The All-New Subaru Outback Wagon Loses More Ground To A Hot Forester SUV
Everyone thought when the completely redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback arrived, it would be the hot new model in the Subaru stable of all-wheel-drive vehicles. But the 2020 Forester which received a remodel a year ago, is the brand’s shining star. To start the year, Forester shot ahead of the best-selling Outback to take the lead in sales. In February, the Forester continues its hot pace.
Forester achieved its best February ever with 16,458 vehicle sales, a significant 25.3 percent increase over last year. Outback (12,665 sales) posted a 2.7 percent increase, while Crosstrek (8,287 units) posted a 0.4 percent increase compared to February 2019. Ascent dropped (-2.9 percent) for the first time since its launch and had 5,982 vehicle sales.
2020 Forester is Subaru’s shining star
The Subaru brand isn’t slowing down. It was the Forester that helped Subaru of America (SOA) have its best February in the history of the company. SOA reported 51,695 vehicle sales for February, a 5.3 percent increase compared to the same month last year, and year-to-date sales of 97,980, a 3.8 percent gain compared to the first two months in 2019.
What are the advantages of the Forester Vs Outback?
Many car shoppers ask what is the difference between the 2020 Subaru Outback and the 2020 Forester. The simple answer is, the new-generation Subaru Outback is a "midsize wagon“ where the 2020 Forester is a "compact SUV.” Outback looks and feels more like a wagon from behind the wheel, Forester’s driving dynamics are more like a small sport utility vehicle.
Outback has a more car-like ride
If you want a more car-like ride, the Outback offers the driving dynamics of a sedan but still has a higher ride height for easy entry. The Forester has better outward visibility with its larger greenhouse windows. You can read our full Outback Vs Forester report here.
The big advantage with the 2020 Outback, is it comes with an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It gets an estimated 23/30 city/highway mpg. If you need more power to carry extra cargo and passengers up a high mountain pass, the Outback XT turbo is the better choice for you.
Forester is two inches taller than Outback and has 35.4 cubic feet of cargo-carrying ability with the seats up, Outback has 32.5 cubes. With all the seats down Outback offers 75.7 cubic feet, Forester has a bit more with 76.1 cubic feet.
The 2020 Subaru Forester has a starting MSRP of $24,495*, the 2020 Subaru Outback starts at $26,645* (*destination and delivery add $1,010). To start the year the Forester is the brand’s shining star and more SUV shoppers chose it over the Outback.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!
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