Compare the Subaru Outback to the Subaru Forester
Compare the Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester
2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Subaru Forester: Which SUV is Right for You in
For decades now, the Subaru brand has been associated with both off-roading excellence and everyday dependability. The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback both exemplify these aspects of Subaru engineering, combining exceptional ruggedness with both durability and reliability. But if you are looking for a new SUV, which one is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about both the Forester and Outback.
Subaru Outback
| MSRP Range | $34,995 to $47,995 |
|---|---|
| Towing Capacity | 2,700 to 3,500 pounds |
| Fuel Economy | Standard 31 mpg highway/25 mpg city; XT models 29/21 mpg; Wilderness 27/21 mpg |
| Seating | 5 |
| Max Cargo Space | 80.5 cubic feet |
Subaru Forester
| MSRP Range | $29,995 to $41,595 |
|---|---|
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pound |
| Fuel Economy | Standard 33 mpg highway/26 mpg city; Sport and Touring 32/25 mpg; Wilderness 28/24 mpgy |
| Seating | 5 |
| Max Cargo Space | 74.4 cubic feet |
Size and Shape
At 191.7 inches long and 67.5 inches tall, the Outback's long design optimizes excellent handling. The Forester is 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches high. With its shorter, taller design, the Forester provides better forward visibility.
Subaru Boxer® Engine Performance & Towing
The Outback and Forester both come standard with the famously dependable 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine. This engine generates 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The Outback Wilderness and XT models get a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine that produces a potent 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both the Forester and Outback pair their engines with a Lineartronic® CVT engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The Outback boasts a standard maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, while XT and Wilderness models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The Forester has a standard towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while Wilderness models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Seating and Cargo Space
The Outback and Forester both have five seats. The Outback comes standard with 112.3 cubic feet of passenger space, while models with a moonroof have 111.1 cubic feet. The Forester Base trim has 110.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, while all other trims have 106.6 cubic feet.
When you need to transport cargo in your Outback, you can find 34.6 cubic feet for storage behind the rear seats. Folding down the rear seats yields up to 80.5 cubic feet for storage. The Forester Base trim has 29.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 74.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. All other trims have rear cargo volume of 27.5 cubic feet and maximum cargo volume of 69.1 cubic feet.
Interior Features
Interior Material
The Outback comes standard with StarTex® upholstery, while leather-trimmed upholstery is available (with Nappa-leather-trimmed upholstery standard on Touring and Touring XT trims). The Forester comes standard with cloth upholstery, with StarTex® and leather-trimmed upholstery available. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle come standard with the Outback and are available for the Forester.
Comfort
The Outback comes standard with heated front seats, which also come standard on all Forester trims aside from the Base trim. Both models also offer ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Technology
Touchscreens
The Outback comes standard with a 12.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system with available navigation. The Forester Base trim has dual seven-inch front touchscreens, while all other trims get an 11.6-inch touchscreen.
Audio
The Outback Premium trim comes standard with six speakers, while all other models get a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon® premium sound system. The Forester Base trim has four speakers. All other trims except the Touring have six speakers; the Touring gets an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon® system.
Safety
The Outback and Forester both come standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This suite of features includes Pre-collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, Lane Centering, Automatic Emergency Steering, and more.
Wilderness Trim
The Outback and Forester both offer the Wilderness trim. This off-road trim features extra ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, standard Dual-Function X-MODE®, off-road wheel with all-terrain tires, and roof rails with increased weight capacity for extra gear or pitching a rooftop tent.
