2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Review

Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,695 to $39,995
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Outback

2025 Subaru
Outback

MSRP*: $28,895 to $42,795
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MPG - City 25 - 26 MPG 21 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 32 - 33 MPG 26 - 32 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 69.1 - 74.4 ft3 75.6 ft3
Engine
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 180 hp 182 - 260 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 2,700 - 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 183.3 in 191.3 - 191.9 in
Exterior Width 72.0 in 74.2 - 74.6 in
Leg Room Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Front 42.8 in
Rear 39.5 in
Head Room Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.7 - 39.6 in
Front 39.1 - 40.1 in
Rear 39.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat may find themselves a little more cramped in the Subaru Forester than the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Forester offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Subaru Outback, making it a little more comfortable for the driver and front passenger.

Convenience
The Subaru Outback requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Subaru Forester, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Subaru Forester will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Subaru Outback.

Dimensions
Since the Subaru Forester is much slimmer than the Subaru Outback, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. The Subaru Forester is slightly shorter than the Subaru Outback, which may make it easier to park.

Handling
The Subaru Forester has the same turning radius as the Subaru Outback, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Subaru Outback is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Forester has less cargo space than the Subaru Outback, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.