2024 Subaru Outback v Subaru Forester Comparison | Battle of the XT and STI special editions

Fast Forward
00:00 Intro
00:45 Pricing and specs
02:40 Forester interior review
07:37 Outback interior review
10:35 Infotainment & safety
11:04 Passenger space
13:48 Luggage space
14:52 Forester road test
21:48 Outback road test
30:35 Fuel economy
10:58 Verdict

Subaru’s STI brand is an undisputed performance icon featuring on the bonnets and grilles of numerous fan-favourite models over decades, but the XT boot badge also rouses enthusiasm among a conglomerate of blue army soldiers.

So what happens when the Japanese manufacturer slaps the dependable Outback with the Sport Touring XT moniker, while simultaneously adorning the longstanding Forester with the STI Sport emblem?

Given the heritage of both badges you might think Subaru is offering a choice of two high-performance wagons that pair punch with practicality. The truth is, only one of these vehicles delivers the brilliant all-round ability you might be wishing for…

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[paulashby]

I bought a Forester S edition, 5sp auto in 2012. 2.5lt 193Kw turbo. I still love it 12 years later. Admitted most of the interior features are dated but when i look at whats on the market now i feel like i would be downgrading from a driving perspective. If they still had a forester turbo i would buy one tomorrow.

[Wedgetail]

By far the most thorough comparison between these two cars. Thank you.

[axeya]

As an owner of a WRX and a XT i can say does not matter which Subaru you have, they are all fun cars to drive if you know how to drive them and the terrain to take them.

[russellchristison]

Looking to purchase a XT touring Outback in a couple of months time, would love to hear more about your trip to Adelaide

[A]

Chocolate & Cheese these 2 I took the Forester with 2 onboard up a local hill and it was struggling, overtaking 80-110 not a good idea😂
Outback XT no problem power available when you need it and lovely plush ride.
And the fuel consumption was the same.
Then I went with the wrx Sportswagon as I don’t need the towing 😊 and the handling was so much better than both. Cheers from SA 🇦🇺

[bradyb]

Such great cars - modern, spacious, versatile, safe and sporty....ref 1, Motor mag, Vol.1, Ed.13, 1989.

[aaronhopkins]

Turbo with bonnet scoop and twin exhaust. This should be a must for both of these models with a manual gearbox also.

[noosamike]

That’s the 6 year old outgoing Forester which has already been replaced in North America compared with an outback just 2 years into its model run. If you like that model Forester get it cheaper in the model run out sales. Base model is 40k AUD if you use a broker.

[mickhofman]

You cant call a car an STI that doesnt have a turbo.. Subaru have lost the plot..

[markgallon]

As an owner of two Subies previously I think I will move on to something a bit more contemporary with either full EV or hybrid

[JF-dinr]

You lost me when you said the forester had “blacked out” wheels when it’s obviously not.

[sneakyfoz]

I just bought a 2024 Subaru Forester, and the reason I bought it over the competition is that it’s old school, prefer it because I know it ain’t gonna fail like the other inevitably will. Hated the massive screens of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, looked cheap to me, actually didn’t like the Outbacks larger screen either, nor its body shape, Rav 4 good but massively over priced, Honda CRV also expensive so good old school Forester for me, priced right, and does what you need it to in day to day driving, will take an analog instrument cluster any day of the week.

[tonycoz]

The new Forester is out next year. Pay to wait. The new Hybrid drive train sounds promising. The current Forester has always looked unresolved to me looks wise. As for the STi badge Subaru are bastardising an iconic emblem. This should only have been used if the Forester was a turbo charged. It's all show and no go.

[Studat]

The STi badge is embarrassing and the turbo when i drove was underdone.

[WildDanHibiki]

Lol crazy that the turbo outback XT has a longer service interval than the non turbo (15, 000 vs 12, 500). Mind boggling.

[realjohnboxall]

CD players are still very useful. No data, no smartphone, no radio DJs, just your music with songs in the order in which the artist wanted them in.

[electricdiesel]

Subaru Outback XT should call it an Outback GT to add 206 kw power on a 2.4 turbo. A non-turbo Subaru Forester STi should deserve a 227kw 2.5 turbo from a former WRX STi to become Subaru Forester GT STi.

[shaun]

The XT special is based on the sport NOT the touring. Get the basics right, at least.