Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback
When comparing the Subaru Forester's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback Pricing
A used 2024 Subaru Forester ranges from $32,324 to $39,982 while a used 2024 Subaru Outback is priced between $32,529 to $43,927. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $30,617 and $40,108, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,906 and $45,079.
Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 1.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback.
Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 4 out of 66. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 3 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 4. The Subaru Forester is also ranked 4 out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs while the Subaru Outback is ranked 5 out of 56.
Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the base engine of both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback makes 182 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room. The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
At first glance, the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback appear to be competing with one another for buyers. The Outback is physically larger than the Forester, however, and has a higher price point that includes a higher-quality interior and optional turbocharged engine the Forester doesn’t offer. For off-road adventuring and functionality, the Forester has higher ground clearance and more passenger room, as well as more cargo space. This comes from the Forester’s more traditional, boxy crossover design compared to the Outback’s car-like, station wagon shape. From a mechanical standpoint, the Forester and Outback share many underpinnings such as their standard engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive components. Buyers looking to stay on pavement while enjoying an upscale interior and turbo engine will prefer the Outback, while consumers looking to save money and spend time off road will find more value in the Forester.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30617 - 40108
Used Asking Price:
32324 - 39982
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
32906 - 45079
Used Asking Price:
32529 - 43927
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.395466
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.933592 / 10
Reliability:
8.800776 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 49Ranking
27 out of / 58Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 56Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17