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Welcome to the new Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester comparison for 2019. We just found out that we haven’t compared the Forester and the Outback before which is interesting, as we often compare quite different models from mainstream press. So after a few weeks driving the Subaru Outback’s it worth more than the Forester we are about to find out. Note that this is the 2019 model Outback not the 2020 update model and the Frester is the current update.
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forrester exterior design : Both are clearly designed using the same design language. Conservative sides with uglyfied front end rear ends. The Outback design is quite clever or deceptive with a body that looks like more upright SUV style – but it isn’t. It’s a high rise Wagon version of the Liberty. The Forester looks very similar to the Outback but the in real life it is more SUV like. However the Forester really looks like a 80’s mini-van or MPV.
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forrester interior: The Outback interior is a nice place to be dependent on model grade. It’s not luxury but the materials and design are what you’d expect in 2019. That said, the soon to be released 2020 model has a nicer design but still the same high quality materials. You sit in the Outback as you would in a Liberty or Legacy sedan version so it is exactly car like which may surprise some. The Forester interior was the clearly the ‘cheaper’ Subaru model but the the updated version is easily better than Outback. In fact the updated Forester is more modern with high quality plastics in inserts. The main difference between the two is the more upright seating in the Forester. Without any model branding in the interior you will find it difficult to tell the two models apart.
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forrester engines and technology: Both share the same basic engine the 2.4 litre petrol with a CVT so have similar performance. You can argue that the lighter Forester will be faster and would probably is true but only by a small margin. The CVT is honestly OK. There will be moments of flaring and unexpected power loss or power gain but at least there is minimal droning if at all during normal drives. The setup is surprisingly fuel efficient for a 2.4 litre for cylinder. Our experience is between 7.5 – 11 litres per 100km with mixed driving. Both also share the safety systems that get better the high the model grade you choose. The safety system to the top range models are the same so class leading especially for the price.
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forrester street Cred: Street cred is important in this family SUV class. Subaru formerly had a ‘different’ identity amongst Japanese brands. Subaru was much like Saab via the rest Europe except for Citroen of course. For those in the know it had cred beyond any other Japanese brand. However with sales and lack of marketing and the entrance of every other brand in the AWD SUV arena has made it hard to be ‘different’. Nonetheless it has a slight edge hampered by long term durability issues.
The conclusion to the new Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forrester comparison is probably the Outback. Why? The Outback is quieter and has the option of a fast 6 cylinder engine. The Forester is definitely very good too but the lack of power in the engine department is a big problem that said it’s not slow just feels it. That said the target market for the Forester in particular don’t care about any more performance than it already has. Both are like the Japanese versions of the Volvo 240 wagon of the 1980’s hence safe choices and we think the decision between buying either is down to whether you prefer car like refinement in the Outback or SUV like seating and space in the Forester. If you do decide on a Outback make sure it is the 2020 model as it is a upgrade not the 2019 package we had.
| Subaru Outback | Subaru Forester |
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| Engines | |
| F4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC 16 Valve VVT 2.5 Litre (2459cc) Claimed 129Kw @ 5800 RPM Claimed 235Nm @ 4000 RPM |
F4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC EFI VVT 2.5 Litre (2498cc) Claimed 136Kw @ 5800RPM Claimed 239Nm @ 440RPM |
| F4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo DI CR 2.0 Litre (1990cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 3600 RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 1600 RPM |
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| F6 Cylinder Petrol DOHC 16 Valve 3.6 Litre (3590cc) Claimed 191Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 4400 RPM |
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| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1639Kg Towing capacity up to 1700Kg |
FROM 1523 Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 60 litres IL4 Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Auto) F4 Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km (Auto) F6 Petrol 9.9 litres per 100km (Auto) |
Up to 63 litres F4 Petrol 7.4 Lts per 100km AVG |
| Other specifications | |
| CVT Auto Overall height/width 1675/1840 Overall length/wheelbase 4820/2745 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
CVT Auto – 7 ratios Overall height/width 1730/1815 Overall length/wheelbase 4625/2670 4WD system: AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxxmm Max 4WD system: AWD |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 200mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2019 $37,440 – 50,440 AUD 2016 $35,990 – 48,490 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2019 $33,840 – 46,866 AUD 2018 $34,490 – 47,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
| *Specs change due to model grade and configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! | |