Wilderness in Autumn Green Metallic arrives in December ..trade in my 2021 Crosstrek Outdoor ( Canada only model ) Big Subie fans at our house..my wife picks up her new Crosstrek Onyx today

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Very exciting to have such awesome new Subaru’s! 🙂

[@rodeo101]

Excellent comparison!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks!! 🙂

[@evolowe]

I have a 2023 Magnetite Gray Metallic Forester Wilderness and it supports 800 on top not 700lbs.

[@aleckaden3562]

Maybe it’s just me but a Forester with a visible spare tire on the back would have been dope

[@mikebarton6169]

Impressive review. thanks for your knowledge, energy and delivery speed/ keeping us entertained

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@Doc1855]

Good review, Thanks!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks Doc! 🙂

[@stw2186]

If you were to buy again in November 2024, which one would you go with? I am still debating between the 2.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’d still go with the Outback Wilderness. We also own a 2025 Forester now. I’d actually enjoy driving a 2.5 Crosstrek but they’re now too small for our needs. Basically, they’re all good and you can’t go wrong either way. Best of luck!!

[@goomonki]

Forester! Just got a 24 last week. I rented a 22 FW first to test it out and just loved it. Only surprise to me when I picked up the 24 is the black headliner. Why oh why did they do that?!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question! But I’m glad you’re enjoying it! I actually drove one today for my 2024 review video. 🙂

[@hukmai]

wishing they will offer the eboxer wilderness at some point

[@silver33]

The Cosstrek Wilderness is nice, but over price. Might as well get the Forrester.

[@tah6746]

I like the Wilderness. However, the things I do not like is the Touch Screen and no Manual Transmission Option. Give me normal buttons that do not move and change like they do with a Touch Screen and give me a Manual Transmission Option.

[@MarioLuigi-vb3rp]

Need a rear locker and another inch lift bigger tires better shocks steel plating along the entire bottom

[@RM.....]

Love the forester. Wish it had the turbo engine.

[@RizHail]

I’m confused in Canada between Outback Limited vs Forester Limited. I don’t do off roading but may travel long distances.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

They’re both such good options!

[@michaelangelo4147]

That CrossTrek is the 2023 no? Because the infortainment system is smaller.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

No it is a 2024 because it’s the new a wilderness edition! 🙂

[@surplusdoctor]

we purchased the 2024 Forester Base, This car gets no where near the stickered 26/33 MPG! If anybody knows of a class action litigation, let me know as we would like to join!

[@RonSpilker]

In a comfortable driving position, how much higher are you sitting in forester vs crosstrek?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question, in my opinion they do feel a bit higher but not drastically.

[@ImaYam]

I’m buying a FW just to make wilderness content there’s not enough to go around hang tight but this is good too, is this a rental or it’s yours to do real world durability?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I borrow most of the vehicles I do videos on. For that reason there isn’t much durability or off-road testing. But that would be fun someday. I’m personally more attracted to performance rather than off roading anyways, so I do 0-60 GPS testing in almost every regular review. 🙂

[@ImaYam]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 thanks anyway for your side of the uploads I also owned a mini tank crosstrek for 5.5 years about to trade it in for a FW

[@Timbo_Slice13]

Kind of a shame the forester can’t tow 3500lb while the Crosstrek can tow more than its weight which like mentioned in the video would be rather sketchy

[@nba4life9]

HOW ABOUT BOTH!!!!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I like the way you think!

[@Amberdogproductions]

Waiting on my crosstrek wilderness now. But its the upgraded one thats a closer match to the forrester you have here. I do wish it had the front camera though. Thats a big flub by subaru i think. Will it bother me long term, no. I really doubt id use it much anyways in real life adventures. I would have got the Forrester wilderness if i could get past the billboard box side view look. It just reminds me too much of a late 80s Toyota Tercell waggon...yuck.

[@connorsmith644]

I agree the Forrester has some nice features but I really dislike the side angle lol

[@b.rhodes1342]

Can't do it. Have some audio/auditory type issues and just can't get through this video. Feels like someone who seems and sounds very distressed, trying to give instructions on something at a construction sight. Not quite full on yelling, but very much unusually loud and distressed manner of speak for normal conversation, which stresses me out. From the 4 minutes I got through you seem very knowledgeable and I wish you well with your channel.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

You’re right, and I apologize for how it came across. I haven’t decided on an aftermarket microphone yet, and on a day like this when it’s extra windy out while being in a location without much natural cover speaking loudly up close to the camera is hardly a solution. Thank you for giving this video a chance! 🙂

[@krummdiddlyumptious1784]

The crosstrek can tow more because it has a special oil cooler.

[@ErnDogg209]

Is the apple car play wireless?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yup! As far as I know, just not on the 22s.

[@uthpalamadhushan9695]

Does 24 FW has the wireless Carplay option or it is same as the 2023 wired option ?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think the FW is still wired but the 23+ OBW is now wireless, from what I remember? 😅

[@TheSkyline5467]

I've always loved the look of the Forester. Enough that I wouldn't.... DO the Wilderness package to it. The towing rating tells you what you need to know, its at the limit for that engine why push it. Crosstrek we own,love it, and I think you have to go Wildernesses with it.

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@JohnStrain-tb5tq]

check 0 60 on ford rangers two wheel drive

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That would be a fun one!

[@UtahNick71]

No 12V in the rear of the Crosstrek is a complete fail. And don't forget no rear air vents.

[@willielarge3164]

Who ever approved to make a "Wilderness" model, targeted for offroading/camping, and didn't put a heated steering wheel on these. Needs to be fired!!! (I know the outback has one)

[@RM.....]

Only Subaru offers a “Wilderness” Forester model. With no heated steering wheel. Heated everything else. Makes ZERO sense. Do better Subaru.

[@myplaxismodelisbetterthanyours]

They are literally the same

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, basically lol.

[@Akeldama626]

Want the outback .. but rather get a forester just because of the radio and climate control separate.. bet the 2025 will have the stupid 11” radio

[@chickenwarrior9991]

Forester seems like a way better value. Just a shame the MPG isn’t a bit better on either of these, but I suspect real-world the cross trek is quite a bit more efficient

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I imagine you’re right about MPG! 🙂

[@SyrupCanuck]

Wonder how hard it out be to grt 30 mpg hwy on forester

[@sm00v00]

both of them are dorky looking cars.

[@dergio858]

Do you think they’ll ever make a turbo model for the next upcoming forester trims? More specifically the wilderness? 🫣

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I sure am hopeful that they do! But with the somewhat disappointing “upgrades” to the new generation Crosstrek, I’m not convinced the Forester will get more than a similar treatment. Since their sales have dipped a bit, hopefully Subaru will spice things up like Toyota has been doing lately! 🙂