Buyer’s dilemma: is the subaru forester a better choice than the outback?

When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile SUV for your outdoor adventures, the Subaru Forester and Outback are two top contenders. Both models offer impressive off-road capabilities, spacious interiors, and a host of advanced safety features. However, there are some key differences between these two vehicles that may sway your decision in one direction or another.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each SUV, comparing their performance, features, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which vehicle is the better choice for your specific needs and preferences.

Performance

Engine and Power

Both the Forester and Outback offer a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine and a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine. The naturally aspirated engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

The turbocharged engine provides a significant boost in power and acceleration, making it the preferred choice for drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or venture off-road. However, the naturally aspirated engine is more fuel-efficient, getting an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged engine.

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Forester and Outback are equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions. However, the Outback has a slight edge in off-road performance due to its higher ground clearance and standard X-Mode system.

X-Mode is a collection of driving modes that optimize the vehicle’s performance for different off-road scenarios, such as snow, mud, and gravel. It also includes Hill Descent Control, which helps maintain a steady speed when driving downhill on slippery surfaces.

Features

Interior Space and Comfort

The Forester and Outback offer comparable interior space, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The Forester has a slightly larger cargo capacity behind the rear seats (31.1 cubic feet) compared to the Outback (26.5 cubic feet). However, the Outback has a more spacious interior overall, with more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.

Both vehicles offer comfortable seating with supportive seats and plenty of adjustability. The Outback has a slightly more premium interior, with higher-quality materials and more advanced technology features.

Infotainment and Technology

The Forester and Outback come standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Outback has a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen available as an option, which provides a more immersive experience and additional functionality.

Both vehicles offer a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Outback has a few additional safety features available, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Value

The Forester starts at a lower price than the Outback, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Outback offers more features and a more premium interior, which may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.

Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a more affordable and fuel-efficient SUV, the Forester is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more spacious and feature-rich SUV, the Outback is a better option.

Which One Is Right for You?

The Subaru Forester and Outback are both excellent choices for adventure-minded drivers. The Forester is a more affordable and fuel-efficient option with a slightly smaller interior. The Outback is more spacious, has a more premium interior, and offers more advanced technology and safety features.

If you’re not sure which vehicle is right for you, consider the following factors:

• Budget: The Forester is a more affordable option than the Outback.
• Fuel economy: The Forester has better fuel economy than the Outback.
• Space: The Outback has a more spacious interior than the Forester.
• Features: The Outback offers more advanced technology and safety features than the Forester.
• Off-road performance: The Outback has a slight edge in off-road performance due to its higher ground clearance and X-Mode system.

The Verdict

Both the Subaru Forester and Outback are excellent choices for drivers who want a reliable and versatile SUV for their outdoor adventures. The Forester is a more affordable and fuel-efficient option with a slightly smaller interior. The Outback is more spacious, has a more premium interior, and offers more advanced technology and safety features.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Information You Need to Know

Which SUV has more horsepower?

The Outback has more horsepower than the Forester, with 260 horsepower compared to 182 horsepower.

Which SUV has better fuel economy?

The Forester has better fuel economy than the Outback, getting an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the Outback.

Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Forester has slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats than the Outback, with 31.1 cubic feet compared to 26.5 cubic feet.

Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

The Outback has more advanced safety features available than the Forester, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Which SUV is more affordable?

The Forester is a more affordable option than the Outback.