Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA: A Subaru for Everyone

The popular Outback and Forester models have been staples in the Subaru lineup for many years and have grown in similar ways. While they overlap in some areas, comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA may help you choose which is better for you.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The record-setting growth of Subaru in the past few years has been largely due to both of these models, with nearly equal sales in the period from 2015 through 2018. However, they're two different vehicles that compete in separate segments with different capabilities, different pricing, and different designs.

Thanks to a complete redesign for the Forester in 2019 and for the Outback in 2020, both have new tech, new styling, and new features. Aside from shuffling some features, very little will change for the 2021 models.

The Subaru Outback kept the wagon styling, compared to the Forester that has the traditional boxy look of an SUV. The Outback is a bit longer and wider than the Forester, but it's also a bit shorter in height, giving it less interior space. The Outback has a nicer interior, but it's also more expensive. In the Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA comparison, both come standard with all-wheel drive, have the same base engines, and have excellent ground clearance for light off-roading. Both handle well on paved roads as well as on dirt trails.

Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA: Size

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Size is probably the most obvious and maybe the most important difference between the two. Behind the rear seats the Forester has about 3 more cubic feet than the Outback. The maximum cargo area, with seats folded down gives the Forester 76.1 and the Outback 75.7 cubic feet.  However, the shape of the cargo area makes a difference. The cargo floor of the Outback is 7.5 inches longer than the Forester's but its height is 2.7 inches shorter. The shape of the Outback's lift gate also affects the space because it tapers inward at the glass. The Forester's full cargo height extends almost all the way to the back, making it better at carrying tall, boxy items.

 As for passenger space, both cars are pretty close, with room for five. The second rows are roomy enough for adults to sit comfortably, but the Forester provides more headroom and has about an inch and a half more legroom.

In comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA, along with plenty of space, they both have comfortable seating. If you like a more upscale cabin, you'll prefer the Outback because it has a more modern look, uses high quality materials, and has a variety of seating upgrades. This includes Nappa leather and water-repellent synthetic leather.  In the higher trims the Outback has an almost luxury feeling. The interior of the Forester feels more utilitarian, but has upgraded materials so that it's sturdy as well as high-quality.

Technology

In the tech department, both come standard with Subaru's StarLink infotainment system, which includes Smartphone connectivity and great graphics. The biggest difference is the size of the touchscreens. The Outback has a 7-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to an 11.6-inch. The Forester has a 6.5-inch standard screen which is about standard for the compact SUV class. An 8-inch screen is available.

Power

For power, the Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA both use a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 hp that is perfectly fine for driving around town. If you want more pep, the Outback has an optional 2.4 liter turbo 4-cylinder that delivers 260 hp. As you may expect, both get about the same good fuel economy, which is 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The turbo of course gets a bit less.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded both cars Top Safety Pick+ designations, the highest that is given. The NHTSA rated both 5 of 5 overall, another highest score. They both come standard with EyeSight, Subaru's innovative collection of safety features, which includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

As you can see, there aren't many major differences in the Subaru Outback vs. Forester near Denham Springs LA. Hopefully, this comparison has given you enough so that you can choose which of these Subarus fits your lifestyle better. When you do, be sure to visit Baldwin Subaru to give it a test drive!