Subaru Outback Vs. Forester - One Has The Distinct Advantage And Is A Clear Winner

What are the differences between the 2023 Subaru Outback and the 2023 Subaru Forester? Let’s start with the similarities between the two Subaru siblings. There are many family resemblances under the body sheet metal. The Outback and Forester both come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. In addition, both have 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

They also share the same X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode all-terrain technology, and both come in the more rugged Wilderness trim levels for outdoor enthusiasts. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine powers some trim levels of Outback and Forester. But the Outback has an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that the Forester does not offer.

The Outback and Forester come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist safety system and get the top safety crash scores. But that is where the similarities end.

Size and Shape

You can see the difference on the outside, sitting side by side. The Outback has a longer wheelbase (191.9 inches vs. 182.7 ) and a lower vehicle height (66.1 inches vs. 68.1 inches), resulting in a smoother and car-like ride. The taller Forester has better outward visibility.

Subaru Boxer Engine and Towing Capacity

The Outback offers a 260-horsepower turbocharged engine option. In addition, the Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while Forester can only tow 1,500 lbs on standard trims and 3,000 lbs on Forester Wilderness.

Fuel Mileage

The Forester gets slightly better gas mileage on the highway. Outback is 26/32 city/highway mpg. Forester gets 26/33 city/highway mpg with the 2.5-liter engines.

Rear Seats and Cargo Space

Both have two rows of seats and will seat five passengers, but the Outback offers more rear-seat legroom. The Outback provides more cargo space with 32.6 cubic ft. vs. 28.9 cu. ft. behind the rear seats and 75.6 vs. 74.2 max cargo with the seats folded flat.

The Forester allows larger cargo loading with a 39.9-inch rear gate opening. The Outback comes with standard retractable roof rail crossbars, and with Forester, they are an accessory.

Comfort and Conveniences

Inside, with the Outback, you can get the more luxurious Nappa leather seats with a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat and thigh support, and the Forester does not. Outback also offers ventilated front seats. A larger panoramic moonroof is offered on Forester but not the Outback.

The Outback offers a Smart rearview mirror and the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen vs. the 8-inch for Forester. In addition, Outback offers wireless connectivity and a few extra speakers for premium sound.

Interior Technology and Safety

On the Outback, customers can opt for a third EyeSight camera for a wider field of vision to enhance pedestrian and cyclist recognition.

Price

The 2023 Outback comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). In addition, pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

What do the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Forester have in common? There are significant similarities but even more distinct differences. So which is the better SUV?

The 2023 Outback midsize comes out on top of the Forester because it offers the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option. This would be enough of a reason, but the Outback also has more towing capacity, offers more technology inside, and more luxury options. So until the next-generation Forester arrives, the Outback is the clear winner over the Forester.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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