Subaru Outback vs. Forester: Which Should You Buy??

Outback vs. Forester, the age old question. Which is best for you? Which has the features you want? Watch my insanely helpful video to find out!

Thank you for watching!

[mk]

Honest and not dealer propaganda. Well done.

[mikebri]

As a past owner of a 2003 Forester and (along with my daughter) a current owner of a 2008 Outback, 2015 Forester, and 2017 Forester, we think the Forester is a little more efficient in terms of cargo space and utilization.

[chippsdubbo]

Been selling Subies for over 6 years. This video represents my life eerily accurately. Thanks.

[gregoryfox]

Insurance is less expensive for the outback since it’s considered a station wagon while the Forester is a SUV. Something to think about....

[reneeparker]

I have a 2015 Forester Touring, with all the bells and whistles. I could not be happier.

[xlprincess]

I just got my 2020 Forester 2020 touring the other day I absolutely love it. I am obsessed.

[jpshipwash]

This is about the best comparisons I've seen.

[SilverScarletSpider]

Rear seat vents are important, hope Outback adds them in soon. Ventilated seats are nice, would be a great option on Forester

[matthewrobinson]

When we lived in San Diego, I sold cars for about 4 years (1985-1989), and based on my experience, you sir, are truly an excellent car salesman! I mean that sincerely. I'm seriously considering a Forester for my next car, if I ever wear out my Trailblazer or my wife's Ranier.

[BeardedRascel]

I think there was an obvious difference in the first shot of the cars. I was interested in the Outback, and compared the Forester, but was leaning to the Outback. Took a test drive, and was ready, but I decided to test drive the Forester just to make sure. The windows are much bigger. Sightlines are much better in the forester. Also the ease of getting in, for an older man like me, the Forester was a better choice. If I liked the low cars I might think different. Both are great cars, but I agree that the Forester matches me better.

[michaelbuske]

I owned a 17 Outback Limited 6cyl; one of my favorite cars I’ve owned. I loved the power! I’m 6’3” and 70 years old. Every time I sat in a new Forester, I realized how much easier it was for me to get in and out of (height and age). Also great visibility. I now have a 2020 Forester Touring, which was a good choice for me. They are both great cars; can’t go wrong with either.

[quantumfzx]

Forester all day. I've driven both cars. Even with the turbo in the Outback XT ... I still choose the Forester. The forester feels more spacious and I love the interface of the dashboard better. The full touch screen interface in the outback is invasive IMO and also the roof feels too close to my head so I get a sense of claustrophobia. The Forester has a proper amount of space that feels nice and better vision. Wish they would have put the turbo in the Forester rather then the Outback.

[buckdude]

Currently driving a Manual trans. Forester. A/T tires and roof basket. Lol. I love it !

[justabrake]

I drove a loaner forester and it has a nice suspension really enjoyed the ride

[winstonsmith]

If you are a serious outdoors person (hiking/climbing/camping, etc.) there is a critical difference you did not mention: the distance between the back of the front seats (slid all the way forward and tilted all the way toward the dash) and the inside of the tailgate. This determines how useful it is to sleep in (rear seats folded down, of course). Who would sleep in their Subaru? ME! If you haven't resorted to sleeping in your car you probably don't do a lot of camping (50 mph wind and hail, anyone?). Take it from me, the Outback makes a far better shelter when things get really nasty.

[pedroc]

I moved to Texas with a stunning Audi A6 T. First month bad rain storm got totaled.

I did not want a truck as many of my new friends suggested. Coming from MA Foresters and Outbacks are every where.

So gave the Forester a shot. Found a mint Forester Touring in mint certified condition.

Gave it a shot. The power is down compared to my Audi and previous Lexus RX350. But I am very pleased with it.

The interior is so bright you can see everything. Love the pano and it’s about the right size.

I am slowly adjusting to less power but it’s plenty for what it’s intended.

I hope in the future they drop the 2.4 T into the forester.

I now understand why so many enjoy their Subaru’s I truly enjoy mine.

[allankawakami]

Well done! I just purchased a forester and not one sales person was able to explain what you spoke about in the video.

[dylanmark]

One look at the side profile is all you need to see. The windows on the Forester are huge and visibility is amazing. Being able to see well is the greatest safety feature on a vehicle. Forester for me.

[richardban]

thank you. you have helped me choose the Forester after going back and forth for days.

[johnsimon]

I loved your video on the Outback - Forester comparison. I went from a 2014 Base Model Forester, that I bought in 2017 with only 17, 500 miles, sold it with 87, 500, and loved it. I agree, it seems sportier to me, as well and actually, I feel better connected to the road than I have felt in a long time. I went from a 2004 Audi A6 to the Forester and always wondered if the Outback was a better fit. I arrived at your same conclusion and just purchased a 2018 Premium Forester with 17, 500 miles. I appreciate the upgrades, i.e. Adjustable Rear View Mirror, heated Side Mirrors, and WOW at the Back-up Camera. Thank you for the thoughtful video.
John