Size comparison showdown: subaru forester vs. outback – which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Outback gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- The Outback offers a few additional safety features that are not available on the Forester, such as a surround-view camera system and reverse automatic braking.
- Ultimately, the decision of whether the Subaru Forester or Outback is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
When it comes to choosing a versatile and rugged SUV, the Subaru Forester and Outback are two popular options. Both offer impressive off-road capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features. However, one key difference between these two vehicles is their size. If you’re wondering “is Subaru Forester smaller than Outback,” this comprehensive comparison will provide all the answers you need.
Dimensions and Exterior Design
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV, while the Outback is a midsize SUV. This difference is reflected in their dimensions:
- Forester: Length: 189.8 inches, Width: 72.2 inches, Height: 68.1 inches
- Outback: Length: 191.3 inches, Width: 73.4 inches, Height: 68.7 inches
As you can see, the Outback is slightly longer and wider than the Forester, but it has a marginally higher roofline. Despite these minor differences, both vehicles offer ample space for passengers and cargo.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Forester’s compact dimensions translate into a slightly smaller interior than the Outback. However, it still offers plenty of headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for five passengers. The cargo area provides 28.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 74.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The Outback’s larger size gives it an advantage in terms of interior space. It offers more legroom and headroom for rear passengers, and the cargo area provides 32.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating and a well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Forester and Outback offer a range of engine options, but the base engines in both models are comparable. The Forester’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Forester is slightly more efficient than the Outback. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Outback gets 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both the Forester and Outback are known for their off-road capabilities. They both come standard with all-wheel drive and a variety of features designed to improve traction and handling in challenging conditions. However, the Outback has a slight advantage in this area due to its higher ground clearance (8.7 inches vs. 8.7 inches) and a more advanced all-wheel drive system.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for both Subaru models. They come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The Outback offers a few additional safety features that are not available on the Forester, such as a surround-view camera system and reverse automatic braking.
Price and Value
The Subaru Forester starts at $26,395, while the Subaru Outback starts at $28,195. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, so the price can vary depending on the specific configuration you choose. However, in general, the Forester is the more affordable option.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether the Subaru Forester or Outback is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more compact and affordable SUV with good off-road capabilities, the Forester is a great choice. If you need a larger vehicle with more interior space and advanced safety features, the Outback is a better option.
Key Points: Making an Informed Decision
This comprehensive comparison has provided a detailed overview of the differences between the Subaru Forester and Outback. By considering factors such as dimensions, interior space, engine performance, off-road capabilities, safety features, and price, you can make an informed decision about which vehicle is the right choice for you.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which is larger, the Subaru Forester or Outback?
A: The Subaru Outback is slightly larger than the Forester.
Q: Which has more interior space, the Subaru Forester or Outback?
A: The Subaru Outback has more interior space than the Forester.
Q: Which is more fuel-efficient, the Subaru Forester or Outback?
A: The Subaru Forester is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Outback.
Q: Which has better off-road capabilities, the Subaru Forester or Outback?
A: The Subaru Outback has slightly better off-road capabilities than the Forester.
Q: Which has more safety features, the Subaru Forester or Outback?
A: The Subaru Outback has a few more safety features than the Forester.
Q: Which is more affordable, the Subaru Forester or Outback?
A: The Subaru Forester is more affordable than the Outback.