Forester vs Outback: Which Subaru Is Right for You?

Looking for the ideal family vehicle or compact SUV? The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback stand out. They are known for their mix of versatility, safety, and all-wheel drive features. This has won the hearts of many, from those who love adventures to everyday users.

The Forester and Outback are among Subaru's top sellers. Although they share much in common, they also have different qualities. These differences might guide your choice based on your lifestyle. The compact SUV Forester starts at $32,028, slightly more than the midsize Outback, which starts at $29,584. Even with a different starting price, each model boasts great features and abilities.

This article will dive into the key differences between the Forester and Outback. We'll compare their sizes, interior spaces, performance, fuel efficiency, luxury, and safety. After reading, you'll have a better idea of which Subaru fits your family best.

Visit Della Subaru to check out new Forester and Outback models. You can find the perfect one by exploring our options. [insert link to Della Subaru's inventory page]

Introduction: Comparing Subaru's Popular Crossovers

Subaru is known for making versatile, reliable, and adventure-ready vehicles. Their Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are top choices for outdoor lovers and families. Both have all-wheel drive, big cargo space, and top safety features. This makes them great for anyone wanting a complete crossover.

The Forester is a compact crossover that competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazca CX-5. The Outback, bigger and looking like a wagon, has fewer direct competitors. Despite their different sizes and styles, both the Forester and Outback have a lot of space for passengers. The Forester offers 111.6 cubic feet, and the Outback gives 109 cubic feet.

If you're into off-road adventures, Subaru has the Wilderness trim for both models. These special versions have more ground clearance, tougher tires, and unique looks. The Outback Wilderness is even more special. It has an improved all-wheel-drive system, a lifted suspension, and high ground clearance. This lets it tackle rough roads better than most SUVs.

Both the Forester and Outback have the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award and similar crash-test scores. But, they have some differences. The Outback is slightly bigger, which means more cargo space - 75.7 cubic feet versus the Forester's 70.9 cubic feet. Yet, the Forester is taller, giving a better view of the road by five and a half inches.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, both vehicles are great. The Forester gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Outback has the same great numbers. The Forester has a tad better combined fuel economy at 29 mpg compared to the Outback's 28 mpg.

Exterior Dimensions: Size Matters

Comparing the sizes of the 2024 Subaru Forester and Outback shows they have different looks. The Outback is 9.2 inches longer and 2.7 inches wider than the Forester. This makes it stand out more on the road. But the Forester is 2.0 inches taller, making it seem more like a traditional SUV.

Length, Width, and Height

Let's take a closer look at the specific exterior dimensions of these two Subaru models:

The Outback's size means it has more space inside and in the trunk, as we'll see in the next part. The Forester's smaller size makes it better for tight spots and city driving.

Ground Clearance and Off-Road Capabilities

The Forester and Outback are known for their high ground clearance. This makes them stand out for going off-road. Both have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, good for easy outdoor adventures.

For a serious off-road experience, you can choose the Wilderness editions. They have even higher clearance. The Outback Wilderness can go over 9.5 inches, and the Forester Wilderness not far behind at 9.2 inches. This extra height and all-wheel drive means they can handle tough trails and unpaved roads.

Better ground clearance also means these Subarus are great at crossing obstacles. They're ready for camping trips or driving in the snow. The Forester and Outback are set up to handle any adventure you have in mind.

Interior Space: Comfort and Practicality

The Subaru Forester and Outback are great for comfort and practicality inside. They both have lots of room for passengers and their stuff. The Forester has a bit more space inside, with 111.6 cubic feet for passengers. In comparison, the Outback offers 109.0 cubic feet. This means you won't feel cramped on any road trip with these cars.

Passenger Volume

Both cars have plenty of legroom and headroom for a comfy ride. The Outback excels here, with 1.4 inches more legroom in the back than before. Plus, the Forester has a roomy area for a child seat, which is very handy.

Cargo Capacity

The Outback wins in the cargo space department. It has 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row. And a huge 75.6 cubic feet when you fold the seats. On the other hand, the Forester offers a bit smaller but still good cargo space. It's better for families who pack light.

In short, both the Subaru Forester and Outback are roomy and cozy inside. While the Outback has the advantage with cargo, the Forester's space works well for smaller loads. They are both top choices for families looking for a big and useful vehicle.

Performance: Under the Hood

The Subaru Forester and Outback have some similarities in performance. They also have distinct differences for different driving needs. Both cars use a 2.5-liter engine that makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine is decent for day-to-day driving. But, it might feel weak when going uphill or with a lot of cargo.

Engine Options

If you want more power, the Subaru Outback has a 2.4-liter turbo engine option. It boosts the Outback significantly with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This turbo engine is not available in the Forester. So, the Outback is the choice for those who love fast acceleration.

Acceleration and Handling

Both the Forester and Outback use a CVT for smooth acceleration. Some drivers, however, feel that the turbo Outback isn't as quick in response. The Forester Wilderness and Outback Touring have similar acceleration times. But the turbo Outback Wilderness sprints to 60 mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds.

When it comes to handling, both cars provide a smooth ride. This is thanks to their suspensions and Subaru's AWD system. The Forester has an advantage when tackling steep areas or obstacles, thanks to its approach angle. The Outback, on the other hand, might feel a bit sluggish when heavily loaded due to its size and weight.

Fuel Efficiency: Going the Distance

Forester and Outback, with the 2.5-liter engine, do good on gas. They hit 26 mpg in the city. The Forester does a bit better on the highway, getting 33 mpg there. That's one mile more than the Outback. They both hit 29 mpg when combined. In fuel use, the Forester and Outback are pretty close.

Choose the Forester Wilderness for more outdoor fun. Its gas use is a bit lower - 25 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on highways, and 26 mpg combined. The turbocharged Outback gets 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Outback Wilderness uses the most gas, with 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The Forester and Outback have similar fuel use. They are very good for their size and abilities. With these cars, you won't have to stop for gas often. They are great for work or fun trips.

Luxury Features: Creature Comforts

When we talk about luxury, both the Forester and Outback offer top-notch comforts. The Outback goes a bit further with its 11.6-inch touchscreen. This is much bigger than the Forester's 8.0-inch. With this large screen, you can easily control navigation, entertainment, and climate settings. It makes driving a lot more fun.

Infotainment Systems

The base Forester model comes with a 6.5-inch screen and four speakers. But, the Outback has better trims available, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen. This means a richer and easier-to-use system. It also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. You'll always stay connected and entertained on your rides.

Seating and Upholstery

The Forester and Outback both offer leather seats for elegance. But the Outback goes above and beyond with Nappa leather seats. This type of leather is extremely soft and comfortable. It makes long trips a joy. The Outback also has ventilated front seats, which are perfect for staying cool in the summer. You won't find this feature in the Forester.

The Outback is also known for its silent interior. It's quieter than the Forester, thanks to special features. These include liquid-filled engine mounts, an acoustic windshield, and better sound insulation. This creates a calm space for better focus on your drives. Whether in the city or the countryside, you can enjoy each moment.

Safety First: Protecting What Matters

Subaru puts safety at the top of its list. We want every drive you take to be worry-free. The Forester and the Outback reflect our safety focus. They come with top-notch features and high crash test ratings to keep you and your family safe.

Crash Test Ratings

The Subaru Forester and Outback are stars in crash tests. The Outback got a top 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, except for the untested Wilderness model. The Forester also earned high marks from NHTSA, with five stars in overall safety and a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Subaru wins safety awards time and again. In 2020, it was named Best Manufacturer for Safety Features for the second year in a row. Every Subaru SUV has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Forester e-BOXER got a record 91% for protecting children in a crash in the 2019 Euro NCAP.

Driver Assistance Technologies

The Forester and Outback have Subaru's EyeSight setup. It has great things like adaptive cruise control and automatic braking. These features make driving safer and easier.

They also have blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. You can get these on specific trims, making your car safer the way you like it.

Subaru’s safety work goes deep. Their Driver Monitoring System recently won the Technology Award at the What Car? Awards. This shows Subaru is always thinking of new ways to keep you safe.

Picking a Forester or Outback means choosing a safe ride. With amazing crash tests, helpful driving features, and lots of praise, these SUVs put your safety first for all your trips.

Price Point: Budget Considerations

Choosing between the Subaru Forester and Outback involves looking at their prices. These models have different trim levels, each with unique features and costs. We'll compare their starting prices and the cost of their top-tier trims. This way, you can see what fits your budget best.

Base Model Pricing

In 2024, the Subaru Forester starts at $32,028, while the Outback starts at $29,584. The Forester is the cheaper option. If your budget is tight, this might be the way to go. Yet, the base Outback has a stronger engine, with 182 horsepower compared to the Forester's.

Top-Tier Trim Costs

For a more luxurious ride, consider the top trims of both models. The Forester's top trim, the Touring, is priced at $42,696. On the other hand, the Outback Touring XT hits $43,055. The Outback's top trim has a turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. It also comes with leather seats and a premium sound system.

Your budget and what you want in a car will guide your choice. Both the Forester and Outback are known for their value, reliability, and flexibility. Their different prices and features aim to meet various needs and preferences.

Forester vs Outback: Key Differences

The Subaru Forester and Outback are both great SUVs, but they have some key differences. The Outback is bigger on the outside, with more length, width, and a longer wheelbase than the Forester. This makes it around 9.2 inches longer and 2.7 inches wider than the Forester. However, the Forester offers more space for passengers, with 111.6 cubic feet compared to the Outback's 109.0 cubic feet.

The Outback takes the lead in engine power, especially with its turbocharged option, delivering 183kW and 350Nm. This is more powerful than the Forester's engine, which has 136kW and 239Nm. In numbers, the Outback's turbocharged engine makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, outshining the Forester's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque from a shared engine.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the story changes slightly. Both models are efficient with their base engines. The Outback claims 7.3L/100km, and the Forester does well with 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. But, the Outback's turbocharged engine is less economical, getting 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The Outback shines in luxury features with its large 11.6-inch touchscreen. In contrast, the Forester has an 8-inch touchscreen. Safety is key for both, and they proudly share high ANCAP safety ratings and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Price is a big separator between these models. The base Forester 2.5i is significantly cheaper than the basic Outback. The Forester starts at $32,028, while the Outback begins at $29,584.

Which Subaru Is Right for You?

Choosing between a Subaru Forester and Outback depends on what you need and like. Looking at your daily life, what you want in a vehicle, and how you drive is key. Both are top picks for many because of their value, safety, and flexibility.

The Forester starts at $32,028, a bit more than the Outback at $29,584. This lower cost might interest those watching their budget. Yet, the Outback includes more from the start, like a bigger touch screen and SUBARU STARLINK. For some, these extras are worth the higher price.

Choosing Based on Your Needs and Preferences

Need lots of room for things like sports gear or groceries? Then, the Forester is likely better for you. It has 28.9 cubic feet of storage with the back seats up. But if you tow often or lots of people ride with you, the Outback's roomier inside and higher towing ability could be what you need.

If a powerful drive is what you crave, the Outback could win your heart. You can add a 260-horsepower engine to it. In comparison, the Forester's engine is set at 182 horsepower. Getting the stronger engine, however, adds to the car's price.

Both the Forester and Outback are top-notch when it comes to safety. The Forester is seen as very reliable, getting a score of 84 out of 100 by J.D. Power. The Outback is a close second. It got 73 out of 100. What's more, these models are among the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list if they're equipped right.

The best way to know which is right for you is by driving them. A test drive lets you see how they fit your life, what you like, and your driving habits. This way, you can choose with confidence, knowing you picked the best one for you.

Explore Della Subaru's Inventory

At Della Subaru, we are in Plattsburgh, New York's heart. We take pride in our wide range of Forester and Outback models. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect Subaru. A Subaru that fits your life and budget, making the car-buying experience enjoyable and personalized.

Discover our amazing Subaru collection by visiting our website or showroom. We offer various trim levels, colors, and features. So, you'll find the right Forester or Outback that meets or even exceeds your expectations. Do you need a lot of space? Go for the Forester. Or, maybe a smoother ride is what you're after with the Outback. We have something for everyone.

Ready to test drive your dream Subaru? Visit us at Della Subaru today. Our team is eager to answer your questions and show you all the features of each vehicle. Get to know Subaru's exceptional quality, safety, and versatility. Find out why Della Subaru is the top choice for many in Plattsburgh, New York.