Which sits higher, Outback or Forester?
When it comes to the popular Subaru Outback and Forester models, one key difference is their ground clearance. The Outback sits higher off the ground than the Forester, making it a more capable off-road vehicle. This difference in ride height is an important factor to consider when choosing between these two Subaru SUVs.
Ground Clearance Comparison
The Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. This means the Outback sits about an inch higher off the ground compared to the Forester, providing better approach and departure angles for tackling rough terrain.
Off-Road Capabilities
The extra ground clearance of the Outback makes it the more capable off-road vehicle between the two Subaru models. The Outback's higher ride height allows it to better navigate obstacles, traverse deeper ruts, and handle steeper inclines compared to the Forester. This makes the Outback a more suitable choice for owners who plan to take their vehicle off the beaten path on a regular basis.
On-Road Performance
While the Outback's increased ground clearance gives it an advantage off-road, it also impacts the vehicle's on-road handling and ride quality. The Forester, with its lower ride height, generally provides a smoother, more composed ride on paved roads. The Forester also has a tighter turning radius, making it more maneuverable in urban environments.
Choosing Between the Outback and Forester
In summary, the Subaru Outback sits about an inch higher off the ground than the Forester, giving it superior off-road capabilities but a less refined on-road driving experience. Buyers who prioritize off-road performance and adventure-ready capabilities should consider the Outback, while those who value a smoother, more agile on-road driving experience may prefer the Forester.
Are Subaru outbacks low to the ground?
The 2024 Subaru Outback and Honda Pilot are both sizable and stylish SUVs with the ground clearance to take on different driving situations. If you choose the Subaru Outback, it has an 8.7-inch ground clearance across most models, except for the Wilderness model, which increases the ground clearance to 9.5 inches.
Does a Forester sit higher than an Outback?
The Forester is a compact crossover, which gives it a small SUV silhouette with up to 72.2 inches of width and up to 183.3 inches of length – about 9 inches fewer than the Outback. However, the Forester has a boxier shape and is about 2 inches taller than the Outback, with a height of up to 68.9 inches.
How high does a Forester sit?
The Forester is slightly larger, measuring up to a 183.3-inch length, up to 72.2-inch width, and up to 68.9-inch height.
How high does a Subaru Forester sit off the ground?
The 2022 Subaru Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance in four of five trims when it's at the following base curb weights, which differ by trim level: Forester: 3,454 pounds. Premium: 3,528 pounds. Sport: 3,538 pounds.
Why are outbacks more expensive than foresters?
The Outback is slightly more expensive than the Forester, and it has a few more luxury leaning features as a result. Take the optional 11.6-inch touchscreen as an example; it's much bigger than the Forester's optional 8.0-inch screen.
What is the ride height of the Forester?
Outside of the Wilderness trim level, every Subaru Forester sits 8.7 inches off the ground, which is the exact same ride height as the Subaru Ascent. However, if you do go with a Forester at the Wilderness trim level, it sits a full half inch higher off the ground, with a ground clearance of 9.2".
How high off the ground is a Subaru Outback?
8.7-inch
If you choose the Subaru Outback, it has an 8.7-inch ground clearance across most models, except for the Wilderness model, which increases the ground clearance to 9.5 inches.
Why is the Outback more expensive than the Forester?
Outback is a longer, more substantial vehicle--a "midsize crossover" where Forester is a "compact crossover." Outback looks and feels more like a wagon, Forester looks and feels more like a small sport utility vehicle. Comparably equipped, Outback is about $2,000 more.
Which Subaru SUV sits highest off the ground?
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The new Subaru with the most ground clearance is the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness model with 9.5 inches of clearance at base curb height. The 2023 Forester Wilderness comes in just behind at 9.2 inches. The 2023 Crosstrek and Ascent ground clearance also provide plenty of coverage at 8.7 inches.
What is the ride height of the Subaru Outback?
8.7-inch
Although the 8.7-inch ride height will remain on all the other trim levels, the Wilderness edition gets a bump up to 9.5 inches. It may not be the most on the market, but it will make you take a second look if you're serious about off-roading.
