Subaru Outback Wilderness vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Subaru Forester Wilderness contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Subaru Forester Wilderness.
In comparing the Subaru Outback Wilderness's and the Subaru Forester Wilderness's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback Wilderness has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Forester Wilderness 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 fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback Wilderness's and the Subaru Forester Wilderness's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is a better car than the Subaru Outback Wilderness.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness ranges from $35,997 to $43,444 while a used 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is priced between $34,199 to $39,933. For a new model, the Subaru Outback Wilderness's price is between $41,245 and $46,284, with the Subaru Forester Wilderness priced between $36,698 and $41,082.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback Wilderness loses 43.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester Wilderness loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester Wilderness retains 6.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback Wilderness.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.3 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Outback is ranked 11 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 7.8 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Outback Wilderness’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester Wilderness base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Wilderness is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 481 miles. The Wilderness is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 465 miles.This gives the Subaru Forester Wilderness the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Subaru Outback Wilderness the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback Wilderness has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester Wilderness has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The Subaru Outback Wilderness and Subaru Forester Wilderness are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback Wilderness and the Subaru Forester Wilderness have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41245 - 46284
Starting MSRP:
41710
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
36698 - 41082
Starting MSRP:
36285
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
39121
Price Range:
35997 - 43444
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2256
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
56
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37461
Price Range:
34199 - 39933
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback Wilderness
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester Wilderness
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.448465751878131
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.991300032850205
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT
Other Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 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):
21 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
389 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
25 / 28 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
415 / 465 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
26.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3922 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.9 inches
Length:
191.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3620 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
68.9 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
104.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R17
