Subaru is renowned for producing reliable and capable SUVs, and the Forester and Outback are two of their most popular models. Both offer standard all-wheel drive, a reputation for safety, and a loyal following. However, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Choosing between the 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Subaru Outback can be challenging, as both are excellent vehicles. This article will provide a detailed comparison to help you decide which Subaru SUV best fits your lifestyle.
Overview of the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that emphasizes practicality, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability in a smaller package. It’s known for its boxy shape, which maximizes interior space, and its comfortable ride. The Forester is a popular choice for those who need a versatile vehicle for daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Forester Strengths:
- Fuel Efficiency: The Forester generally offers better fuel economy compared to the Outback.
- Maneuverability: Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver in city driving and parking.
- Visibility: The Forester’s upright design and large windows provide excellent visibility.
- Off-Road Capability: Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make it capable off-road.
- Value: The Forester typically has a lower starting price than the Outback.
Forester Weaknesses:
- Engine Power: The Forester’s engine is adequate but not as powerful as the Outback’s available engines.
- Towing Capacity: Towing capacity is limited compared to the Outback.
- Cargo Space (with rear seats up): While spacious for its class, it offers slightly less cargo room than the Outback with the rear seats up.
Overview of the Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is often categorized as a mid-size SUV or wagon, offering a blend of car-like handling and SUV versatility. It boasts a longer wheelbase and a more rugged image, especially in Wilderness trim. The Outback is designed for those who desire more space, power, and off-road capability than a typical compact SUV.
Outback Strengths:
- Engine Options: The Outback offers more powerful engine options, including a turbocharged engine.
- Cargo Space: The Outback provides more cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down.
- Towing Capacity: The Outback has a higher towing capacity, particularly with the turbocharged engine.
- Ride Comfort (on highway): The longer wheelbase contributes to a more comfortable and stable ride, especially on highways.
- Ground Clearance (especially Wilderness trim): The Outback Wilderness offers even more ground clearance for serious off-roading.
Outback Weaknesses:
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is generally lower than the Forester, especially with the more powerful engines.
- Maneuverability: Its larger size can make it less nimble in city driving and tight spaces.
- Price: The Outback typically has a higher starting price and can become significantly more expensive in higher trims.
- Visibility (rear): The sloping roofline can slightly reduce rear visibility compared to the Forester.
Detailed Comparison: Subaru Forester vs Outback
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Engine
The 2024 Subaru Forester comes with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for daily driving and light off-roading. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that prioritizes fuel efficiency.
Alt text: Subaru Forester SUV in motion on a paved road, showcasing its front design.
The 2024 Subaru Outback offers two engine choices. The base engine is also a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it produces slightly more power at 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque – identical to the Forester. However, the Outback also offers an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a more robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged engine significantly enhances the Outback’s performance, making it quicker and more capable for towing and highway driving. Like the Forester, the Outback uses a CVT.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency and sufficient power for everyday use, the Forester’s engine is a good choice. If you desire more power for towing, hauling cargo, or a more spirited driving experience, the Outback’s turbocharged engine is a compelling upgrade.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Forester and Outback offer comfortable and well-designed interiors with quality materials. However, their dimensions and layouts differ slightly.
The Forester, despite being a compact SUV, boasts a surprisingly spacious interior. It offers generous headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats, comfortably accommodating five adults. The boxy design contributes to a more airy and open feel. Cargo space behind the rear seats is ample for groceries and luggage, and folding the rear seats expands it considerably.
Alt text: Interior view of a Subaru Forester, highlighting the spacious cabin and comfortable seating.
The Outback, being a larger vehicle, naturally provides even more interior space. Rear-seat legroom is slightly more generous than the Forester, and the wider body offers more shoulder room. The Outback excels in cargo capacity, providing significantly more space behind the rear seats and with the seats folded. This makes the Outback a better choice for families or individuals who frequently carry large items.
For passenger comfort, both are excellent. For maximizing cargo volume, the Outback has a clear advantage.
Features and Technology
Both the 2024 Subaru Forester and Outback come well-equipped with standard features and offer a range of technology upgrades depending on the trim level.
Standard features on both models typically include Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology suite (including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and all-wheel drive.
Higher trim levels for both vehicles add features like larger touchscreens, navigation systems, premium audio systems, leather upholstery, sunroofs, and power liftgates. The Outback tends to offer slightly more upscale features in its top trims, such as ventilated front seats and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen.
Alt text: Subaru Outback dashboard showcasing the large infotainment touchscreen and interior design.
In terms of technology, both are competitive. The Outback offers a slightly more premium tech experience at the higher end, especially with its larger optional touchscreen.
Safety and Reliability
Subaru vehicles consistently earn top safety ratings, and both the Forester and Outback are no exception. They are expected to achieve top scores from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Subaru’s EyeSight system is a highly rated safety suite, contributing to their strong safety reputation.
Both models also enjoy a strong reputation for reliability. Subaru vehicles, in general, are known for their longevity and durability. Choosing between them based on safety or reliability is unlikely to be a deciding factor as both perform exceptionally well.
Price and Value
The 2024 Subaru Forester typically has a lower starting price than the 2024 Subaru Outback. The Forester is positioned as the more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value in the compact SUV segment.
The Outback, while starting at a higher price, offers more space, engine options, and potentially more features depending on the trim. The price difference widens as you move up trim levels and add options, particularly if you opt for the Outback’s turbocharged engine.
If budget is a primary concern, the Forester offers excellent value. If you are willing to spend more for extra space, power, and potentially more premium features, the Outback might be worth the investment.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and Outback ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Subaru Forester if:
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
- You need a practical and spacious compact SUV for daily driving and occasional adventures.
- You are looking for the best value and a lower starting price.
- You appreciate excellent visibility and a smaller footprint.
Choose the Subaru Outback if:
- You need more cargo space and passenger room.
- You desire more powerful engine options, especially for towing or highway driving.
- You prefer a more rugged, wagon-like design.
- You are willing to pay more for extra space, power, and potentially more premium features.
- You plan on more serious off-road adventures, especially with the Wilderness trim.
Both the Subaru Forester and Outback are excellent vehicles, offering Subaru’s signature blend of safety, reliability, and all-wheel-drive capability. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can confidently choose the Subaru SUV that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
