Serving Vestal, Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, Owego & Elmira
Matthews Subaru (Family Owned Since 1973)
Lee Brown
Sales Expert • Matthews Subaru
Shopping for a Small SUV? See How the Subaru Forester & Crosstrek Compare
Shopping for a compact crossover in the Southern Tier comes down to real-world capability, winter traction, passenger visibility, and long-term ownership value. When navigating lake-effect snow squalls across Broome County or commuting through the hills along Route 17, mechanical design matters. Below, we compare the versatile Subaru Forester and athletic Subaru Crosstrek (along with the midsize Subaru Outback) directly against top rivals: the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Rogue. Explore our new Subaru Forester inventory, browse our new Subaru Crosstrek inventory, or view our new Subaru Outback lineup on Vestal Road.
Standard All-Wheel Drive: Every Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback comes standard with active Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Adding AWD to the RAV4, CR-V, Tucson, Sportage, or Rogue requires paying an optional $1,400 to $1,500 factory surcharge.
Class-Leading Ride Height: The Forester and Crosstrek deliver 8.7 inches of ground clearance right out of the box (9.3 inches on Wilderness editions), towering over the Honda CR-V (7.8 to 8.2 inches) and base Toyota RAV4 (8.1 inches).
Panoramic Outward Visibility: Subaru engineers thin structural roof pillars, large greenhouse glass, and front door partition windows to minimize blind spots, which gives drivers significantly better spatial awareness than the high beltlines found on the Sportage and Tucson.
Matthews OnePrice Transparency: At Matthews Subaru in Vestal, we do not do market adjustment fees or dealer mark-ups above MSRP. Your price is clearly posted online and on the lot.
The Short Answer
While segment alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V deliver strong sales volume, the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek offer superior winter weather capability, better baseline value, and elevated ground clearance. With full-time AWD standard on every trim, balanced Boxer engines with low centers of gravity, and transparent upfront pricing without hidden market adjustments, Subaru remains the premier compact SUV choice for Upstate New York drivers.
Local Salesperson Perspective
“A lot of folks walk in thinking the RAV4 or CR-V is the default choice for a small SUV until they sit in a Forester or take a Crosstrek out on our hilly test route. The outward visibility in a Subaru is unmatched, you can see all corners of the car without straining. Plus, when the winter snow piles up around Vestal and Binghamton, you never have to wonder if your all-wheel drive is going to kick in. It is always working. Best of all, with our OnePrice policy, the number on the window is the price you pay, no games or surprises.”
Starting MSRP & Value Breakdown: The Matthews OnePrice Advantage
When cross-shopping compact SUVs across regional dealerships, advertised prices often exclude the cost of all-wheel drive. Most competing brands build their entry trims in front-wheel drive, requiring you to pay an extra charge just to equip the car for Southern Tier winters. At Matthews Subaru in Vestal, we practice Matthews OnePrice. We clearly post our best price online and on every window sticker, we never sell above MSRP, and we never hit you with unexpected market adjustments.
Vehicle Model
Starting Base MSRP (Est.)
Standard Drivetrain
AWD Upgrade Surcharge
AWD Starting Price
Pricing Policy
Subaru Crosstrek
$25,695
Symmetrical AWD
$0 (Included)
$25,695
Matthews OnePrice
Subaru Forester
$29,995
Symmetrical AWD
$0 (Included)
$29,995
Matthews OnePrice
Subaru Outback
$29,995
Symmetrical AWD
$0 (Included)
$29,995
Matthews OnePrice
Toyota RAV4
$28,875
Front-Wheel Drive
+$1,400
$30,275
Dealer Markups Common
Honda CR-V
$30,100
Front-Wheel Drive
+$1,500
$31,600
Traditional Negotiation
Hyundai Tucson
$28,605
Front-Wheel Drive
+$1,500
$30,105
Varies by Store
Kia Sportage
$27,390
Front-Wheel Drive
+$1,800
$29,190
Varies by Store
Nissan Rogue
$28,520
Front-Wheel Drive
+$1,500
$30,020
Varies by Store
Southern Tier Winter Drivetrain Analysis: Symmetrical AWD vs. Slip-and-Grip
Driving through the winter months in Broome, Tioga, and Chemung counties demands prompt, continuous wheel traction. Daily hill climbs around Binghamton University or commutes on ice-packed stretches of I-86 require mechanical stability that software-only traction assists struggle to match.
Every Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback utilizes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. By mounting the SUBARU BOXER engine horizontally and positioning the transmission along the vehicle centerline, mechanical power is transferred in a straight, balanced path. Torque flows to all four tires continuously. Because all four wheels are constantly powered, the vehicle maintains forward momentum without having to wait for the front wheels to slip on black ice before activating the rear axle.
In contrast, base AWD versions of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Rogue are built on transverse, front-wheel-drive platforms. Under everyday driving, they send 100% of engine power exclusively to the front wheels. When the front tires lose grip on an icy hill, electro-mechanical clutches or rear electric motors engage to push power rearward. This slight mechanical hesitation can cause wheel spin, steering wiggle, or lost momentum right when you need stable grip the most.
Subaru models also come equipped with available dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. This system manages throttle response, transmission ratios, and individual wheel braking to crawl safely down steep, snow-covered driveways without touching the brake pedal.
Ground clearance is critical when plows leave heavy snow berms at the end of your driveway, or when driving gravel access roads to state forests. At the same time, wide cargo openings make loading sports bags, strollers, and hardware supplies easy.
Model
Wheelbase
Ground Clearance
Passenger Volume
Cargo Space (Behind Row 2)
Max Cargo Space (Seats Folded)
Subaru Crosstrek
105.1 in.
8.7 in. (9.3" Wilderness)
100.5 cu. ft.
19.9 cu. ft.
54.7 cu. ft.
Subaru Forester
105.1 in.
8.7 in. (9.3" Wilderness)
111.6 cu. ft.
29.6 cu. ft.
74.4 cu. ft.
Subaru Outback
108.1 in.
8.7 in. (9.5" Wilderness)
109.0 cu. ft.
32.6 cu. ft.
75.6 cu. ft.
Toyota RAV4
105.9 in.
8.1 to 8.6 in.
98.9 cu. ft.
37.6 cu. ft.
69.8 cu. ft.
Honda CR-V
106.3 in.
7.8 to 8.2 in.
103.5 cu. ft.
39.3 cu. ft.
76.5 cu. ft.
Hyundai Tucson
108.5 in.
7.1 to 8.3 in.
108.2 cu. ft.
38.7 cu. ft.
74.8 cu. ft.
Kia Sportage
108.5 in.
7.1 to 8.3 in.
107.8 cu. ft.
39.6 cu. ft.
74.1 cu. ft.
Nissan Rogue
106.5 in.
8.2 in.
105.4 cu. ft.
31.6 cu. ft.
74.1 cu. ft.
Powertrain Performance, Towing & Fuel Efficiency
Whether you prioritize highway efficiency for commuting between Vestal and Binghamton or need towing power for recreation trailers, compare how these four-cylinder powertrains stack up.
Vehicle Model
Standard Engine
Horsepower & Torque
Transmission
EPA MPG (AWD City/Hwy)
Max Towing
Subaru Crosstrek
2.0L / 2.5L Boxer 4
152 hp / 182 hp
Lineartronic CVT
27 / 34 MPG
1,500 to 3,500 lbs.
Subaru Forester
2.5L Boxer 4
180 hp / 178 lb-ft
Lineartronic CVT
26 / 33 MPG
1,500 to 3,000 lbs.
Subaru Outback
2.5L / 2.4L Turbo Boxer
182 hp / 260 hp
Lineartronic CVT
26 / 32 MPG (2.5L)
2,700 to 3,500 lbs.
Toyota RAV4
2.5L 4-Cylinder
203 hp / 184 lb-ft
8-Speed Automatic
27 / 35 MPG
1,500 to 3,500 lbs.
Honda CR-V
1.5L Turbo 4
190 hp / 179 lb-ft
CVT
27 / 32 MPG
1,500 lbs.
Hyundai Tucson
2.5L 4-Cylinder
187 hp / 178 lb-ft
8-Speed Automatic
23 / 28 MPG
2,000 lbs.
Kia Sportage
2.5L 4-Cylinder
187 hp / 178 lb-ft
8-Speed Automatic
23 / 26 MPG
2,500 lbs.
Nissan Rogue
1.5L 3-Cylinder Turbo
201 hp / 225 lb-ft
Xtronic CVT
28 / 34 MPG
1,500 lbs.
Factory Warranty & Scheduled Maintenance Coverage
Manufacturer
Bumper-to-Bumper
Powertrain Warranty
Roadside Assistance
Dealership Service Rewards
Subaru
3 Years / 36,000 Miles
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
3 Years / 36,000 Miles (24/7)
Matthews Rewards Plus (Up to 25% Back)
Toyota
3 Years / 36,000 Miles
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
2 Years / Unlimited Miles
Standard dealership retail pricing
Honda
3 Years / 36,000 Miles
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
3 Years / 36,000 Miles
Standard dealership retail pricing
Hyundai / Kia
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
10 Years / 100,000 Miles
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
Standard dealership retail pricing
Nissan
3 Years / 36,000 Miles
5 Years / 60,000 Miles
3 Years / 36,000 Miles
Standard dealership retail pricing
How Can We Help?
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Which Small SUV Best Fits Your Daily Routine?
The Subaru Forester Is Built For You If:
You want upright seating, low window sills, and superior panoramic visibility in all directions.
You carry bulky cargo, dogs, or camping gear and need a boxy, tall rear liftgate opening.
You commute on untreated roads and require standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance with Symmetrical AWD.
You want standard integrated roof rails ready for outdoor sporting gear.
The Subaru Crosstrek Is Built For You If:
You want agile handling and compact exterior dimensions for parking around town.
You want up to 34 MPG highway without sacrificing genuine all-weather traction.
You demand 8.7 inches of clearance in an athletic, maneuverable footprint for weekend trailheads.
You want an accessible starting price under $26,000 with standard AWD included.
The Subaru Outback Is Built For You If:
You want a smoother, longer highway ride with midsize luxury and expanded rear-seat legroom.
You want swing-out retractable roof crossbars built right into the factory rails.
You want available 260 horsepower turbo performance alongside 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
You regularly pack long items like skis, lumber, or multiple pieces of luggage.
Competitor Models (RAV4, CR-V, Tucson) Might Fit You If:
You prioritize a traditional stepped automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
You spend almost all your time on flat, cleared interstates where front-wheel drive is sufficient.
You prefer angular exterior styling packages and higher interior dashboard consoles.
You are willing to spend time negotiating price and optional equipment packages at traditional dealerships.
Matthews Subaru: 3013 Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850
Matthews OnePrice: Under our Matthews OnePrice policy, we never sell above MSRP, even on high-demand, popular new vehicles. Prices are clearly posted online and on the lot with zero haggling required.
No-Pressure Sales Consultants: Our sales consultants are knowledgeable local neighbors whose primary role is to listen to your needs and share transparent vehicle details, giving you a comfortable experience without sales pressure.
Matthews Rewards Plus: Earn up to 25% (up to $5,000) towards your next vehicle purchase, just by servicing your vehicle at any Matthews Auto location.
FreshStart Financing: Our dedicated credit specialists partner with regional credit unions and national financial institutions to assist buyers across all credit backgrounds.
Test Drive the New Forester or Crosstrek in Vestal, NY
Visit Matthews Subaru on Vestal Road to compare our small SUV lineup in person, sit behind the wheel, and experience standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive firsthand.
Why is Subaru Symmetrical AWD considered superior to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V systems in winter?
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is an active, permanent system that continuously distributes power to all four wheels along a centered longitudinal layout. In contrast, front-wheel-drive-based competitors like the base RAV4, CR-V, and Tucson utilize slip-and-grip systems that send power to the rear wheels only after front slip is detected.
How does ground clearance compare between the Forester, Crosstrek, RAV4, and CR-V?
Both the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek feature 8.7 inches of ground clearance as standard equipment (9.3 inches on Wilderness trims). The Honda CR-V offers 7.8 to 8.2 inches, while the Toyota RAV4 offers 8.1 to 8.6 inches, giving Subaru a clear advantage when driving through unplowed snowdrifts and rural roads in the Southern Tier.
Do I have to pay extra for All-Wheel Drive on Subaru SUVs compared to competing brands?
No. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on every trim of the Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback. Competitors like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan build their base crossovers in front-wheel drive and charge approximately $1,400 to $1,500 extra to add all-wheel drive.
Does Matthews Subaru charge market adjustment fees or unexpected dealer markups?
No. Under the Matthews OnePrice policy at our Vestal location, we never charge market adjustment fees or dealer premiums over MSRP. All prices are clearly posted online and on the lot with zero haggling required.
Vehicle Comparison Disclaimer: Specifications, features, pricing, fuel economy ratings, and comparative data for the Subaru Forester, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Rogue are based on the latest available manufacturer information at the time of publication. Equipment, towing capabilities, interior measurements, and pricing can vary depending on vehicle trim level, factory option packages, and regional distribution. Always review window stickers and official manufacturer vehicle manuals for complete operating procedures and specifications. Visit Matthews Subaru at 3013 Vestal Road, Vestal, NY, to verify active inventory and model specifications.
