Picking between the Subaru Outback versus the Forester can be a challenge if you’re looking for a practical, ready-for-anything, and comfortable daily transport. Both feature Subaru’s famous all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and outstanding safety record, but they’re built differently despite seeming similar at first glance. Figuring out which one fits your life better matters, and our team at John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth is here to help you decide.
Size and Dimensions
Size is the biggest difference between these two Subarus. The 2025 Forester measures 183.3 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall, perfect for tight Plymouth Meeting parking spots. The 2025 Outback is 191.9 inches in length (over 9 inches longer than the Forester) and 74.2 inches wide, but it sits lower at 66.1 inches tall.
Inside, the Forester’s base model gives you up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger space, while other trims offer 106.6 cubic feet. The Outback splits the difference with 109 cubic feet (107.5 cubic feet if you have a moonroof). If you need space for your gear, the Outback wins with 32.6 cubic feet behind the seats versus the Forester’s 27.5-29.6 cubic feet. Fold the seats down and the Outback maxes out at 75.6 cubic feet, while the Forester gives you between 69.1 and 74.4 cubic feet, depending on the trim level.
Both SUVs offer 8.7 inches of ground clearance for handling Pennsylvania’s rough roads and snowy trails. The extra cargo room in the Outback might be the deciding factor if you haul sports gear regularly or make sizable grocery runs. The Forester counters with a city-friendly footprint that’s easier to park and maneuver.
Performance and Engine Options
Engine choices distinguish these models as well. The Forester offers one option: a 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque (the Wilderness trim boasts 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque). The Outback offers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque but adds a 2.4-liter turbo option with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Towing capacity varies, too. Standard Foresters can haul 1,500 pounds, and the Wilderness trim can pull up to 3,000 pounds. The Outback has a standard towing capacity of 2,700 pounds and 3,500 pounds for the Wilderness and XT versions. This is significant if you’re towing Jet Skis to the Jersey Shore or a camper to the Poconos.
Acceleration varies by engine. The Forester Wilderness hits 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the Outback with the standard engine takes 8.6 seconds. The turbo Outback Wilderness rockets to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, making highway merges onto Internet 476 effortless. Both use Lineartronic continuously variable transmissions paired with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD for excellent grip in any Pennsylvania weather.
Fuel Efficiency and Economy
Gas mileage is similar for both vehicles. The Forester Base, Premium, and Limited reach 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway (29 mpg combined), while the Sport and Touring trims drop to 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The Outback matches this at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, though turbo Wilderness and XT models are slightly less efficient at 21-22 mpg on the highway and 26-29 mpg in the city.
Features and Trim Levels
The 2025 Forester offers several trims for different budgets. The Base trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual 7-inch screens, and the Subaru EyeSight safety suite. The Premium trim adds a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, an 11.6-inch touch screen, and wireless charging. The Sport trim features 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, multiple drive modes, and synthetic leather seats, while the Touring trim tops the range. The 2025 Outback offers a similar range of trims and features.
Tech setups differ across trim levels. The Forester Base comes with a 7-inch touch screen, but Premium and higher trims offer an 11.6-inch display. The Outback follows this same pattern. Both SUVs include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The Wilderness trim turns either model into a more capable off-roader. The Forester Wilderness increases ground clearance to 9.2 inches, adds chunky all-terrain tires, offers skid plates underneath, and uses water-resistant seat materials that can handle muddy hiking clothes or wet dogs. This package makes the Forester tempting if you’re an outdoors enthusiast who wants better trail abilities without sacrificing city-friendly size for your daily commute.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a strong suit for both models. The 2025 Forester grabbed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for the 18th time since 2007, more than any other small SUV. It scored Good ratings across pedestrian crash prevention and various impact tests. Both the Outback and the Forester hold five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings.
Standard safety tech includes Subaru’s EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Both models also include Symmetrical AWD, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and advanced options such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alerts, and automatic braking while backing up.
Reliability scores show some differences. J.D. Power gave the 2024 Forester an impressive 84/100 for reliability, while the 2024 Outback trails at 80/100. That four-point difference hints that Forester owners face fewer repairs over time. Both SUVs hold their value well thanks to Subaru’s tough reputation and solid fan base, keeping demand high for used models.
Off-Road Capabilities
X-MODE with hill-descent control is available on Premium and higher Forester trims, while the Outback includes this system on all trims to manage grip on steep, slippery surfaces. X-MODE automatically tweaks the throttle, transmission, and brakes to maintain control in tough spots.
In off-road use, the Forester’s smaller size and better approach angles make tight trails easier, but the extra ground clearance and better towing capacity on the Outback Wilderness work well for hauling gear to remote campsites. Both handle light to medium off-road situations perfectly.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Forester starts at $29,995 for the Base trim, with the Premium ($33,385), Sport ($36,105), Limited ($37,695), and Touring ($41,595) offering more features and versatility. The Outback also starts at $29,995.
The Forester offers hybrid choices: the Premium Hybrid ($36,595), Sport Hybrid ($39,595), Limited Hybrid ($41,010), and Touring Hybrid ($43,295). Please check with our team for the latest deals and incentives.
Find Your Perfect Subaru Match in Plymouth Meeting
Nothing beats trying both the Outback and the Forester to feel the real differences. Swing by our dealership in Plymouth Meeting to take a test-drive of the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback and let our team help you find your perfect match. Reach out to us today to start selecting your ideal Subaru.
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