Subaru Forester or the Subaru Outback: Which SUV is Right for You?

Are you looking to upgrade your current Subaru model? Are you in the market for an SUV? If so, you may be considering the Subaru Forester, the Subaru Outback or both.

While the Subaru Forester and the Outback both provide a number of driving benefits, many of our prospective SUV buyers wonder how the two SUVs differ. Fear not, the team here at Balise Subaru is here to put an answer to all of those questions, starting with one of the most obvious differences: the Subaru Outback is considered a midsize crossover; the Forester is considered a compact crossover. Depending on your needs, or your style, one may be more suitable to your lifestyle than the other. For example, families may be more drawn to the wagon-like design of the Outback, while active young-professionals may like the sportiness of the Forester.

The Outback is about $2,000 more as MSRP than the Forester, but it is slightly larger with more standard features such as a larger touchscreen display and the SUBARU STARLINK system. The Outback also has more towing capacity and more passenger room. As for the Forester, it's more affordable than the Outback. It's also taller, providing more head-room for drivers and passengers alike.

Both the Subaru Forester and the Outback are award-winning models; both the 2017 Subaru Forester and the 2017 Subaru Outback retain their value better than any other vehicle in its class according to ALG. Both models are also IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when properly equipped. As individual SUV models, the Subaru Outback is the longest lasting midsize crossover in its class, where 98 percent of Forester models sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. As you can see there's really no wrong choice when it comes to the Subaru lineup. The best way to determine which Subaru SUV is right for you is to experience them both with a test drive.