Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester

Subaru Outback

Base trim: 2024 $28,895 / 2023 $28,395

Pictured: 2023 Outback Wilderness AWD in Geyser Blue. 2023 starting MSRP: $38,445 / 2024 starting MSRP: $39,960.

Subaru Forester

Base trim: $26,495.

Pictured: Forester Wilderness (2022 model). MSRP starting from $34,320.

Subaru Outback

Subaru consistently maintains an excellent reputation for its safety features and all-wheel drive handling. All for a great value. It also has a very loyal fan base which speaks well of the brand.

In general, we love the Subaru Outback! The Outback offers a range of safety features that are standard across all 9 trim levels, including its terrific Symmetrical all-wheel drive system (with X Mode which increases all-wheel drive system engagement) and driver assistance technology (called Eyesight). Eyesight technology is extensive. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. 

The Outback is a great choice for those in colder climates who deal with a lot of hazardous winter weather driving, spend a lot of time outdoors, or travel with their pets. The safety features make it a good option for teens or inexperienced drivers, as well as senior drivers who want piece-of-mind while traveling down the road.

For the most capability and highest ground clearance, you'll want the Wilderness model.

Subaru's SUV inventory is getting more plentiful which is great news for car shoppers.

Subaru Forester

We love the Subaru Forester and The Car Pro Jerry Reynolds calls it one of his favorite SUVs for its life-saving EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as well as for its capability.

Forester's are great for off-roading and winter driving conditions since they're equipped with Subaru's amazing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Add to that, all but the base trim also get Hill Descent Control and X-MODE for increased capability in a wider range of conditions.

The Forester is a roomy SUV for passengers in both rows and offers impressive cargo space with the 2nd-row down. Upholstery options include leather-trimmed seats and water-repellent upholstery.

The Forester is always an excellent choice in terms of safety and capability, and it's also an outstanding value.

Subaru Outback

In 2023, the Outback was completely refreshed with updated exterior and interior styling, technology, and safety features. The only major exterior changes in 2024 were to the Wilderness trim level, which received an update to its grille and front bumper. 

2023 updates also included the latest version of the Subaru's 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Multimedia Navigation system is voice-activated. The Outback is Subaru's first model to integrate what3words (W3W), a location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise locations using just three simple words.

Subaru Forester

The Forester received a refresh in 2022, which included the debut of the Wilderness trim.

For  2023, the entry level Base trim gets an updated multimedia system.

The lineup also comes with the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assistance technology as standard equipment.  

Subaru Outback

• Optional 260-horsepower Turbo engine
• Smoother ride over rough roads
• Roomy cabin is available with Nappa leather seats
• More cargo space and towing capability
  Better technology

Subaru Forester

• More nimble body style makes it easier to manuever
• Higher driver position and great visibility
• Lineup offers a panoramic power moonroof
• Slightly better fuel economy
• Great for taller cargo

Subaru Outback

• Not as easy to maneuver due to wagon shape
• Slightly less fuel economy
• Doesn't offer a panoramic moonroof
• Lower driver position isn't for those who prefer more ride height
• Slightly less fuel efficient

Subaru Forester

• Doesn't offer a more powerful turbocharged engine
• Not as much cargo space
• Ride isn't as smooth
• Infotainment isn't as great
• Interior doesn't offer luxury upgrades

Subaru Outback

Subaru Forester

26/29 mpg

25-26 mpg

32-35 mpg

28/33 mpg

Subaru Outback

Subaru Forester

• SUBARU STARLINK^® Dual 7.0-inch Multimedia or 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus or 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation
• 4-speaker (Base) or 6-speaker (Premium) Audio system
• 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on all other trims
• 4.2-inch LCD color combination meter display (functions vary by trim level)
• Rear Vision or Wide-Angle Mono Camera depending on trim
• Available wireless charging

• SUBARU STARLINK^® 6.5-inch Multimedia or available 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus, or available
•  8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation, Multifunction display or color multifunction display
• Apple CarPlay®, Android™ Auto and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity as well as SiriusXM® and a CD player.  
• Standard 4- or 6- speaker audio system
• Available Harman Kardon 9-speaker premium audio system (standard on Touring trim)
• Standard Rear Vision Camera, optional 180-degree Front View Monitor

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all but Base trim.
• Illuminated front USB-A and USB-C charging ports
• Illuminated rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports

• Standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all but the base model
• 1 or 2 USB ports up front,  available rear 2 USB charging ports

Subaru Outback

Subaru Forester

• Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
• Standard High Beam Assist
• Available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
• Available Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Available Reverse Automatic Braking
• Standard Rear-Vison Camera
• Available 180-Degree Front-View Monitor

• Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Pre-collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane departure and Sway Warning, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering  (Standard across lineup)
• High Beam Assist (Standard across lineup)
• Brake Assist and Brake Override System
• Available Reverse Automatic Braking 
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System (Touring trim only)
• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (Sport, Wilderness,Limited and Touring only.) 

• SUBARU STARLINK^® Safety and Security
  Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Side curtain airbags
• Seat-mounted front side impact 
• Front passenger seat cushion airbag
• Driver's knee airbag
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Rear height adjustable head restraints
• Height adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• Rear child-safety locks
• LATCH system
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Brake Override System
• Traction Control System

• SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Side curtain airbags (SRS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags (SRS)
  
• Driver's knee airbag (SRS)
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• Rear child-safety door locks
• LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System 

Subaru Outback

Subaru Forester

191.3"-191.9"

182.7"

182-horsepower - 2.5-liter engine

260-horsepower - 2.4-liter turbocharged engine

182-horsepower

176 lb.-ft. - 2.5-liter

277 lb.-ft.- 2.4-liter turbocharged

176 lb.-ft

16.6 gallons

3,454 -3,620 pounds

2,700 (Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring

3,500 pounds (Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT.)

1,500 pounds