What To Know
- The Subaru Outback and Forester offer similar fuel efficiency, with both vehicles achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- However, the Outback has a slightly larger fuel tank, giving it a longer driving range on a single tank of gas.
- However, if you’re looking for a more compact SUV with impressive ground clearance and a slightly lower price tag, the Forester is a great option.
The Subaru Outback and Forester are two of the most popular SUVs on the market, known for their rugged capabilities, spacious interiors, and impressive safety features. While both vehicles offer a lot to love, there are some key differences in their dimensions that shoppers should consider before making a decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the details of the Subaru Outback vs Forester dimensions, helping you determine which SUV better suits your needs and lifestyle.
Exterior Dimensions: Size Matters
When it comes to exterior dimensions, the Subaru Outback and Forester have a lot in common. Both vehicles offer ample ground clearance, allowing you to tackle rough terrain with confidence. However, there are some slight differences in their overall size. The Outback is slightly longer and wider than the Forester, providing a bit more cargo space and passenger room. The Forester, on the other hand, is slightly taller, giving it an advantage in terms of headroom.
Interior Dimensions: Space and Comfort
Inside, the Subaru Outback and Forester offer comfortable and well-appointed cabins. Both vehicles come standard with seating for five passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom in both rows. However, the Outback’s larger exterior dimensions translate to a more spacious interior. It offers more cargo space behind the second row of seats, making it a better choice for those who need to transport large items or equipment.
Cargo Capacity: Hauling Your Essentials
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Subaru Outback has a clear advantage over the Forester. With the second row of seats folded down, the Outback offers up to 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Forester offers 74.2 cubic feet. This makes the Outback a better choice for those who need to haul large loads or frequently transport bulky items.
Ground Clearance: Conquering Rough Terrain
Both the Subaru Outback and Forester offer impressive ground clearance, making them capable of tackling rough terrain with ease. The Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Forester has a slightly higher ground clearance of 9.2 inches. This difference may not seem significant, but it can make a big difference when navigating particularly challenging terrain.
Towing Capacity: Hauling Heavy Loads
If you need an SUV that can tow heavy loads, the Subaru Outback and Forester are both capable options. The Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds. While the Outback has a slight edge in towing capacity, both vehicles are suitable for towing small trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Economy
The Subaru Outback and Forester offer similar fuel efficiency, with both vehicles achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This makes them both fuel-efficient choices for their size and class. However, the Outback has a slightly larger fuel tank, giving it a longer driving range on a single tank of gas.
Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Passengers
Both the Subaru Outback and Forester come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. They also offer a variety of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road, giving you peace of mind behind the wheel.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious interior, ample cargo space, and impressive towing capacity, the Subaru Outback is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a more compact SUV with impressive ground clearance and a slightly lower price tag, the Forester is a great option. Both vehicles offer excellent fuel efficiency and a comprehensive suite of safety features, making them both top choices in the SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Subaru Outback or Forester?
A: The Subaru Outback offers more cargo space than the Forester, with 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats compared to the Forester’s 74.2 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV has better ground clearance, the Subaru Outback or Forester?
A: The Subaru Forester has slightly better ground clearance than the Outback, with a ground clearance of 9.2 inches compared to the Outback’s 8.7 inches.
Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Subaru Outback or Forester?
A: The Subaru Outback has a higher towing capacity than the Forester, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds compared to the Forester’s 3,000 pounds.