2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Comparison | Grand Subaru
Built for life on the go, the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Subaru Forester await your consideration at Grand Subaru. While each of these two-row SUVs includes advanced Subaru technology, renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) capability, and interior versatility, there are select differences that may make one a stronger option for your busy lifestyle. Learn more about the similarities and differences between the 2025 Outback and Forester with the following comparison created by our Subaru professionals.
Whether you like the Forester or Outback, browse our new inventory in Bensenville, IL, and schedule a test drive. Let our team answer any of your questions about either model when you contact us online or call us at (630) 595-0250.
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2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Outback Key Features
Embark on your next adventure with the capable and spacious 2025 Subaru Outback. Its practical interior, available off-road-capable trim level, and premium amenities help make each step into the great outdoors or your urban landscape a success. Learn more about the key features, specs, and colors available for the Outback with our model review.
Key available Outback features include:
- Outback Wilderness trim
- Ventilated front seats
- 180-degree front view monitor
- Smart auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink®
- Nappa leather seat upholstery
2025 Subaru Outback
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Forester Key Features
Enjoy the beauty of flexibility in the 2025 Subaru Forester. Inside, you’ll find generous cargo space, available technology to help you find new confidence behind the wheel, standard symmetrical AWD capability, and premium amenities to upscale your driving experience. See our Subaru Forester review for more information, specs, and colors.
Key available Forester features include:
- LED steering responsive headlights
- 360-degree surround view monitor
- Hands-free power rear gate
- Two-tone leather seat upholstery with Ultrasuede® inserts
- Panoramic power moonroof
2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Interior Cargo Space & Dimensions Compared
While the two-row interiors of the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Subaru Forester seat five, there are several minor differences among their interior specs. You’ll find slightly more front headroom and legroom in the Forester. The Outback has additional space across the cabin for your shoulders in both rows. Overall cargo space is very similar, with a slight advantage for the Outback.
Compare the interior specs for both models in the accompanying chart.
| 2025 Subaru Model | Outback | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Five | Five |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40.1 / 39.1 in. | 41.2 / 39.6 in. |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 42.8 / 39.5 in. | 43.3 / 39.4 in. |
| Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) | 58.1 / 57.4 in. | 57.7 / 56.7 in. |
| Cargo Space (Max/Behind Rear Seat) | 75.6 / 32.6 cu.-ft. | 74.4 / 29.6 cu.-ft. |
2025 Subaru Outback
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Exterior Size Comparison
Of the two models, the 2025 Subaru Outback is larger than the 2025 Subaru Forester. It measures nearly 9 inches longer and just over 130 pounds heavier than the Forester. The Outback is slightly more than 2 inches wider, while the Forester is 2 inches taller. Most trims provide the same 8.7-inch ground clearance for both models, but the Outback Wilderness model ups your off-road capability with 9.5 inches of clearance.
See the exterior size dimensions for the Outback and Forester in the following chart.
| 2025 Subaru Model | Outback | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.9 in. | 183 in. |
| Width | 74.2 in. | 72 in. |
| Height | 66.1 in. | 68.1 in. |
| Base Curb Weight | 3,641 lbs. | 3,510 lbs. |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 9.5 in. | 8.7 in. |
2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Engine & Towing Specs Compared
Unleash the power of a SUBARU BOXER® engine with either the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Subaru Forester. A 2.5L four-cylinder is included with both models with similar horsepower and torque output figures. Additionally, the Outback offers a 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that makes 260 horsepower. Of the two models, the Outback offers a higher maximum towing capacity — 3,500 pounds — than the Forester, which can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Both models come with symmetrical AWD and a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission). Optimizing the traction settings using X-MODE® with both SUVs.
See the engine specs for the Outback and Forester in the accompanying chart.
| 2025 Subaru Model | Outback | Outback | Forester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder | 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 182 HP | 260 HP | 180 HP |
| Torque | 176 lb.-ft. | 277 lb.-ft. | 178 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 26 / 32 | 22 / 29 | 26 / 33 |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 2,700 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs. |
2025 Subaru Outback
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Subaru Technology & Safety Features Available
Dynamic displays and premium options serve to keep you connected in both the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Subaru Forester. Base trims in both models include the SUBARU STARLINK® dual 7-inch Multimedia screens with wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. SUBARU STARLINK with 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation is the top system, complete with high-resolution GPS navigation capabilities and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While both models are available with a premium Harman Kardon® sound system, which features 12 speakers in the Outback and 11 speakers in the Forester.
The Subaru commitment to safety is evident in both the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Subaru Forester. The EyeSight® driver assist technology suite is standard, and you can find additional support from the DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system and blind spot detection in either model. One notable difference is the upgraded camera system in the two SUVs — you can enjoy a 360-degree camera with the Forester or 180-degree camera in the Outback.
Shared safety and driver assistance features include:
- EyeSight driver assist technology
- Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
- Pre-collision braking
- Lane departure and sway warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic emergency steering
- High beam assist
- DriverFocus distraction mitigation system
- Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
- Reverse automatic braking
- Rear vision camera
2024 Subaru Forester vs. Outback | Cargo Space, Dimensions, & Features Compared
Discover a competent and stylish mid-size SUV that goes beyond the ordinary when choosing the 2024 Subaru Forester or 2024 Subaru Outback. With rugged sophistication, impressive performance, and intuitive tech, each vehicle helps enhance every journey you take. Find out more with this detailed 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Outback comparison composed by the Grand Subaru team in Bensenville, IL.
Explore our inventory to choose the best fit for you, and schedule a test drive to get behind the wheel. Contact us online or call us at (888) 840-3934 with your questions.
Key Subaru Forester Features
The 2024 Subaru Forester is a remarkable, rugged SUV that combines versatility, functionality, and style. Discover your ideal model in our Forester inventory, and find out more about everything this SUV offers by visiting our in-depth Forester review. Some available Forester key features include:
- Symmetrical AWD
- 9.2-in. ground clearance (Forester Wilderness)
- Five-passenger seating
- 74.2 cu.-ft. of max. cargo space
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- 6.5- or 8-in. infotainment touchscreen
- EyeSight® driver assist technology
Key Subaru Outback Features
When adventure calls, the 2024 Subaru Outback is designed to answer with various off-road-ready amenities. Explore our Outback inventory for your preferred model, and check out our Outback review for a more in-depth look at key features and specifications. Some available Outback key features include:
- Symmetrical AWD
- 9.5-in. ground clearance (Outback Wilderness)
- Five-passenger seating
- 75.6 cu.-ft. of max. cargo space
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual 7-in. touchscreens or single 11.6-in. touchscreen display
- EyeSight driver assist technology
Interior Features & Cargo Space Compared
The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Outback offer a top-notch driving experience for families, thanks to cabins that boast superior craftsmanship and high-grade materials. You can enjoy premium cloth, StarTex®, or leather seat upholstery options on either model. Additionally, each SUV offers several luxurious features perfect for any journey, such as heated front and rear outboard seats and reclining rear seats that can help passengers unwind while on the move.
Exclusively on the Outback, you can find available ventilated front seats for enhanced relaxation and a convenient auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink®. Each model is similar in size and offers seating for up to five passengers with the ability to fold down the rear seats and free up more cargo space for bulky items.
2024 Subaru Forester | Model | 2024 Subaru Outback |
Five | Seating | Five |
111.6 cu.-ft. | Passenger Volume | 109 cu.-ft. |
41.2 / 39.6 in. | Headroom (Front / Rear) | 40.1 / 39.1 in. |
43.3 / 39.4 in. | Legroom (Front / Rear) | 42.8 / 39.5 in. |
74.2 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 75.6 cu.-ft. |
28.9 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 32.6 cu.-ft. |
Engine Specs Available
The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Outback make the perfect travel companions, no matter where your journey takes you. Both equipped with powerful SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engines, a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission), and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), these SUVs deliver exceptional traction across various road types. The Forester offers a seven-speed manual mode, and both models provide an eight-speed manual mode. Additionally, X-MODE® is standard on the Outback and available on the Forester for optimized traction.
Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder | 2.4L SUBARU BOXER turbo four-cylinder |
Horsepower | 182 HP | 260 HP |
Torque | 176 lb.-ft. | 277 lb.-ft. |
Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | |
Drivetrain | AWD | |
MPG (City / Hwy) | Up to 26 / 33 | 22 / 29 |
Max. Towing | 2,700 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. |
Model Availability | Forester and Outback | Outback |
Towing Capacity Offered
Worry less about leaving the essentials behind when choosing the 2024 Subaru Forester or the 2024 Subaru Outback. Both models offer exceptional towing capabilities for your needs. When you opt for the Forester, you can tow up to 3,000 pounds with its standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. Configure the Outback with the available 2.4L SUBARU BOXER turbocharged four-cylinder engine to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Technology Features Compared
Experience the cutting-edge features and stay connected on the go in the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Outback. While you can access seamless smartphone integration via any of the three available SUBARU STARLINK® systems on either model, you can connect your device wirelessly on the Outback. Additionally, the Forester and Outback help keep you in touch with an available Wi-Fi® hotspot and offer front and rear USB charging ports. Each model provides a premium Harman Kardon® audio system for an immersive entertainment experience — nine speakers on the Forester and 12 speakers on the Outback.
Safety Features Offered
The 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Subaru Outback are ideal for those prioritizing peace of mind. Standard EyeSight® driver assist technology provides premium features to help you navigate the road in either model. Other available features, such as blind spot detection,reverse automatic braking, and a rear vision camera help you stay aware of your surroundings. If you choose either SUV’s Wilderness model, you can take advantage of an innovative 180-degree front-view monitor, which provides a clear view of the trail ahead.
2023 Subaru Outback vs. 2023 Subaru Forester | Head-to-Head Comparison
If you’re considering the new Outback or Forester for your next SUV and would like to know more about the similarities and differences between these two models, this side-by-side review of the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Forester from the team at Grand Subaru in Bensenville, IL, provides insights into what each model has to offer in key areas. You can also visit our Outback review and Forester review pages for more model-specific information.
If you’re ready to explore your favorite Subaru model in person and take one for a test drive, browse our Outback inventory or Forester inventory and contact us at (888) 840-3934 or send us a text or chat to schedule a test drive.
2023 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Interior Features
Both the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Forester are designed for comfortable exploration. Each offers a range of seating materials ― including water-repellent upholstery to help stand up to those outdoorsy adventures with the family and/or family pet ― plus connectivity and entertainment tech to help you stay close to your favorite people and get access to preferred content while you’re on the road.
Catch a cool summer breeze and open up to the sky above with a standard or optional moonroof offered on both the Outback and Forester. Choose between a power tilt/sliding moonroof on the Outback or a panoramic power moonroof on the Forester.
Other features these two models offer include:
- Power rear gate with automatic close, height memory function, and vehicle lock button (Outback adds a hands-free feature)
- Keyless entry system and push-button start
- Instrument cluster with speedometer and tachometer
- Manually- or power-adjustable front seats with two-position driver’s seat and power mirror memory
- Cloth, StarTex® water-repellent, or leather-trimmed upholstery (Forester adds a sport cloth option while Outback adds Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery)
- Whiplash-reducing, heated front seats (Outback adds ventilation)
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Reclining 60/40 split, flat-folding rear seatbacks
- Heated, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls
- Automatic or dual-zone climate control system
- USB ports
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi® capability
- Six-speaker sound system with or without CD player or a 576W Harman Kardon® premium audio system (12 speakers on Outback, nine speakers on Forester)
- SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia systems with or without navigation (7- or 11.6-in. displays on Outback, 6.5- or 8-in. displays on Forester)
- Removable cargo area tray
The 2023 Subaru Outback also features a center console, eight cup and bottle holders, a retractable/removable cargo-area cover, cargo area grocery bag hooks and cargo tie-down hooks, cargo area underfloor storage, and a rear gate LED light.
Other features you’ll find on the 2023 Subaru Forester are a color multifunction vehicle information display, one-touch folding rear seatbacks, and four cup holders.
Transmission, Engine, & Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Outback pairs its engines with a Lineartronic® CVT with adaptive control and eight-speed manual mode and the Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system featuring X-MODE® technology for optimizing performance and traction control.
The 2023 Subaru Forester also comes with a Lineartronic CVT with adaptive control and includes seven-speed manual mode on select trims. Unique to the Forester is Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE®) that, when activated, delivers a balanced driving experience ― both in driving response and fuel-efficient performance.
2023 Subaru Outback | Model | 2023 Subaru Forester | |
2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder | 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder | Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder |
182 HP | 260 HP | Horsepower | 182 HP |
176 lb.-ft. | 277 lb.-ft. | Torque | 176 lb.-ft. |
2,700 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | Towing | 1,500 lbs.* |
Up to 26 city/33 hwy | Up to 22 city/29 hwy | Fuel Economy (MPG) | Up to 26 city/33 hwy |
*3,000-pound maximum towing capacity with the 2023 Forester Wilderness trim, when properly equipped.
Dimensions & Seating Capacity
Roomy comfort is part of both the 2023 Outback and 2023 Forester experience, as they each feature generous legroom and headroom. Cargo carrying ability on both models is flexible, too.
2023 Subaru Outback | Model | 2023 Subaru Forester |
Five | Seating Capacity | Five |
109 cu.-ft. | Passenger Volume | 111.6 cu.-ft. |
32.6 / 75.6 cu.-ft. | Cargo Capacity (Rear Only/with 2nd Row) | 28.9 / 74.2 cu.-ft. |
40.1 / 39.1 in.* | Front & Rear Headroom | 40.2 /37.6 in.** |
42.8 / 39.5 in. | Front & Rear Legroom | 43.3 / 39.4 in. |
*Varies slightly by trim.
**Base trim features 41.2 and 39.6 inches of headroom space.
Safety & Driver Assistance Options
All trims offered with the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Forester come equipped with the EyeSight® driver assist technology suite, with advanced tech features that deliver support so you can take appropriate action should a challenging situation arise. You’ll also find a traction control system and a vehicle dynamics control system.
Depending on the trim level you choose, both the 2023 Outback and 2023 Forester also feature:
- DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
- Anti-theft security system with engine immobilizer
- Comprehensive airbag system
- Whiplash-reducing front seats
- LATCH child seat mounting system
- Rear vision camera
- LED daytime running lights
- High beam assist
- Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
- Reverse automatic braking
- Brake assist
- Brake override system
- 180-degree front view monitor
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security connected services
2023 Subaru Outback vs. Forester Price
The 2023 Subaru Outback has a starting MSRP of $28,395, while the 2023 Subaru Forester starts at $26,395 MSRP.
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