Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

Gigantic or gargantuan? unraveling the size mystery of subaru outback vs. forester

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Outback gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Forester achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
  • After comparing the dimensions, interior space, cargo capacity, off-road capabilities, fuel economy, and technology features of the Subaru Outback and Forester, it becomes clear that the Outback emerges as the larger wilderness warrior.
  • If you’re seeking a vehicle that offers maximum space, both for passengers and cargo, and excels in off-road adventures, the Outback is the clear choice.

When it comes to adventure-ready SUVs, Subaru’s Outback and Forester stand tall as two of the most capable options in the market. Both offer a blend of ruggedness, versatility, and comfort, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. However, one question that often arises is: which one is larger – the Subaru Outback or the Forester? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the dimensions, interior space, and cargo capacity of these two wilderness warriors to determine which one reigns supreme in terms of size.

Dimensions: A Matter of Inches

In terms of overall dimensions, the Subaru Outback slightly edges out the Forester. The Outback measures 191.3 inches in length, 73.4 inches in width, and 67.1 inches in height. The Forester, on the other hand, comes in at 189.9 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. While the Outback is marginally longer and wider, the Forester boasts slightly more height.

Interior Space: Room to Roam

When it comes to interior space, both the Outback and Forester offer ample room for passengers and cargo. The Outback provides 108.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Forester has 108.3 cubic feet. However, the Outback offers a more generous amount of legroom in both the front and rear seats. The Outback’s front legroom measures 42.4 inches, while the Forester’s is slightly less at 41.4 inches. In the rear, the Outback offers 39.5 inches of legroom compared to the Forester’s 38.4 inches.

Cargo Capacity: Hauling for Adventure

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Subaru Outback once again takes the lead. The Outback offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Forester, on the other hand, offers 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 74.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While both vehicles offer ample cargo space, the Outback’s slightly larger dimensions give it an edge in this category.

Off-Road Capabilities: Wilderness Prowess

Both the Subaru Outback and Forester are equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and handling in all types of terrain. The Outback, however, has a slightly higher ground clearance at 8.7 inches compared to the Forester’s 8.2 inches. This additional ground clearance gives the Outback a slight advantage in tackling rougher terrain and navigating obstacles.

Fuel Economy: Efficiency on the Trail

Fuel economy is an important consideration for adventure vehicles. The Subaru Outback and Forester offer comparable fuel economy figures. The Outback gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Forester achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Outback’s slightly better fuel economy gives it a marginal advantage in this category.

Technology and Features: Wilderness Essentials

Both the Outback and Forester come equipped with a range of advanced technology and features designed to enhance your wilderness adventures. These include infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, navigation, and a suite of safety features. The Outback, however, offers a slightly more comprehensive suite of features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Verdict: The Larger Wilderness Warrior

After comparing the dimensions, interior space, cargo capacity, off-road capabilities, fuel economy, and technology features of the Subaru Outback and Forester, it becomes clear that the Outback emerges as the larger wilderness warrior. Its slightly larger dimensions, more generous legroom, and superior cargo capacity make it the ideal choice for those who prioritize space and versatility.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right Adventure Companion

Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru Outback and Forester depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re seeking a vehicle that offers maximum space, both for passengers and cargo, and excels in off-road adventures, the Outback is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more compact and fuel-efficient option that still offers plenty of room and wilderness prowess, the Forester is an excellent choice.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which vehicle has more legroom?
The Subaru Outback offers more legroom in both the front and rear seats compared to the Forester.

2. What is the maximum cargo capacity of the Outback and Forester?
The Subaru Outback offers a maximum cargo capacity of 75.7 cubic feet, while the Forester offers 74.2 cubic feet.

3. Which vehicle has a higher ground clearance?
The Subaru Outback has a slightly higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to the Forester’s 8.2 inches.

4. Is the Outback more fuel-efficient than the Forester?
The Subaru Outback has slightly better fuel economy than the Forester, achieving 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Forester’s 33 mpg.

5. Which vehicle offers a more comprehensive suite of features?
The Subaru Outback offers a slightly more comprehensive suite of features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Was this page helpful?

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
Back to top button