Great review. Having owned…
Great review. Having owned the Wilderness Outback 2022 model for a year and now purchasing the Wilderness Forester 2023 model, I prefer the Forester. I just want to add why to this thread.
I agree that the cabin noise is quieter in the Outback. But, not by much as these are both Wilderness editions and those tires cause a little bit more road noise than I have in the 2022 Outback (my mother owns one in Touring). Turn on the new sound system in the 2023 model, you will not notice.
I little background. I am 240 pounds at 72 inches even. Fairly muscular build. I wear bifocals at 55 and my night vision is not poor but I prefer daytime driving for comfort.
I find I have more head room in the Forester and it is easier to get in and out of than the Outback. This is important for my knees. Too much heavy weight training and military duty. The cabin is missing some pockets or storage areas and the center counsel is more narrow than the Outback, but side to side, I find the Forester just as roomy if not a little better at shoulder height where I need it. The sunroof adds a lot of light for dusk and early morning driving. The hood size and shape affords me more visibility. This is also increased with the higher stance of the Forester. I like sitting up a little higher in the Forester than the Outback. Another plus for me that really sold me on the Forester. The smaller video display and reintroduction of knobs and buttons in my life. I know I can voice program some features, but I really disliked the large touch screen. Having to adjust everything for climate comfort by touch while driving at speed and in traffic, was very frustrating. Especially with my vision limitations, finding the right view angle to maneuver the screen and focus on the road and screen - just stressful. The front camera in the top center is great for me for pulling in the garage. Some bonuses, the wider rear storage was a nice surprise as well as the greater visibility all around from smaller frame supports between the doors and rear hatch. So, for me, some of these distinct differences that may mean a little less tech and size of car are actually pluses for me and my situation. Both great cars. If you are a bigger person, don't discount the Forester because it may be a little shorter in length. Thanks for reading.