Which Subaru SUV is bigger Outback or Forester?
When it comes to choosing between the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester, size is often a key consideration for potential buyers. Both vehicles are popular for their reliability, safety, and versatility, but they cater to slightly different needs. In this article, we’ll break down the size differences between these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Dimensions: Outback vs. Forester
The Subaru Outback is generally larger than the Subaru Forester in terms of exterior dimensions. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Length: The Outback measures approximately 191.3 inches in length, making it longer than the Forester, which comes in at about 182.7 inches.
- Width: The Outback is slightly wider at 73 inches, compared to the Forester’s 71.5 inches.
- Height: The Forester is taller, standing at 68.1 inches, while the Outback is 66.4 inches tall.
In summary, the Outback is longer and wider, giving it a more wagon-like appearance, while the Forester’s taller height contributes to its more traditional SUV profile.
Interior Space: Passenger and Cargo Room
Interior space is another important factor when comparing these two SUVs. Here’s how they stack up:
- Passenger Space: Both vehicles offer comfortable seating for up to five passengers. However, the Forester provides slightly more headroom due to its taller design, making it a better choice for taller passengers.
- Cargo Space: The Forester offers more cargo space with the rear seats up, at 28.9 cubic feet, compared to the Outback’s 32.6 cubic feet. However, when the rear seats are folded down, the Outback takes the lead with a maximum cargo capacity of 75.6 cubic feet, compared to the Forester’s 74.2 cubic feet.
While the Forester is better for taller passengers and offers slightly more cargo space with the seats up, the Outback provides more overall cargo capacity when the seats are folded down.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Subaru Outback and Forester ultimately depends on your priorities:
- If you need a longer vehicle with more overall cargo capacity and a car-like driving experience, the Outback is the better option.
- If you prefer a taller SUV with more headroom and a slightly more compact footprint for urban driving, the Forester is a great choice.
Both vehicles are excellent options, offering Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive, safety features, and reliability. Consider your specific needs, such as passenger comfort, cargo space, and driving preferences, to make the best decision for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subaru Forester or Outback bigger?
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.
Is Subaru discontinuing the Forester?
Subaru Corporation will continue to produce the Forester in Japan for its domestic customers and customers in Europe, Asia, and Australia. That means all Forester made in the U.S. will stay here. Forester production is going up. Subaru Corporation's production of the all-new 2025 Forester has increased.
Do Subaru Foresters hold their value?
A 2022 Subaru Forester has depreciated $7,584 or 28% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $19,486 and trade-in value of $17,725. The 2022 Subaru Forester is in the top 10-25% for depreciation among all 2022 SUVs.
Which Subaru SUV is the smallest?
The Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is Subaru's smallest SUV, but it offers more interior passenger space than the Soterra and still delivers a strong cargo space measurement for its size. Its rear seats fold flat to load oddly shaped or longer items, and its large rear door makes loading and unloading a breeze.
What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?
A list of some of the most common issues Forester owners have to deal with.
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery.
- Unintended Acceleration.
- Brake Light Switch Defect.
- Cracked Windshields.
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability.
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires.
- Subaru EyeSight Problems.
- Subaru Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags.
Why can Outback tow more than Forester?
The Outback comes with the same standard engine but also offers an optional 260-horsepower turbocharged engine upgrade. The stronger engine and wheelbase on the Outback allow it to tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Forester tops out at 3,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Which Subaru SUV is bigger?
2024 Subaru Ascent
Subaru Models by Size: Getting the Dimensions You Need
As you saw in the chart, the five Subaru SUVs are placed in the following order: 2024 Subaru Ascent: the largest Subaru SUV. 2025 Subaru Outback: the second-largest Subaru SUV. 2025 Subaru Forester: an excellent middle ground.
Is Subaru discontinuing the Outback?
Subaru won't discontinue the Outback in America. It's Subaru of America's top-selling model and will be completely remodeled in 2026. In the U.S., customers will get the all-new, next-generation Outback midsize SUV next year.
Why are Subaru Foresters not selling?
Here is the reason why. Forester buyers are older than all car buyers' median age. The average age of a Forester buyer today is 62 versus 60 for the auto industry. The Crosstrek appeals to a younger demographic; however, many older buyers are purchasing the Crosstrek.
