Subaru Forester vs Outback! Which do you buy?
Both Forester and Outback (Legacy Lancaster) will be models that are both released from Subaru As Compact SUVs. Forester and Outback are also very attractive, so you may wonder which one to buy. This time we compare these two cars, we will also introduce the points which can be recommended and ride comfort.
2019 Subaru Forester
Image source Subaru.jp
The new Forester released in July 2018 is the 5th generation model. There are four grades of basic Touring, fine Premium, active X-BREAK, and hybrid model Advance released in September. Along with the Impreza platform change, Forester also adopted the “Subaru Global Platform”, which is improving further driving performance and safety performance.
2019 Subaru Outback
Image source Subaru.jp
The Outback is a crossover SUV that enhanced the running performance based on the Subaru popular model “Legacy” series of touring wagons. We incorporate SUV-like designs such as over fenders to the base touring wagon. It appeared in October 2003, it was the position of the successor model of “Legacy Lancaster”. It is now the third generation model, and a minor change is planned around September to October 2018. It is a popular car with high running performance and loading capacity.
Subaru Forester VS Outback!
Let’s introduce the specifications of Subaru Forester vs Outback for each item and let’s compare. First of all, we will introduce the grade and price.
2019 Subaru Forester Prices
| Model/Trim | Transmission | MSRP |
| 2.5i Base | 6MT | $22,795 |
| 2.5i Base | CVT | $23,795 |
| 2.5i Premium | 6MT | $25,695 |
| 2.5i Premium | CVT | $26,195 |
| 2.5i Limited | CVT | $29,395 |
| 2.5i Touring | CVT | $33,090 |
| 2.0XT Premium | CVT | $29,495 |
| 2.0XT Touring | CVT | $36,090 |
2019 Subaru Outback Prices
| Model/Trim | Transmission | MSRP |
| Outback 2.5i | CVT | $25,895 |
| Outback 2.5i Premium | CVT | $27,995 |
| Outback 2.5i Limited | CVT | $32,695 |
| Outback 2.5i Touring | CVT | $36,490 |
| Outback 3.6R Limited | CVT | $35,395 |
| Outback 3.6R Touring | CVT | $38,690 |
The price is cheaper for the new Forester, and Forester is better for fuel economy, If you choose based on either the price and the fuel economy, Forester will be more economical.
Subaru Forester VS Outback (Specs)
| Forester | Outback | |
| Full-length × full width × full height | 4625 mm × 1815 mm × 1715 mm | 4820 mm × 1840 mm × 1605 mm |
| Indoor length × indoor width × indoor height | 2110 mm × 1545 mm × 1270 mm | 2030 mm × 1545 mm × 1240 mm |
| Minimum ground clearance | 220 mm | 200 mm |
| Vehicle weight | 1520 kg | 1570 kg |
| Engine | FB25 horizontally opposed 4 cylinders 2.5 L DOHC 16 valve dual AVCS direct injection | FB25 horizontally opposed 4 cylinders 2.5 Liter DOHC 16 valve AVCS |
| Maximum torque | 136 kW (184 HP) / 5800 Rpm | 129 kW (175 HP) / 5800 Rpm |
| Maximum output | 239 N · m (24.4 Kgf · m) / 4400 Rpm | 235 N · m (24.0 Kgf · m) / 4000 Rpm |
| Fuel economy | 14.6 km / L | 14.8 km / L |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
| Transmission | Lineartronic (with manual mode) | Lineartronic (with manual mode) |
The outdoor is slightly larger in terms of the car body, whereas the size of the room does not change very much. Because Forester has a higher viewpoint and slightly smaller minimum turning radius, it seems that Forester is easier to handle.
Exterior Design
Exterior deciding car image. The size and design of the car body also affect driving performance. Let’s compare the exterior.
2019 Forester Exterior Design
Image source Subaru.jp
It is a design with dynamic feeling and hard feeling like a trained physical body. Next generation SUBARU’s design philosophy “Dynamic × Solid” is the core, expressing SUV like powerful and confident. There are different fun details change in terms of exterior design depending on the grade.
2019 Outback Exterior Design
Image source Subaru.jp
Outback with charm design that feels powerful in beauty. The low height might be a further complement of stylishness. The exterior combines sophisticated beauty with ease of us.
Subaru Forester vs Outback Interior Design
The design and ease of use in the car that I spend every day are very important for the driver. In addition to comfortable indoor spaces and seating comfort for seating are important to get your family in. Let’s compare the two interior designs
2019 Forester Interior
Image source Subaru.jp
Interior design has also been changed as platform changes. Depending on the grade, it is possible to select an active water-repellent sheet or black/brown leather sheet. It is an interior that combines sporty and fine quality feeling.
2019 Outback Interior
Image source Subaru.jp
Interior of outback that is fine in design, simply because it is easy to use. It is also possible to select an optional leather sheet. You can choose from calm black and ivory with a sense of openness.
Subaru Forester vs Outback Loading capacity
One of the attractions of SUV is outdoor use. Camping supplies, including tents and cooler boxes, are often large packages. Moreover, it is the snowy road that can demonstrate high running performance. To be active in skiing and snowboarding, it is necessary to have long baggage. Let’s compare the load capacity:
Forester Loading capacity
Image source Subaru.jp
| Level of cargo | 884 mm |
| Maximum opening width | 1300 mm |
| Luggage room floor length | 908 mm to 1856 mm |
| Luggage room floor width | 1100 mm to 1585 mm |
| Loading capacity | 520 L |
Outback Loading capacity
Image source Subaru.jp
| Level of cargo | 824 mm |
| Maximum opening width | 1175 mm |
| Luggage room floor length | 1062 mm to 1974 mm |
| Luggage room floor width | 1080 mm |
| Loading capacity | 559 L |
As for capacity, Outback can load more baggage. Since the length of the luggage compartment (from the front seat back to the rear end of the luggage compartment) is longer on the outback side, outbacks can be stacked more securely with longer lengths such as fishing rods. Because the Forrester is wider in height and width than Outback, forester, and others are easier to stack with Forester.
