Subaru Outback or Subaru Forester? The 2022 Subaru comparison.

#SubaruForester
#SubaruOutback
#CoupleCarComparison
This is a Motormouth couple car comparison of the 2022 Subaru Outback and the 2022 Subaru Forester. Both the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback compete against each other in the compact SUV category but come at it from a different approach. The Outback is based on a station wagon platform and the Forester is more of a traditional compact SUV. The Outback is 8.6” longer than the Forester offering more cargo capacity behind the second row and overall cargo space. The Forester offers half an inch more front legroom and they have about the same second row space. Both have a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine matched to a CVT, 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. But, the Outback has a second engine option, a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. These Subaru’s come with standard AWD and you can use regular fuel. The Forester and Outback shine off-road in more challenging winter driving conditions with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and an X-mode driving setting which includes, trail capability and hill descent. X-mode compliments Subaru’s symmetrical full-time AWD system giving drivers the confidence to take the road less travelled. With its all-road capability and rugged performance uneven pavement, deep snow or even challenging inclines will be much easier to tackle. The Outback comes with a few more standard features like a heated steering wheel and a power driver’s seat compared to the Forester but the base model is priced slightly higher. The Outback also has a larger 7” touchscreen and an available 11.6” touchscreen compared to the Forester’s standard 6.5” and available 8”. There is a new Wilderness trim for the Forester and Outback giving these vehicles a more rugged style with extra ground clearance to help tackle harsh terrain in stride. The interior has all weather soft touch water repellent upholstery, rubber floor mats, all weather second row seat backs and the Wilderness logo on headrests. The Forester starts at $29,495 CAD/$25,195 USD, the Wilderness is $38,995 CA/$32,820 USD and the top Premier model is $40,595 CAD/$35,295 USD.

The Outback starts at $31,195 CAD/$27,145 USD (base engine), the Wilderness model with the turbo engine is $41,995 CAD/$37,195 USD and the top Premier XT trim is $44,195 CAD/$40,195 USD Touring XT.

[philippelarocque]

I don't tend to keep cars for very long. Marzda3 GT = 3 years, WRX = 4 years, Honda Civic = 2 years. But my Subaru Outback is the exception: currently at 6 years, pushing 7! I will never let go of this car!!! I have two kids: ages 3 and 6. This thing eats up baby/kid gear and all our errands at once. Plus, it's a dream to drive in snowy Ottawa. I cannot recommend this vehicle enough... OUTBACK = AMAZING!

[mslaureano]

Let me just say, Thank you for your reviews. I haven't been following you all too long but even in that short time period. I got great advice and learned even more about the cars I wanted. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE how y'all compare cars even in the same class. Long story short, I just purchased a 2022 Forester Sport model with everything included. I LOVE IT. My two young men LOVE IT. I LOVE the open windows and space in the cabin. I Love how it gets up and go. I have no regrets with my choice. I'm a very busy, on the go mom and it definitely keeps up. Like you said, we get in and out with ease! Thank y'all so much!

[davidmasson]

We just bought the '22 Forester Limited. I tested both '22 Outback and Forester; and the Wilderness trims of both too (hard to find demos). I did like the Turbo Engine in the Outback Wilderness, but not the small sunroof or big infotainment screen. I prefer the one touch knobs, buttons, and switches in the Forester, panoramic sunroof, massive windows, and smaller screen. The S mode acceleration mode gives me the power I need to merge and pass on the highway. I also prefer the bigger cabin and cargo height in the Forester. Having been a passenger in the back on long trips in station wagons of my youth, I will also avoid memories of childhood trauma. :)

Thanks for doing a head-to-head comparison together, Andrea and Zack! Much appreciated.

[danhall]

OB for us. Our 1st Subie was a used 2004 Forester. Since then had a 2010, 2015, & just got a 2022 Touring -- all with 2.5i. All towed our 2, 000 lb fish n ski boat over Cascade passes without too much strain. None had any serious problems (but all were sold before 70, 000 miles). We prefer OB for comfort, power passenger seat, power tail gate, & longer cargo area but you IMO you can't go wrong with either one.

[curthott]

I’m on my 3rd Forester and just love them. Being 6’2”, I don’t hit my head on the door jamb and like to sit a little higher. The Outback looks way cooler to me but the way it sits is too low for me. Great reviews as always.

[detroitj]

My wife and I are on Subaru number 6 she has a 2017 Outback and I just got a 2022 Forester limited we love them both and I like the customer service from Subaru of North America when I had a issue with my 2013 Outback that was traded in on the Forester
They handled it quickly and professional

[Doc]

Last November (2021) I bought my wife an Outback for her commuter car and we use it as our road car.
This is our first Subaru. It requires more maintenance than my Toyota Rav 4WD Limited.
Though I’ve always enjoyed my Rav our Outback is superior in handling and traction in all driving conditions.
We average 5-6 feet of snow every winter.
4WD or AWD is mandatory to get up our private road and into our garage during the winter.
The 3.5 V6 with 269hp is faster than the Outback and gets better fuel economy.
Overall, when our Outback wears out, we’ll replace it with another Outback.
When our Rav wears out, if Subaru offers a non plug-in hybrid, I’ll buy a Forester Touring.
If Subaru doesn’t offer a hybrid, then we’ll buy a Toyota Venza.

[davehumphries]

Test drove both & decided on Forester. Like SUV design, easier to get in & out. Great visibility. Fit our budget & garage. Would have been happy with either but Forester convenience model fit our budget. Cheers

[niuhuskieguy]

I'm personally in the Outback camp myself. Just as the Outback started life as a Legacy wagon and shared the interior of that, the Forester was a crossover version of the Impreza and shared the Impreza's interior. I always liked the Legacy/Outback interior far more than the Impreza/Crosstrek/Forester.

[ryanlow]

I ordered an outback back in January. I was leaning more towards the forester at first, but after test driving the outback. I decided that was were I wanted to be. I did prefer the feeling of driving a car and having the capability of an SUV. Also the wilderness looked deadly in all black 😉

[ericr]

I choose the Forester because the driving experience is uniq! Huge windows, confortable and a large sunroof. I prefer the smallest screen with buttons than the big one the Outback, Legacy and WRX. Simple switch for the heating seats! The fuel is so expensive, I don’t want a turbo. 7.2 l/100km on highway.

[abu_abdulmohsen]

I’ve always wanted someone to compare these two vehicles, and no one can do it from heart to heart like Andrea & Zack.
My choice would be the better handling more spacious station wagon.
Thank you!

[trentthompson]

I am looking into an Outback Premium, but a friend of mine just got a Mazda CX-5. It has a screen but all of the controls are on the console. I was surprised how much easier it is to use! Less distracting. But I have been obsessed with Outbacks for decades, can’t wait to get one!

[moderncube]

We were about to buy the Forrester after driving it and all it’s competition, but after a test drive in the Outback XT, we were sold. Had it for about 3 months and no regrets with the purchase.

[barrdcarr]

Had two Forester Limited XT’s over the last 8 years and have been very happy with them. However, with the turbo option not being available with the latest generation, replaced my Forester Limited XT with another brand. Outback just does not suite my preference and not willing to go there. Forester is the way to go for me … but they need the option of a better engine than the base option!

[kellingtonlink]

Quite possibly the most cross shopped vehicles, within one brand, in the automotive market. I’m not surprised the the Forester wins the battle year-over-year, it is one hell of a product. Especially for the Subaru fans. Though… I agree with Zack, absolutely hands down… the Outback. The cargo, ease of load (especially on top!), the look, the car-like handling, the tech, etc. makes it an easy winner. I’m just not sure I could ‘get into’ the looks of those Wilderness trim models. Thanks for another brilliant comparison video.

[drwho]

Just discovered your channel, beyond excellent review covering all the details....and Canadian to boot! Refreshing to find a 'home grown' auto test channel since so many are from south of the border where often models, options and especially price are not the same. Now subscribed!

[CanadianBeachcomber]

Your video title sums up the decision we are going to make this spring. We have owned two Foresters and have been very happy with our local Subaru dealership.

[waynetcampbell]

Thanks so much - This convinced us to go with an outback XT. The Forester is great, however the seats are a bit wider in the Outback, which we like

[shopwithaaron]

My sis has a 2017 Forester and sat in the spacious rear seat a couple of short trips...comfy and even without seat heaters in CO found that all 4 occupants and the medium sized dog in the way back were just fine! True about the greenhouse...expansive and hot when they visit Reno in the summer!