Unveiling the Space Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Outback

Unveiling the Space Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Outback

The Subaru brand has long been synonymous with durability, off-road capability, and adventure-ready vehicles. Among its most popular models are the Subaru Forester and Outback, two rugged vehicles that offer excellent space, comfort, and performance. In this article, we will compare the Subaru Forester and Outback, analyzing their features, space offerings, and performance. We’ll explore their similarities and differences to help you determine which vehicle is the best fit for your lifestyle. Let’s dive in!

Subaru Forester: A Closer Look

The Subaru Forester has been a staple in Subaru’s lineup for decades, gaining popularity for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and strong performance. As a compact crossover SUV, the Forester offers a perfect blend of utility and comfort. But what makes it stand out in the crowded SUV market? Let’s break down its key features:

• Space and Comfort: The Forester’s cabin offers ample room for both passengers and cargo. It’s designed with a higher roofline, which increases headroom for taller passengers. The rear seats are spacious, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow for more cargo room when needed.
• Performance: Powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Subaru Forester offers impressive fuel economy while maintaining sufficient power for most driving conditions. All-wheel drive comes standard, making it a great choice for those who want to explore rougher terrains.
• Safety Features: Subaru is known for its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which comes standard on the Forester. This includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. These safety features make the Forester one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Subaru Outback: A Closer Look

The Subaru Outback is a versatile and rugged vehicle that sits between a traditional wagon and an SUV. Known for its elevated ground clearance, spacious interior, and rugged performance, the Outback appeals to drivers who want both comfort and adventure. Let’s explore some of its standout features:

• Space and Comfort: Similar to the Forester, the Outback offers ample interior space. However, the Outback provides a bit more cargo space, thanks to its wagon-like design. The rear seats are comfortable and roomy, with plenty of legroom for passengers.
• Performance: The Outback is powered by either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, giving drivers more power for challenging terrains or long drives. All-wheel drive is standard, and the vehicle offers impressive towing capabilities, making it ideal for hauling gear or trailers.
• Safety Features: Like the Forester, the Outback comes with Subaru’s EyeSight technology and a suite of advanced safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Comparing Space: Subaru Forester vs. Outback

One of the main factors to consider when choosing between the Subaru Forester and Outback is space. Both vehicles offer comfortable interiors, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Let’s break down the space offered by each vehicle:

Interior Space

The Subaru Forester is designed to offer maximum comfort for passengers without compromising on cargo capacity. Its boxy design gives it a spacious interior, particularly in terms of headroom. The Outback, on the other hand, is built to handle longer trips and larger loads. Here’s a comparison of the key interior dimensions:

• Subaru Forester:
  • Passenger Volume: 111.9 cubic feet
  • Cargo Space: 31.1 cubic feet (expandable with rear seats folded)
• Subaru Outback:
  • Passenger Volume: 109.6 cubic feet
  • Cargo Space: 32.5 cubic feet (expandable with rear seats folded)

While the Forester has a slightly larger passenger volume, the Outback provides more cargo space overall, especially when the rear seats are folded down. For those who prioritize cargo space, the Outback might be the better option.

Legroom and Headroom

Both vehicles offer generous legroom and headroom for passengers, making them ideal for longer drives. However, there are slight differences in the dimensions:

• Forester:
  • Front Legroom: 43.3 inches
  • Rear Legroom: 39.4 inches
  • Front Headroom: 41.2 inches
  • Rear Headroom: 39.6 inches
• Outback:
  • Front Legroom: 42.8 inches
  • Rear Legroom: 39.5 inches
  • Front Headroom: 40.1 inches
  • Rear Headroom: 39.1 inches

As you can see, the Forester offers a bit more headroom in the rear, while the Outback has a slight advantage in legroom. However, both vehicles are comfortable for passengers of various sizes.

Performance Comparison: Subaru Forester vs. Outback

When it comes to performance, both the Subaru Forester and Outback deliver excellent capabilities. However, the two models differ slightly in their powertrains and overall performance. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare:

Engine Options and Power

• Subaru Forester:
  • 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Excellent fuel economy with an EPA rating of 26 city / 33 highway mpg
• Subaru Outback:
  • 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower (base engine)
  • Optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Fuel economy varies depending on the engine: 26 city / 33 highway mpg (base engine) or 23 city / 30 highway mpg (turbo engine)

The Subaru Outback offers more power with its turbocharged engine option, making it a better choice for those who need more towing capacity or extra muscle for off-roading. However, the Forester still provides ample power for everyday driving and is more fuel-efficient overall.

Towing Capacity

If you plan on towing gear or trailers, the Outback is the better choice. It offers a higher towing capacity compared to the Forester:

• Forester: Can tow up to 1,500 pounds
• Outback: Can tow up to 2,700 pounds with the base engine, and up to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine

The Outback’s higher towing capacity makes it the more versatile choice for those who need to haul trailers or heavy loads.

Which Subaru Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Subaru Forester and Outback ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a spacious interior, excellent safety features, and great fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for families or individuals who want a practical vehicle for daily driving and occasional adventures.

On the other hand, if you need more cargo space, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities, the Subaru Outback may be the better option. Its rugged performance, along with the ability to haul more gear, makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those who require a versatile vehicle for longer trips.

Final Thoughts

Both the Subaru Forester and Outback are exceptional vehicles, offering a combination of performance, space, and reliability that Subaru is known for. If you’re still undecided, consider your specific needs, whether it be cargo space, towing capacity, or overall comfort, to help guide your decision. Test driving both vehicles will also give you a better feel for how they perform on the road.

For more information on Subaru vehicles, check out this official Subaru page.

Ready to make your decision? Take a look at the latest Subaru models in your area and explore the options that best suit your lifestyle!

This article is in the category Reviews and created by EasyCarFix Team