Have just picked up the 2020 Onyx and love it. Im a jeep guy and own a Ford edge SEL so can tell you it takes a lot to get me to budge. My wife picked this up before it was even delivered to the dealership. The more I learned about the Onyx the more I was excited. This guy does not do Subaru's justice. Can not believe he wasted your time talking about lights. Ill name just 3 things, full size spare on factory rim, 11.6 inch infotainment center, Driver assist that makes even the windiest day a smooth ride. Oh, look up under the car when the front seats set and tell me what you see.
Not a single word about how good and clean this fit and finish is on both these Subarus. Not a single lose end or gap like that in the all new Highlander bonnet or Altima's. Overlooked by almost every reviewer.
Picked up my 2020 Touring Forester 10 days ago and absolutely love it! Only zonk I have is the auto off/on engine feature. Wish I could permanently disabled it but glad it's easily shut off with the button on the dash at any time while driving. Have the brown leather interior with Sepia Bronze exterior, really like the rich look of that color combo. Subaru did the Forester Touring real good and when compared with my 2010 Limited model it replaced I feel like I'm riding in a very upscale vehicle worth the price paid. Well done Subaru.
I have a 2020 Subaru outback and I love it. Better than any American SUV . I will never go back to an American SUV or car . I have least two Subarus, one Forester and now the outback. This outback turns sharper than the 2019 outback. It may be longer but the turning radius Is sharper. I have everything I wanted except a CD player. I forgotten to ask about one .
Very nice detailed video, thanks! I finally decided after pondering for a week or so that I like the Forester better. Too bad you didn’t have both vehicles in white here, but I’m glad you had the Outback in white. I saw another similar comparison where the Forester was in white and the Outback was not, so thank you.
One thing that bugs me is the continuous trend youtubers follow, case in point the tail lights... I swear, almost all of them say they don't light the design. What about it they don't like, I don't know. I think it's just one following the other. There is nothing wrong with the tail lights. Again it's my opinion.
The best part of any Subaru (and the reason that I love my Forester the most) is the way they chug through the snow. My Fozzy is unstoppable in heavy snow, and even though it doesn't snow in Denver as much as people think it does, it's great to have the peace of mind when it does. It's also a little tank on off-road trails and has allowed me to get to many a remote trailhead.
I too chose the Forester Touring for all the amenities but mainly for the Brown leather interior. My wife wanted her Outback with cloth interior 🤮. I told her that she would be happier with leather interior but she didn’t want it. 4 months after buying her the Outback (it was a birthday gift from me to her), she told me that she wished she would have gotten the Limited with Ivory leather interior. But now she has to wait until her Outback wears out before she gets one with leather interior. My Forester is Sephia Bronze with the Brown interior and hers is Cinnamon Brown pearl with the Ivory interior.
Last year (2021), I bought my wife a 2019 Outback for her birthday. Her Camry was 18 years old and we couldn’t drive it in the winter months bc we get 5-6 feet of snow every winter. It was a lease return and had only 5,600 miles on it. I looked it up on KBB with all amenities and it booked out for $38K. I bought it for $33K. We are so impressed by how well the AWD system works that I / we decided that we would replace my 11 Rav 4WD Limited this year with a Forester Touring. I found a 2019 Forester Touring at Carter Subaru in Shoreline WA (3 hours away) with only 4,700 miles. Again I went to KBB and it booked out for $38,900. Carter Subaru sold it to us for $33K. My wife’s is Cinnamon Brown pearl with Ivory interior. My Forester is Sephia Bronze with Brown interior. I really wanted to get the Brilliant Bronze for my wife but she insisted on the Cinnamon. It’s too dark of a color for me, but she loves it. I love the lighter Bronze color of mine. Our vehicles seldom get washed in the winter only because our normal day temperatures hover around 20-25 degrees.
James Mastroianni ground clearance is the same 8.7 inches in the Forester and the Outback. But the Forester has the advantage of greater ride height. Either is a great choice for the deep snow we get here in Vermont but I prefer the higher ride height of the Forester. Now, if only I could get an XT Forester....
I would get the Forester my grandmother has 2009 Forester it’s very comfortable and full of great safety features and being 6ft 7 it’s has plenty of room.
Joe, the CVT does not make the drone, it is the engine. If you floor a car with this engine with an automatic transmission, it will also make the same drone at the high rpm’s. It is not the CVT so much as the engine that is the problem. Cars with more horsepower don’t have to run this high of RPM and therefore don’t sound like this. I have the outback with the CVT and 3.6 engine and it is quiet and smooth all the time.
Sport sharp mode on the Forester Sport helps with the acceleration, although I agree a turbo would be better. The Onyx XT Outback takes care of this but at the expense of a cargo space that isn’t as good for me. I prefer the higher ride height (albeit with same ground clearance) and the higher (if slightly shorter) cargo space in the Forester -which lets short people like me almost stand up in the back. And, as you mentioned, rear visibility is better in the Forester.
I just scooped up am ultra sharp 2020 Forester sport a month ago. The outback was nice, but I got more for my money with the Forester. The outback didn't seem to have the interior room the Forester had, and everything was more expensive for having essentially the same drive train and motor.
Love your comparison! But in case someone else didn't point it out, the Outback has the cross bars built into the roof rails. You don't need to buy them from Subaru or aftermarket :)
Had an 11 and 14 Forester with rails and moveable crossbars. Have a 17 Outback with the built-ins. The Outback bars can only be set at either 30 or 40 " apart. The Forester bars are much more adaptable. You can get bars 2nd hand for the Forester at a reasonable cost. And by the way , crossbars from my 2011 ( 2009 to 2013) will work perfectly well with the 2014 to 2018 generation, and maybe with the current generation. So I much prefer the Forester system.
I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. towed to the dealer no less than 4 times. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. Major problem with the dealer, they do not give you any paperwork, to prove you were there in the first year, they delete the PC history, (destroy the evidence). I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.
Purchased the Outback Touring XT. Fabulous 2.4 Turbo engine gets up and goes effortlessly, which the 2.5 just does not have. Without the Turbo option, I’d likely went with another line. Really liking the Napa Leather Brown with White Exterior combination.
Eric Calabros, I traded a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring w/ Turbo. It was very nice, but seats were very uncomfortable for me. The 2 vehicles are very similar in cabin noise. The Subaru is nicely isolated, ride is very impressive for AWD with low noise, yet decent handling. Cruised at 75-80 effortlessly and quiet. CVT is quite good......for a CVT, but you still know it’s a CVT. A nice 8 speed automatic would be great in this car though. However, I’m quite OK with this CVT with 2.4 Turbo set up.
Yes this is true and that is why I bought the turbo/Boxer engine Outback. 3500 is a generous towing ability but would never go past 3000 to 3100 weight and would not tow anything that did not have electric brakes on the item being towed. When I go down a hill I dont want anything pushing me down, I must have control.
Great well built safe versatile vehicles. I would however leave the towing to a truck unless it is a small trailer for tents etc. Once again excellent review by Joe and the Crew. 🏆
I'd go for the Forester just on looks alone.... Outback...Don't like all the lower black bulky cladding on the bumpers both front and rear. I recently traded a 2016 Outback, in my opinion it was a much better looking wagon overall.
How does the driver's seat compare in the Forester and the Outback? Lumbar support (2-way or 4-way?). Thigh extension ? Hardness/softness of cushion bottom ? Which one of these vehicles would you want to be in the driver's seat for a lengthy trip? Thanks.
The new Forester design has grown on me a lot, happens every time Subaru releases a new gen. First you kinda don't like it and then it's like, nice! lol Forester needs the Outback XT engine next year! And the Forester Premium wheels look better imo
We just got an Ascent for the family and we love it so far. I might get one of these also in the future, probably the Outback just because my mom has a Forester. Plus I like the grill a little better and the chrome accents are nice. I just wish they had a trim with a turbo engine on the Forester.
We went back and forth for a month between Forester and Outback quite the dilemma for us. Forester room & visibility is so amazing as well great for dogs, styling from rear bit of a let down. Outback offered the turbo engine and we liked the exterior styling better...wound up with an Onyx XT. The ride is great , the power is great & mileage good, getting used to the center Stack which looks great but a little distracting.
It doesn't need a turbo as much as it needs anything but a CVT. Even the outback with the torquey 3.6L was DOG slow 0-30mph because of the transmission, and its the same ancient transmission in the new ones.
Yes it is because they are nicer from the outside to the very nice interior with the 11.6 Subaru Starlink infotainment system. Also bones on the 2020 Outback has the option 2.4 Turbo engine in it. I think Subaru needs to being back a Turbo engine for the Forester. And my mom has a 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onya Edition in the pearl white. We got it on September 13th of 2019. We went with a XT model since we live in the high hills or South Carolina.
It's all a matter of choice. I picked the Forester because it was the right size. The Outback was too big for me since I don't have a family. The price was right. The dealer was trying to force the Outback on me before I even saw the Forester. One look at the Forester, and I knew that was my car. Awesome price, awesome MPG- 37 highway, 25 city.
Is the forester bigger in height because of the more square body? I'm thinking my dogs could stand up easier in a forester compared to a outback. Subaru should let the back window go down. Guarantee that would boost sails.
Good comparison. I personally, like the Forester. It is shorter, but it is taller. It has more interior space. It has a lower price, and the outback doesn't give you enough to warrant the price. I would not spend the dollars for the touring trim. I also would not get the base model. However, the premium, I believe is the best deal. Subaru is a quality product. It's Forester for me. I do like the taillights Vetter on the outback. I do hope that Subaru will move,away from the CVT transmission.
Got news for you, if they've kept it the same, the seats are not all leather. They use a vinyl look alike in some areas of the seats. One area of our 2015 was torn on the back left of drivers side. Subaru said it was cuz the previous driver slid their butt across it. It was only a year and a half old when I purchased it and only 27,000 miles.Had to replace the whole top seat cover. 300 bucks just for the cover PLUS almost 200 bucks labor. I'll never purchase a Subaru again with "leather" interior.
If they put the turbo in the Forester, and some of the upgraded features of the Outback, I would probably get the Forester. I personally prefer to sit up higher since I'm used to driving a truck. So I am stuck between deciding between those two.
Love Subaru WRX and Forester my favorites , I'd love it if the WRX didn't need premium I know that asking much and the forester didn't have nick nack mods like coloured vents they u can buy those for few bucks anywhere they should keep it clean but the best lineup I've seen from them
Alright, a two for one review! I like them both but I would pick the Outback. Especially if it was the XT. I think the taillights on the Forester look like lobster claws. Either one would be a good choice. Nice double play Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
I've owned Foresters with rattles/squeaks and badly fitting trim (particularly first year models). My first outback ('21 - 2nd year model) doesn't (so far) have those issues. Forester definitely has more headroom and feels more spacious despite shorter length. Outback's proved quieter and less rough around edges.
I agree with you on the CVT. An 8 or 10 spd geared transmission would provide better reliability. The CVT robs the engine on horsepower, torque and mpg. You cannot rebuild a CVT, you simply have to buy a new one at the price of about $8K.
I bought the Forester. I like the headroom better in the Forester. After carefully studying the vehicles, I felt the Forester met my needs better. The outback, technically is a wagon. The Forester is a SUV.
The Forrester is one of many in a sea of compact CUV's and honestly isn't really a chart topper anywhere in the category. The Outback is actually unique as the only other non luxury wagon sold in america is about to get axed (buick regal tourx). So while for marketing they have to call it an AWD SUV or Crossover, the Outback is definitely one of the best vehicles on the market in the sub 40 range.
Great double feature review Joe. I had a '17 Forester XT (accident), presently driving a '18 WRX, but I'm thinking about going back to the Forester. May wait for Spring '21 for Wilderness edition. Any details about that?
How are these on poor roads? I didn't see any bumps at all. I have a back and bad neck. Also, I'm highly considering the Outback with the turbo. Is there any difference between that ride as well. Thank you very much.
I’m leasing a 19 Forester Premium and it’s a good car. The 20’s have Lane Centering which is a huge upgrade. I’d like to see them add a Forester PHEV direct competitor to the upcoming RAV4 Prime that can run 30-40 miles on EV mode and kick over to gas. The highway mileage on the Forester is great but the city mileage is not the best. EV mode would solve that problem - and give extra acceleration! Fingers crossed - otherwise the Model Y is looking more and more attractive
Hi! I’m a graduating college in December, and I want a vehicle to do road trips in with friends. I am coming from a Toyota 4 runner (which I discovered has some poor safety ratings) Which one of these amazing vehicles would you recommend?
You almost hit that Mercedes changing lane without signaling. The lane change warning did what it’s supposed to but was promptly ignored. Goes to show all the tech in the world will not triumph over determined distracted driver.
I had my last vehicle 10+ years ago. I will be in the car 95% of the time alone. However when I have the grands I need room for 2 car seats in the rear & possibly a teen. Been admiring the outback for many years but concerned about the length for tight & challenging parking in NYC. I am planning group day trips & solo road trips. The more I research the more I am unclear to get the outback, forrester, crosstrek or impreza. Now I talking to people with outback that I see in the neighborhood all give outback 5 stars. One impreza owner said she likes her vehicle but wish she got the outback. Advice please. Thanks.
If you were going to take a long road trip which one would you choose? Also which vehicle would you say has a quieter and smoother ride? Thank you I can’t decide which one I like better!
Raiti's Rides thank you so much for your insight! I have an Outback and it’s a dream on a road trip! I love the Forester moon roof and extra head room too. The struggle is real! Lol
Also, though the Outback has the same engine as the Forester, it can tow 2700 lbs (or 3500 lbs with the turbo engine in the XT models) vs the Forester's 1500 lbs.
They're essentially the same same size... Smdh. I wish the Forester was a bit taller (plus, about an inch more ground clearance), could tow up to 3000 kg, and had twin tailpipes.
Great detailed review but it seems all you reviewers are infatuated with speed and thus turbo engines without CVT's even when the buyers of cars like the Forester have voted with their wallets that they do not want a turbo. Which is why Forester no longer has it. So stop whining about it when you review, already. What we want and get in a Forester Touring is a smooth and comfortable to drive car with a spacious, functional, enjoyable interior, not giddy-up at a stoplight. I happen to have a nice turbo in my Hyundai Sonata Limited sedan and rarely use it as I am not that kind of driver. Smooth acceleration is what I do, and I find I get it just fine with the 2020 Forester Touring I bought in February. Even passing on two lane roads in the mountains where I ski is quick. Now ventilated seats would be nice but I do not live in Florida like you, so heated is enough for me.
He mentions is because it’s a common point brought up by owners of what was the previous Forester XT. You’re right that the majority of people don’t care about it, the people that do are enthusiasts and are vocal about it.
Philip Zwick I know. And as I said those are the enthusiasts and they are very vocal (and enthusiasts can make up a disproportionate amount of the people that view these videos). Given that Subaru now sells the Outback XT I think that further increases the demand among those people to have the Forester XT. When I look through the comments here you’re the only person complaining about this aspect of the review. Does that mean you shouldn’t complain about it because other people didn’t? Of course not, you have a right to voice your opinion.
