One of the most common comparisons we see at our dealership is between the Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester. These two rugged SUVs are siblings, and you can see the resemblance in our showroom. While both models have similar builds, features, and appearances, they do not belong to the same class and will, therefore, satisfy different lifestyle needs.
We’ll explore the difference between Subaru Forester and Outback models, then you can finalize your choice by taking a test drive at Hughes Subaru.
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 Subaru Forester | |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 182 | 180 |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Highway) | 26 / 321 | 26 / 331 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 18.5 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 1st row) | 75.6 cu ft | Up to 74.4 cu ft |
| Cargo Capacity (Behind 2nd row) | 32.6 cu ft | Up to 29.6 cu ft |
| Curb Weight | 3,641 lbs (Base model) | 3,510 lbs (Base model) |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 9.5 in | 8.7 in |
| Standard & Available Exterior Features | – 17-in aluminum-alloy wheels (Base model) – Raised roof rails – Body-colored door handles – Hexagonal-style LED fog lights |
– 17-in aluminum-alloy wheels (Base model) – Roof spoiler – Raised roof rails – Low-profile roof rails – LED fog lights |
| Standard & Available Interior Features | – Power tilt/sliding moonroof – 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power-adjustable lumbar support – Heated front seats – Ventilated front seats – StarTex water-repellent upholstery – Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery – Dual-zone automatic climate control with voice-activated controls |
– Panoramic moonroof – 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power-adjustable lumbar support – Heated front seats – StarTex water-repellent upholstery – Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Rating | 80 / 1002 | 83 / 1003 |
| Factory Warranty | 3 years or up to 36,000 miles4 | 3 years or up to 36,000 miles4 |
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 Subaru Forester |
If you’re looking for power, both models are strong and capable, but the Outback has a more advanced powertrain upgrade. The 2025 Forester and Outback come with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. For the Outback, this powertrain produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. For the Forester, it outputs 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Keep in mind that the Outback is the only model that offers an available turbocharged option, the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This alternative can make up to 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
The turbo engine also tows more (3,500 pounds when properly equipped) compared to the standard engine, which can pull up to 2,700 pounds when properly equipped. This is more than 1,000 pounds more than the Forester can handle. Find out more about Subaru SUV towing capacity by speaking to a team member at our dealership.
When you see the Outback and Forester parked next to each other, it’s clear which is the larger model. The Outback is 191.9 inches long, 74.2 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall. At 183.3 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall (counting roof rails), the Forester exceeds its sibling only in height.
Up to 75.6 cubic feet are available for the Outback with the rear seats folded. The Forester isn’t far behind, with up to 74.4 cubic feet. When it comes to trunk space behind the second row, the Outback wins narrowly, with 32.6 cubic feet compared to the 29.6 cubic feet in the Forester. As you can see, there is not a major difference between the spaciousness of each model.
A Subaru Outback cabin looks a lot like a Subaru Forester cabin. Each offers a standard 7-inch display or an available 11.6-inch display. Each also has a sound system with either four speakers or six speakers, or you can opt for the available Harman Kardon® premium sound system at the top of the trim ladder. Across the lineup for each model, you’ll find available amenities like heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. For the Outback, this feature is voice-activated.
The Outback has some bonuses not seen anywhere on the Forester, such as available Nappa-leather-trimmed upholstery and ventilated front seats. Meanwhile, the Forester has an exclusive, available roof spoiler to distinguish it from the Outback. If you prefer an available power tilting-and-sliding moonroof, choose the Subaru Outback. The Forester offers an available panoramic moonroof without the tilting and sliding capability.
A 2025 Subaru Outback lease is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable model. The Outback scored an 80 out of 100 on J.D. Power for “Quality & Reliability.”2 This likely has something to do with its exceptional suite of standard safety features, high-quality materials, durable construction, and reputation for being exceedingly low-maintenance. A Subaru driver prefers to spend more time going on adventures in the great outdoors and less time in the shop, after all.
If you’re considering a Forester instead, you’ll be pleased to hear that this model received a glowing 83 out of 100 for “Quality & Reliability” from J.D. Power.3 This puts it ahead of the Outback in terms of long-term dependability, but not by a large margin. Whichever of the two models you choose is sure to have a long and healthy shelf life.
The Subaru Forester has a slightly higher starting price than the Outback. Move to the top of the nine-trim Outback lineup, though, and you’ll see a price higher than that of the top-tier Forester trim. If you’re on the fence between the Forester and Outback and luxurious amenities are your first priority, you might want to start by asking yourself which trim levels are speaking to you and your budget. Our team is always here to help you find the best value for your dollar.
The warranty coverage won’t be a good tiebreaker in this case, as each Subaru model comes with the same generous plans. For instance, the three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) New Car Limited Warranty4 safeguards both the Outback and the Forester. The five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) Powertrain Limited Warranty4 also applies to both.
If you have questions about the Subaru warranty plans, please don’t hesitate to ask our sales team at Hughes Subaru! We’re here to connect you with all the context you need.
As you can see, the Outback and Forester have more in common than not. Both are rugged off-roaders with almost identical standard and available features. Both are spacious on the inside and compact on the outside. However, the differences begin in sizing. The Outback is slightly longer and wider than the slimmer Forester. For the 2025 model year, it also offers the beefed-up Wilderness trim, while the Forester does not. There are nine Outback trims to peruse, while the Forester comes in five.
So, which model will add more to your life? It depends on where your priorities lie. City drivers might prefer the sleeker Forester. Or perhaps you’re a fan of the famous Wilderness trim, in which case the Outback is for you. Whether you’re interested in Outback or Forester lease deals, Hughes Subaru can help you make the final call.
If you want to cover all your bases while shopping our inventory, check out the Subaru Outback vs. Crosstrek comparison, too.
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/subaru/outback
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/subaru/forester
4Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
