What To Know
- The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Outback gets 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- The Forester is a great choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and value, while the Outback is a better choice for those who need more power, cargo space, and off-road capability.
- The Forester has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Outback, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Outback’s 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to reliable and versatile used SUVs, the Subaru Forester and Outback are two of the most popular choices on the market. Both offer all-wheel drive, excellent fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior. But what are the key differences between these two models, and which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Subaru Forester vs Outback used to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Both the Forester and Outback offer impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Outback, on the other hand, offers a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Forester has a slight edge over the Outback. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Outback gets 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Forester and Outback offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Forester has a slightly smaller interior than the Outback, with 39.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Outback, on the other hand, offers 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Both the Forester and Outback offer comfortable seats and a well-designed dashboard. The Forester’s dashboard is more straightforward, while the Outback’s dashboard is more upscale and features a larger touchscreen display.
Capability and Off-Road Performance
Both the Forester and Outback are capable off-road vehicles, but the Outback has a slight edge in this area. The Outback has a higher ground clearance (8.7 inches vs. 8.2 inches) and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The Outback also offers a more rugged suspension, which makes it better suited for rough roads and trails.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Forester and Outback are known for their excellent safety and reliability ratings. The Forester received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Outback received a 4-star overall safety rating. Both vehicles also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Price and Value
The Forester and Outback are both priced similarly, with the Forester starting at around $25,000 and the Outback starting at around $26,000. However, the Outback offers more standard features than the Forester, such as a larger touchscreen display, a more powerful engine, and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester and Outback are both excellent choices for those looking for a used SUV. The Forester is a great choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and value, while the Outback is a better choice for those who need more power, cargo space, and off-road capability.
The Verdict: A Close Call
Ultimately, the decision between the Subaru Forester and Outback used comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and value-oriented SUV, the Forester is a great choice. If you need more power, cargo space, and off-road capability, the Outback is a better option.
Popular Questions
Q: Which model has better fuel efficiency, the Forester or the Outback?
A: The Forester has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Outback, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the Outback’s 26 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which model has more cargo space, the Forester or the Outback?
A: The Outback has slightly more cargo space than the Forester, with 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the Forester’s 39.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Q: Which model has a more powerful engine, the Forester or the Outback?
A: The Outback has a more powerful engine than the Forester, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.