Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,995 (best) | $34,995 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $20,992 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 16.6 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 74.4 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,510 lbs (best) | 3,741 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 108.1 in (best) |
| Length | 183.3 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in | 74 in (best) |
| Height | 68.1 in (best) | 67.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru Forester4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) $29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $31,995 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | Premium $33,195 MSRP | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | Premium Hybrid $34,730 MSRP | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | Limited $37,595 MSRP | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | Sport Hybrid $37,930 MSRP | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited Hybrid $38,995 MSRP | — |
| 8 | Wilderness $39,495 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Wilderness Hybrid $40,495 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Touring Hybrid $41,545 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Subaru Outback1 for sale
See all
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Subaru Forester starts lower at $29,995. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $20,992.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (29,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Subaru Forester or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Subaru Forester leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).