2001 Subaru Outback on 2040-cars

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Compact SUV Comparison: Specs, pics and reviews of every brand's crossover

Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4. Chevy Equinox vs Ford Escape. Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester. Whichever combinations of compact crossover SUV you're considering, there's probably a comparison test or chart out there to read. Heck, you can even create a three-car comparison yourself here at Autoblog. However, if you want a bunch of that information all in one convenient place, well, here it is. Our mega comparison of specs, features and photos of compact SUV entries from every mainstream manufacturer that sells them. That includes the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 2018 Ford Escape, 2018 GMC Terrain, 2018 Honda CR-V, 2018 Hyundai Tucson, 2019 Jeep Cherokee (it's already on sale with notable changes from 2018), 2018 Jeep Compass, 2018 Kia Sportage, 2018 Mazda CX-5, 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (none of Mitsu's SUVs are perfect fits for this segment, so we deemed the MEC the most competitive fit), 2018 Nissan Rogue, 2018 Subaru Forester, 2018 Toyota RAV4 and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. We can update this comparison as more information about 2019 models is released, most notably the Forester and RAV4. Now, there are certainly some models that are smaller (Nissan Rogue Sport) or larger (Kia Sorento) that could also be considered, but we figured it was wise to stick with those in this sweet spot of comparable size and price. We also included links to Autoblog reviews, buying guides and smaller comparisons. Engines and Transmissions With rare exception, this segment features four-cylinder power. Sometimes it's turbocharged, often its not, but standard engine outputs are generally in the same ballpark. Therefore, we'd recommend focusing on torque output, as it's what will make a difference around town or when passing, and weighing that versus fuel economy (the Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 make particularly strong cases in this regard). Many drivers aren't too fond of continuously variable transmissions (CVT), either, so that's another thing to consider and note during a test drive. As you can see, several models are available with performance upgrades. Besides the Jeep Cherokee's available V6, all are more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The exception to this would be the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, as their 1.5-liter turbo engines don't prioritize performance. Instead, they serve as overall upgrades to the base naturally aspirated engines standard on only their base trim levels (CR-V LX and Escape S).

Subaru fights sticker shock with financing deal on $65,000 WRX STI S209

Subaru's American division has come a long way since it peddled the tiny 360 during the late 1960s. The limited-edition, $65,000 WRX STI S209 unveiled during the 2019 Detroit Auto Show is its most expensive car yet, so the company is taking steps to make it a little bit more accessible. The Japanese firm sent its American dealers a bulletin announcing the S209 is eligible for 3.49% APR for up to 63 months, according to CarsDirect. The publication noted that rate amounts to monthly payments of $1,131 over 63 months, which adds up to $71,231. Buyers are still forking over more than $6,000 to the bank, but they're saving about $4,700 compared to a 6% loan. That's a substantial amount of money to drop on a WRX STI; it's priced in Audi TT RS territory. For the money, enthusiasts get one of the rarest street-legal cars Subaru has ever produced. After driving it, we called it the fastest, sharpest-handling, and most sophisticated WRX ever to grace our shores. It's powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine turbocharged to 341 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, generous increases of 31 and 40, respectively, over the regular WRX STI. We'll let you decide whether exclusivity and power are worth a roughly $22,000 premium. If you want an S209 in your driveway, act fast because production is strictly limited to 209 examples, and odds are the entire batch will be spoken for sooner rather than later. Keep in mind dealers will be tempted to slap a markup on the car due to its rarity, so you might need to spend more — in some cases, a lot more — than the number listed on the window sticker. Featured Gallery 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209 View 41 Photos Auto News Subaru Car Buying

2014 Subaru Forester XT

Hitting The Mainstream Sweet Spot
The Forester does quite a bit of heavy lifting for Subaru. What was once a plucky little all-wheel-drive utility box has matured into a competitive crossover that accounts for a quarter of the company's total sales in the US. With those numbers continuing to swell even in the third generation's twilight hours, engineers and designers found themselves in the unenviable position of being asked to fix what ain't broke. Rather than reinvent the company's workhorse from the ground up, as we say in our first look at the CUV, Subaru honed the Forester to offer better fuel efficiency, more usable space and a more refined drive.
In doing so, the automaker hopes to toe that delicate line between luring in new devotees to the cult of Pleiades and keeping the brand's longtime fans smiling. While the fourth-generation Forester may have lost some of its trademark pluckiness in the pursuit of a more mainstream existence, there's no denying this is a more sorted vehicle than its predecessors. Make no mistake, the 2014 Forester is keen to carve out a larger chunk of the ever-plumping CUV market for itself, and for the first time in its history, it has the muscle to do so.