Elevated adventures: subaru forester vs outback, which has the most ground clearance?

When it comes to adventure-ready vehicles, Subaru’s Forester and Outback stand out with their rugged capabilities and impressive ground clearance. But which one reigns supreme in terms of off-road prowess? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Subaru Forester vs Outback ground clearance.

Ground Clearance: The Defining Factor

Ground clearance is crucial for navigating rough terrain, especially when tackling obstacles like rocks, logs, and uneven surfaces. Both the Forester and Outback offer ample ground clearance, but there’s a slight difference between them.

• Subaru Forester: The Forester boasts a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, providing ample room for navigating challenging trails and obstacles.
• Subaru Outback: The Outback steps up with an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance, offering even more clearance for conquering off-road adventures.

Suspension Systems: Enhancing Stability and Control

In addition to ground clearance, the suspension system plays a vital role in handling off-road terrain. Both the Forester and Outback feature advanced suspension systems that provide stability, control, and comfort even on rugged roads.

• Subaru Forester: The Forester’s X-Mode system offers enhanced stability and traction by optimizing the vehicle’s powertrain, brakes, and traction control systems.
• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s X-Mode system goes a step further with an additional “Deep Snow/Mud” mode, specifically designed for navigating through deep snow and muddy terrain.

Approach and Departure Angles: Conquering Steep Slopes

When tackling steep slopes, approach and departure angles become crucial. These angles determine the vehicle’s ability to ascend and descend slopes without scraping the front or rear bumper.

• Subaru Forester: The Forester has an approach angle of 20.5 degrees and a departure angle of 25.3 degrees, allowing it to tackle moderate slopes with confidence.
• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s slightly higher approach angle of 21.5 degrees and departure angle of 23.6 degrees provide a slight advantage when traversing steep inclines and declines.

Off-Road Performance: Putting It to the Test

While ground clearance and suspension systems are essential, real-world off-road performance is the ultimate test. Both the Forester and Outback have proven their mettle in various off-road conditions.

• Subaru Forester: The Forester’s combination of ground clearance, X-Mode system, and symmetrical all-wheel drive provides a solid balance of off-road capability and everyday practicality.
• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s slightly higher ground clearance, enhanced X-Mode system, and a more rugged exterior make it better equipped for extreme off-road adventures.

Cargo Space and Versatility: Balancing Adventure and Utility

While ground clearance is crucial for off-roading, cargo space and versatility are equally important for adventure-seekers. Both the Forester and Outback offer ample cargo room to accommodate gear, equipment, and everything else you need for your expeditions.

• Subaru Forester: The Forester offers 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
• Subaru Outback: The Outback provides a more spacious 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to a generous 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Pricing and Availability: Finding the Right Fit

Both the Subaru Forester and Outback are available in various trim levels, offering a range of features and price points. The Forester starts at a more affordable price, while the Outback offers additional features and capabilities at a slightly higher cost.

• Subaru Forester: Prices for the Forester range from $27,995 for the base trim to $39,495 for the top-of-the-line Wilderness trim.
• Subaru Outback: The Outback has a slightly higher price range, starting at $29,645 for the base trim and reaching $41,995 for the Onyx Edition XT trim.

Which One is Right for You?

The best choice between the Subaru Forester and Outback depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability and everyday practicality with a solid off-road foundation, the Forester will likely meet your needs. However, if you demand maximum off-road capability, ample cargo space, and a more rugged demeanor, the Outback is the clear winner.

FAQ

Q: Which Subaru has the highest ground clearance?
A: The Subaru Outback offers the highest ground clearance at 9.5 inches.

Q: Can the Subaru Forester handle off-road trails?
A: Yes, the Forester’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode system provide capable off-road performance.

Q: How much cargo space does the Subaru Outback have?
A: The Outback offers 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Q: Which Subaru is better for families?
A: Both the Forester and Outback offer spacious interiors and ample cargo room, making them suitable for families. The Outback’s slightly larger cargo space may be an advantage for larger families.

Q: What is the price difference between the Forester and Outback?
A: The Forester has a slightly lower starting price than the Outback, but the Outback offers more features and capabilities at higher trim levels.