Head-To-Head New Subaru Forester Vs. Outback Battle

What are the differences between the new 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Subaru Outback?

It's the question on every Subaru buyer's mind. I'm here to guide you through the key features of each model, empowering you to make the most informed decision. While there are similarities, the differences between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Subaru Outback are significant. 

The Forester is newer, but is it better?

The 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV is all-new and received a complete remodel. Is it better than the 2025 Subaru Outback, which has yet to be redesigned? The newest isn't always the best.

The 2025 Outback differs in size and shape, engine options, outward visibility, seating position, towing, and more. I'll cover the key differences between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Subaru Outback. Which do you think is the best? 

Let's start with the similarities between the two models. 

• Both have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This is important for clearing rocks on the trail and making it easy to get in and out of both vehicles. I'll explain the differences in the Wilderness trim levels later in this report.
• Both Forester and Outback have two rows and will seat five people comfortably. The legroom in the front and back is comparable. 
• The Forester and Outback now have the same 11.6-inch touchscreen display. This tech upgrade is new for the next-generation Forester. 
• The Outback had a better ride quality than the 2024 Forester, but that has changed for 2025 Forester. The remodeled Forester now has improved driving dynamics and ride quality due to upgrades in the suspension. 

Pricing is not far apart. 

Pricing is close for both models. The 2025 Forester Base trim is priced at $31,115. The 2025 Outback Base trim starts at $30,315. The Forester is now about $800 more than the Outback.

But you'll want to avoid buying the Forester Base trim level. Find out why in my report here. 

Forester and Outback come with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) Boxer engine. Forester has 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque; Outback has 180 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. 

All Forester and Outback trim levels come with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech. Most trim levels have Subaru's X-Mode for severe weather, and some trims have dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain capability.

Outback and Forester have a power rear lift gate and hands-free opening features. Forester has a new kick-activated rear gate opening feature. 

The key differences

• The first thing you'll notice on the outside is the difference in size. The Outback's length is 191.9 inches, its width is 74.2 inches, and its height is 66.0 inches. 
• The Forester length is 183.3 inches, width is 72.0 inches, and height is 68.0 inches.
• The size difference shows up the most in the cargo area. Outback has more cargo volume than the Forester. Outback has a cargo volume of 32.6 cubic ft. And a maximum cargo volume of 75.6 inches with the rear seat lowered. 
• Forester has a cargo volume of 29.6 cubic ft. And a maximum cargo volume of 69.1 inches with the rear seat lowered.
• The Forester has a taller roofline and taller windows, so the outward visibility for the driver is better than the Outback. The Forester also has a standard panoramic sunroof (except for the Base trim), and the Outback has a standard-size moonroof. 

This is important for shorter drivers. 

• The seating position is a significant difference between Forester and Outback. Forester seats are about two inches higher than the Outback, even with the exact ground clearance. The driver and front passenger sit higher in the Forester, improving outward visibility. 
• Because of the seating difference, the Outback will have the driving dynamics and characteristics of a car while offering the utility of an SUV. The Forester feels more like an SUV when you are driving it but has less cargo room than the Outback.
• Because of the higher seating position in the Forester means more storage space in the center console area. 

Outback has two engine options.

The Outback offers the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It's available in the Outback XT and Wilderness trim levels. Forester does not have the more powerful turbo engine upgrade. 

Let's head outdoors..

There's extra ground clearance for outdoor enthusiasts. The Outback Wilderness has 9.5 inches of ground clearance; the Forester Wilderness has 9.2 inches if you go off-road. 

Here is my report on the Outback Wilderness vs. Forester Wilderness. There is clear winner. 

We're almost done.

Another key difference between Forester and Outback is the roof rails. The Forester has static roof rails; you'll need to add the crossbars to carry extra cargo on the vehicle's top. 

The Outback has two built-in crossbars that can be quickly released and slid across for quick and easy clip-in access to mount a cargo carrier, mountain bike, or kayak on the vehicle's top. 

One last thing. If you are towing.. 

The Forester has a max towing capacity of 1,500 lbs and 3,000 lbs on Wilderness. The Outback has a max towing capacity of 2,700 lbs, 3,500 lbs on XT and Wilderness trims.

Which model wins the family battle? 

Many buyers will choose the new Subaru Forester because it has more of an SUV feel, improved visibility, and a higher seating position for the driver, and it still offers room to carry your cargo. 

The Outback has added capabilities that the Forester does not have, such as a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, more towing capacity, higher Wilderness ground clearance, and extra cargo space. There's also Outback's car-like ride and driving dynamics. 

I think the Outback wins this family battle even with the Forester's next-generation upgrades. 

I've presented the facts, now we want to hear from you. What's your take on the Forester vs. Outback debate? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and share your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru USA