Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester: What’s The Difference?
Subaru Outback by Kevauto — CC-BY-SA-4.0
Comparing the Subaru Outback to the Subaru Forester is a bit like comparing apples to apples, though at least they’re two varieties. The Outback and Forester have several differences, as well as a few similarities.
Since they come from the same manufacturer, they each make their case by offering different value propositions while still maintaining the integrity of the brand. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at the Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester and tell you everything you need to know about the two cars.
Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester Differences
Body Style
Perhaps the most noticeable thing between the Outback and Forester is the different body styles. The Outback is more of a wagon that also passes as a midsize crossover, while the Forester is a smaller sport utility vehicle, also referred to as a compact crossover.
The Forester is shorter; that is, the distance between the front and rear axles is reduced by 3 inches when compared to the Outback. To provide a clearer picture, it competes in the same market segment as the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V.
On the other hand, the Outback goes head-to-head with the Audi A4 Allroad off-road wagon. However, its high-riding build gives it an almost SUV-like character that makes it a worthy contender against some SUVs. It’s not a surprise to see the Outback also listed as a competitor to the CR-V or CX-5.
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Dimensions
The Subaru Outback is one inch wider than the Subaru Forester and a couple of inches longer. It offers more cargo space at 75.7 cubic feet compared to the Forester’s 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester is, however, taller than the Outback by five and a half inches.
In summary, the Outback is your go-to option when you want a longer vehicle that can fit big kids in the back seat. It’s also ideal for transporting bikes without having to make any modifications.
The Forester is best for a family with small kids and a big dog. It is also a great option for shorter drivers that find it hard to get in and out of shorter vehicles. Taller participants may prefer the Outback, especially during long drives.
Ride Quality
The Subaru Outback is longer; hence, it provides more room to maneuver obstacles and bumps. The overall experience is comfortable and serene. The vehicle is stable around corners and has little to no body lean. It responds quickly to steering and is quite enjoyable on city streets. Performance off-road is decent, and you’ll be able to get to most camping sites with ease.
The Forester’s ride quality, on the other hand, differs slightly thanks to its SUV-like design. It is not as smooth as the Outback but performs a lot better than other compact crossovers. It is more insulated inside to reduce road noise and is full of richer materials. Lastly, it is as competent as the Outback in off-road situations.
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Ride Height
Compact SUVs tend to sit a lot higher than wagons. For this reason, expect to sit a bit higher when riding in the Subaru Forester. It is important to note that both vehicles have 8.7 inches of ground clearance and boast what the engineers refer to as the “command driving position.”
This provides a desirable feeling when sitting inside and allows you to have a decent view of the road ahead. While the Forester provides a higher sitting position, both vehicles can move over bumps and debris equally without scraping the underbelly.
Towing Capacity
The Subaru Forester can tow up to 1,500 lbs. This is manageable and an industry standard when it comes to compact SUVs. The Forester also adds the Trailer Stability Assist feature that can slow down the car to stabilize it while towing.
However, if you have a ton to tow, go for the Subaru Outback. It comes with a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs. This goes to as high as 3,500 pounds in the XT trims that have the 2.5T engine.
Price
The Forester and Outback get closer in price when you compare the base models. The latter costs about $2,000 more. It’s also longer by 3 inches and heavier by almost 200 pounds. Subaru also included more standard equipment and an appealing 12-inch large tablet display compared to the Forester’s 8-inch touchscreen.
Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester Similarities
The Subaru Outback and Forester serve the same purpose — to transport families to their desired destinations so that they can carry out their favorite activities. This means that they are also similar in many ways. Here are some of the things that both cars share in common.
Engine Output
Both vehicles are powered by the 2.5-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine. It churns 182 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. This is the only option available for the Forester. The Outback adds a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine for its higher trims that churns 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission
The two vehicles also share a gearless Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The one in the Outback offers X-Mode and Hill Descent Control as standard on all models. It also includes manual paddle shifters that can be used to manually shift the gears. The same applies to the Forester Sport, Touring, Limited, and Premium trims.
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Fuel Economy
Since both vehicles share the same engine at the base level, fuel efficiency is estimated at 26 mpg in city driving and 33 mpg in highway driving. This is despite the Forester featuring a smaller fuel tank at 16.6 gallons compared to the Outback’s 18.5 gallons.
Both vehicles are off-road capable and boast all-wheel drive. Expect a difference of about 3 mpg if you opt for the turbocharged Outback. However, EPA estimates that you’d only need to spend an extra $100 on gas every year.
Safety Features
Both Subaru’s have earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award. The 2020 Outback was rated “Good” in all crash tests and was recommended as a Top Safety Pick. The 2019 Forester got the same score in crash testing and earned a higher Top Safety Pick+ award thanks to its strong headlights.
If you get your hands on either vehicle, you’ll get to enjoy both Active and Passive Safety Features. Active Safety Features include Brake Assist, Brake Override System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Daytime Running Lights, Traction Control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Passive Safety Features include Subaru advanced frontal airbag system, drive and front passenger front SRS airbags, front-seat side pelvis/torso airbags, height-adjustable 3-point front seat belts with force limiters and pre-tensioners, rear child-safety door locks, and much more.
Verdict: Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester
Both vehicles make their case when it comes to meeting the needs of an ordinary family. However, if you’re looking for a bigger vehicle that is more powerful and full of luxurious features, the Outback is the best option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cheaper, more spacious, and taller vehicle, the Forester becomes the better option. Both cars are relatively fuel efficient and safe to drive. People love both of these cars, and for a good reason!
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