As a past owner of a 2003 Forester and (along with my daughter) a current owner of a 2008 Outback, 2015 Forester, and 2017 Forester, we think the Forester is a little more efficient in terms of cargo space and utilization.
I think there was an obvious difference in the first shot of the cars. I was interested in the Outback, and compared the Forester, but was leaning to the Outback. Took a test drive, and was ready, but I decided to test drive the Forester just to make sure. The windows are much bigger. Sightlines are much better in the forester. Also the ease of getting in, for an older man like me, the Forester was a better choice. If I liked the low cars I might think different. Both are great cars, but I agree that the Forester matches me better.
Glad somebody else has mentioned the Sightlines! I have been road-testing all the 2021 SUV's, and none of them have the vision of a Forester... i.e. parking, blind-spots, seeing objects behind you.. I wonder if modern drivers are watching the camera instead of turning their head? You cant do both, so I'm not sure what the future is exactly. I will say my 2011 Forester is substantially better again than the 2021 model, the cars are longer/wider and slightly higher door frames, but its still much better than its SUV competitors.
We have owned an '01 Forester, '13 Outback, and '18 Impreza. We like them all, but if compared with the other two, the Outback feels like a ship. If we were buying right now, we would go for the Forester. But there is no mistake in buying an Outback, either.
If Subaru put the new thigh extender driver's seat available in the top of the line Outback in the Forester, that would be awesome. It really helps us taller drivers.
I totally agree! The major thing I don't like is how the seat cuts into my thighs. I traded my Toyota Highlander in for my Subaru Forester, and that's the one thing I didn't realize the Forester didn't have. The other thing I don't like is the placement of the cup holders...they need to be in front of the gearshifter. Too may times I'm getting my cups stuck on the lip of the center console. Bad placement for those.
@@LindaEEaton I must be 'odd one' here although I know literally 500 folks that love 2020 Forester...Limited trim as my recent buy last summer. If cup holders were in front of 'shift' I'd be hitting shift 'reaching for my cup' although my driver seat 'not close to dash'. Thighs cutting in? I've never had that problem, seats are 'wonderful' at least this trim. I'm not an 'oversize' person so I had no 'seats cutting into me issues. Also New SUV Forester maneuvers better than Outback, yet seems roomier inside.
I looked at both, the HUGE infotainment screen (dust collector) killed it for me. I'm old school and like knobs and switches, not having to go into a touchscreen to do things.
They made an update though that fixes the apple car play so it takes up more of the screen real estate was the one caveat so im saving and probably buying a onyx xt subaru outback next july
We own both. Towing in the forester 1500lbs outback 2700lbs the forester is faster and more of a street vehicle but the outback is more capable off-road. Not to say foresters can’t go for an adventure that’s just what I noticed as differences. I absolutely love and recommend both I have a 2019 outback my mom has a 2020 forester and my wife has a 2020 accent. We are all supper pleased. Subaru is the new Toyota haha jk, however they did work together for the Brz.
Great video. I previously drove a 2011 Outback and now have a 2019 Forester Premium. I agree with all your points on driving impressions and agility. As this is a comfort car I am most likely going back to Outback when my lease is up but I would go Forester again if they offered a hybrid version and the Outback didn’t. I also love the panoramic moonroof in the Forester and would love to see it in Outback even if it was fixed and didn’t open (like a Tesla one). Thanks for your videos!
I just got into a 2018 premium outback and I love it. I just got out of a 2016 Chrysler 200. I wouldn't go back to a car after getting into this vehicle.
Thank you for an amazing presentation! Concise, info packed & extremely helpful. Full of thought evoking considerations & comparisons. Not to mention an authoritative yet friendly voice. U knocked this one out of the park! Problem solved, decision made! Thx again!
Just because someone didn't have a luxury car previously doesn't mean they don't want a more luxury feel now. Point them towards both! I came from a tiny hatchback Yaris that didnt even have power windows or locks for the last 14 years, and I love my new Outback Limited!
Very great video. I have decided on the Forester, liking the wider sunroof and the height difference. Thanks for showing the difference with the 2 , one behind the other .
I've spent a lot of time deliberating between these two models, reading, watching videos, going on multiple test drives, and ultimately I've decided I like the Forester better. The Outback tows more and gets more driving range. But I think the Forester is a more comfortable vehicle to drive. And, the Outback demands much more of an investment in touchscreen technology for necessary vehicle controls.
Outback or Forester has never been a question for me. I have bought Outback recently. The options to choose from were CR-V, Rav4, CX-5, Santa Fe. I have never considered Forester as an option. I am not completely satisfied with my Outback but it has character that Forester does not. I can close my eyes to inadequate engine & CVT because Outback is kind of a "special" car. If not the Outback, after weighing all pros and cons, I would probably go with Santa Fe or Rav4. Note: towing capacity is the same for both cars (1,500 lbs ) for 2.5L engine.
The Forester has a larger sunroof than the outback. The outback has a lesser selection of x mode unless you get the Onyx outback than the forester. I am starting to think the forester is a better selection.
When I got my 2014 outback, it had greater towing 3k+ vs less than 2k for the Forester. 0% financing sold me on the outback. The price was only $1000 different.
It's not a fair comparison to pit the Forester Premium (second lowest trim level) against the Subaru Touring (highest trim level). I have a 2020 Forester Touring and it has a lot of luxury features the Premium doesn't have. Rear seat warmers, rich warm leather seats like in the Outback Touring, heated steering wheel, and many, many others. The Forester Touring's touch screen display isn't as big as the Outback Touring display, but it's bigger than the one you show in your Premium Forester and plenty big for most anyone's needs. Additionally, because the Forester and Outback each have the same 182hp engine but the Forester is lighter, it has better acceleration than the Outback. Before I got my Forester, I owned an Outback and always noticed and regretted its weak acceleration. The Outback and Forester are both great cars, and you're doing a service by helping people figure out which of them is the best fit for their preferences and needs.
They just need to add a hydraulic automatic back in all models, the old 4EAT was indestructible, just needed another gear. I want to actually tow and have heard too many of the CVT transmission giving up in regular use let alone when under load. Also miss the manual option with a true transfer case.
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 . Fair warning to everyone, Subaru does not stand behind the customer. Subaru knows I was treated wrong, but refuse to do what is right. Subaru has had plenty of time to investigate my Lemon of a car, and make good, they have refused.
Hi, maybe you not try hard enough to get your $$$ back. Any dealership like that and it's can happen with any brand. Just next time never give up, and try hard enough to get your money back or new car.
I bought a 2012 Outback 3.6r limited over 7 months ago now. I have done ZERO maintenance on it and have had ZERO issues. It has nearly 130k miles on it and runs great. You just got unlucky and got a lemon.
Why didn't you keep all the papers after the dealer repaired your car? I have never been at any dealership where they did not give me a paper. The only time I did not get any paper receipt was when the dealer refused to do the work...they actually refuse to take a ride to see what the problem was...
The CVT on the high output motors (Outback XT, Ascent, WRX Automatic, the old 3.6R's, etc) are what Subaru calls the "High Torque" CVTs. They use different drive ratios and actually require different trans fluid as well. Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it!
Hardworkrr, we currently have two 2016 Outbacks. Thinking on upgrading wife’s. Might try Forester this time. We are big/tall, not sure of harsh road ride comparison to Outback and seat comfort, wind noise. But I read Forester seat sits up higher, off the floor?, which may be more comfortable. $2000 savings for Forester is very appealing. Crosstrek we like looks of and easy park size, nice cost, plus now get the 2.5L with more power in a lighter car is quite tempting. They have amazing legroom for smaller car. But it may be a little too much road noise or bumpy ride? A little too close to "entry level" when more spoiled? (I had a Toyota Avalon !! Speaking of freeking spoiled. But one wheel drive and low to ground, ended up trading for 2016 Outback. Lack of power, too harsh of bumps making it to my spine are my only grouses with that one). Wife used to drive 2010 Outback and that was the one and ONLY Subaru of 5 or 6 that had the ride "just right" over harsh bumps. And all the car magazine writers moaned and whined about "body roll and lean", phooey on them for the 10% zipping around corners time compared to 90% rolling down a highway. Early CVT was droning on it, tho. No perfection anywhere. Anyway, you think we Outback people would be disappointed in ride quality and quiet of a new Forester ?? We should skip over Crosstrek ? That one’s physical looks seem best. Forester is quirky looking and Outback more stretched out Weiner dog like. Thank you very much !!
Personally I would point you toward the Forester. The newest Forester has the smoothest ride of any Forester ever, and since you are "big/tall" and you're used to bigger cars (Outback, Avalon, etc) I think you would be more comfortable in a Forester. The Crosstrek is a great car too but the size might not be to your liking. Try them both, if the size of the Crosstrek works for you than that might a way to go, but based on what you're telling me I'd say Forester. Thank you for watching!
@@CarDietrich Hey. Thanks for quick reply. It certainly helps me think Forester. I had a free loaner one recently at dealer during a long service. I was surprised how much more "grown up" and less "entry level" it was compared to wife’s 2003 Forester. $2000 less than Outback helps much. Dealer for next 4 weeks is doing "invoice" pricing with 0% loan interest. She said a Limited Forester $28k, seems good, perhaps great. I suppose they are fighting low sales due to dang virus. I am 6’ 2" and wifey 6’ tall ! When people say "higher seating" in Forester, off the ground ? Or higher off the car floor ?? I hope for higher off car floor like pickups and mini-vans... thanks again ! Stay well. By next summer and millions vaccinated, life Sh/be returning to much more normal. Next TGiving classic family bloat and nap once again. How sweet it will be.
Ground Clearance of Forester is the same as the Outback (8.7"), but you do feel higher in a Forester, I think the seats are mounted an inch or two higher in Forester than they are on Outback. Here's to 2021!
Very helpful video! If anyone reading this knows the answer, I'd be grateful.: Can two people sleep comfortably in the back of the Forester, --say both under5'10 . I know the Outback is a longer car and the cargo space is longer, so that does not seem to be in issue in the Outback. I ask because I go camping and in a pinch if weather is horrible, sleeping in a car would be the backup option. Thanks!
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eSoPlK2AfAA.html Check that video out, I think I measured all the cargo space out so that should tell you
I'm leaning towards the Forester, but would appreciate some honest feedback. I currently own a base model 2010 Ford escape. It keeps going like the energizer bunny but after a couple hours into any adventure it is just miserable. You get out sore and walking like a handicapped zombie. I need to be able to drive 1200 miles and not want to set it on fire.
Well I would say either of these cars fit the bill of being able to drive them for a couple hours without getting out walking like a handicapped Zombie. Recently I did an eight hour drive in a Forester (about 520 miles) and I was certainly no worse for wear at the other end of it. Setting it on fire never crossed my mind. I have not driven one 1,200 miles at a stretch though. I've done some long hauls in my time but even by my standards that's a lot in one day.
@@CarDietrich Thank you for humoring my question! The 1200 mile pilgrimage is part of a multi day adventure over the river and through the woods to see my grandmother.
Both have 8.7" of ground clearance, unless you get the new 2022 Outback Wilderness which has 9.5". They are pretty equal off road, one thing is you can get more horsepower with turbo engine in Outback, and of course the new Outback Wilderness would be the best off road because it has a but more ground clearance, more aggressive gearing, and dedicated all-terrain tires from the factory.
Thank you for this review! I have a 2006 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Ltd that has 198000 on it and that I will be replacing in the next 12 months or so, and the Forester and Outback are 2 models that are at the top of the list, although I'll wait and check out the RAV4 Prime, also. I need a vehicle that can safely travel unpaved mountain/forest roads and BLM roads, since kayaking, canoeing, hiking and fishing (don't take that to mean I catch fish . . . ) are things I really enjoy. No cloth interior as I have dogs who shed. Have read a lot of not so positive things about the Outback's big touch screen while the 8 inch Forester screen is supposed to be excellent. Would love the extra power of the turbo but have read a LOT of folks online who are not getting very close to the EPA mileage estimates (read where a lot people are getting 18-20 in town). Decisions, decisions, but this was a GREAT summary!
Your mileage will definitely vary with the turbo. The more you leave your foot in it, the more gas you burn. All manufacturers are favoring turbo motors these days because they do well in EPA fuel economy testing because those tests are primarily done with light throttle application. Turbos get good MPG in those circumstances because you are off boost, but as soon as your floor it and spool that sucker up the engine pumps more fuel in to burn and there you go. FWIW I far prefer the infotainment in the Forester vs. the 2020 Outback. Thank you for watching.
@@CarDietrich Yes, I agree with you on the Forester's 8 inch infotainment (if you go up from the base model to get the larger screen) system--all reports are that it works just fine but reports are spotty on the new ginormous Outback screen. Although I don't know this for sure, if you do go on dirt roads (I like to kayak, fish, hike, snow ski, etc.), the approach and departure angles on the Forester appear to be more favorable since it's shorter (although Outback will have better ride with longer wheelbase on pavement, I am guessing). Plus, Method makes some cool wheels for the Forester--put some all terrains on Method wheels, and the Foresters can look very cool.
What are your opinions on the Ascent vs the Outback XT? Which one rides more comfortable? This would be my daily driver with regular use of the second row and very rare use of the third row. Typically a city driver but in summer I take trips to the shore areas (about 60 miles all highway)
As far as those two are concerned, it all depends on how much you are going to use the third row. Based on the increased purchase price/lower fuel economy, if you're only going to use the third row a couple times a year it might make more sense to just buy the Outback and rent a Chevy Tahoe a couple times a year when you need it. Both cars ride great and would make great road trip or around town cars, but the Outback is maybe a little better around town because its smaller/easier to park, its also faster on the highway (lighter weight) and will give you slightly better range on the highway because the MPG is better. So I guess I'm pointing you towards Outback...
Yeah, it's one of those situations where I'd rather have space and not need it rather than need it and not have it. I am hoping for my next purchase to last me a minimum of 10 years...
Hey Hardworker, I love your channel. I have an 09 Forester. I know, I know your thinking it's time to upgrade. It's the premium with manual transmission. I'm so hurt Subaru discontinued the XT for the Forester. I'm almost wanting to try and find an 2018 XT Touring. In your opinion in what you know and have seen, will Subaru most likely bring the XT motor back to the Forester? Also do you think I'd be missing a great experience if I purchased a new non turbo Forester?
Thank you so much for watching Reggie. I doubt Subaru will be bringing the turbo back to the Forester any time soon. I'll be honest with you: I had a 2016 Forester XT. Of the four Subarus I've had it was the only one I ordered from the factory with the exact color and accessories I wanted. If I had to do it over again I would have just gotten the regular one. Yes, the Forester XT was fast, but its an SUV, it doesn't need to be that fast. I dunno, in my opinion the regular 2.5 liter engine just suits the car better. Others may disagree with me on this, but that's my opinion after having had one. I ended up trading it in for my WRX STI so it was a happy ending lol.
Unfortunately I'm not around the cars right now to make the measurements, but the Forester would be slightly higher than the Outback. The driver's seat is height adjustable in all models
Outback for sure, 10" longer than Forester and definitely a fantastic car for "car camping" Full measurements here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aTbzfcOdSUg.html
Because with the only air coming from up front it can be hard to cool other area's of the car. The very back of the car gets extremely hot in summer and does not cool down.
Actually depends on ‘safety features’ regarding ‘your insurance’. I’m in Northeast, we saved ‘same amount’ on Outback, Forester. I own New Forester trim level ‘Limited’, which has ‘more safety features’. So look into the upper trims (Limited, Touring) check with your insurance before purchase.
Definitely... I live in the PNW and I got insurance quotes for both the Forester and the Outback (same year each), and the Outback was by far the cheaper insurance rate. I was able to get my newer model Outback fully covered through State Farm for $78 a month. Something to definitely think about... Like the above comment, this may also be different in some areas.
@@McFartsnatcher I have a new 2021 forester and a 2003 camry. My combined 6month premium is less than $500 in nj. Do you pay monthly or every 6mos? I also set a high deductible.
Forester all day. I've driven both cars. Even with the turbo in the Outback XT ... I still choose the Forester. The forester feels more spacious and I love the interface of the dashboard better. The full touch screen interface in the outback is invasive IMO and also the roof feels too close to my head so I get a sense of claustrophobia. The Forester has a proper amount of space that feels nice and better vision. Wish they would have put the turbo in the Forester rather then the Outback.
I found 2019 a Forester XT from 2017 brandnew, was a showcar in an other country. For me the perfect mix of sleeping space, cargo room and fun of power. Just love it. 😁
When we lived in San Diego, I sold cars for about 4 years (1985-1989), and based on my experience, you sir, are truly an excellent car salesman! I mean that sincerely. I'm seriously considering a Forester for my next car, if I ever wear out my Trailblazer or my wife's Ranier.
Not weird to me that the Forester is now the better seller. I had a 2007 Outback that I absolutely loved. The newer ones are just too big. I switched to Forester.
If you are a serious outdoors person (hiking/climbing/camping, etc.) there is a critical difference you did not mention: the distance between the back of the front seats (slid all the way forward and tilted all the way toward the dash) and the inside of the tailgate. This determines how useful it is to sleep in (rear seats folded down, of course). Who would sleep in their Subaru? ME! If you haven't resorted to sleeping in your car you probably don't do a lot of camping (50 mph wind and hail, anyone?). Take it from me, the Outback makes a far better shelter when things get really nasty.
Well I've never tried, I'm not much of a camper, but I'm 6'5" so its a little short for me. If you want to see the full cargo measurements of the 2020 Outback you can watch this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aTbzfcOdSUg.html
william seay I can, but I'm only 5'9". That being said, trying to set up a tent in 40 mph wind or trying to sleep on the ground when the temp. is 15 degrees F is probably worse than bending yourself a little bit in the relative comfort of the Sube. Besides, if you have climbed a 3,000 foot peak that day you're likely to be able to sleep anywhere!
You are definitely not the only one. My camp buddies always make fun of me when I sleep in my 2003 legacy gt wagon while camping. Lol..luv it. I now own a 2020 onyx xt.
Nice video! Also, you forgot to mention that the Forester is made in Japan while the Outback in Lafayette, Indiana. Cars built in Japan have a tendency to be more reliable.
hate my 2016 2.5 Premium Forester. Quality and ergonomics aren't the same as Toyota or Honda SUV. Configuring the dash panel is very confusing. There is good cargo space and I like the Eyesight technology, but the 2016 Forester has a "jackrabbit" start when engine is cold which is VERY ANNOYING- just barely touch the gas pedal and the car takes off. There is no way to tie down the back trunk if trunk has to be open when carrying cargo. the gas mileage is fair (28ish overall). No light in the trunk cargo space. Easy to change Oil with very easy access to oil filter, but the spark plugs are very difficult to access. Rear view camera is crap and low quality, especially at night. The one great feature on the Forester is the large glass windshield. This will probably be my last Subaru. Going back to Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV.
I owned a 17 Outback Limited 6cyl; one of my favorite cars I’ve owned. I loved the power! I’m 6’3” and 70 years old. Every time I sat in a new Forester, I realized how much easier it was for me to get in and out of (height and age). Also great visibility. I now have a 2020 Forester Touring, which was a good choice for me. They are both great cars; can’t go wrong with either.
Due to accident I had to replace my Forester with CX-7, even after 3 months of having it, I still bump my head on my door, I missed my Forester, and now I am planning to buy it.
I was surprised how different the forester feels inside as opposed to the outback. The forester really feels like a more basic utilitarian vehicle whereas the outback feels to me much more like a regular car. It’s funny though I much prefer the outback, two women I spoke to said they prefer the forester as it’s higher and “easier to drive”.
The rear air vents really need to be in the roof in the back seats. Especially if you have babies in car seats. Not having any rear vents is unacceptable in 2020.
Many cars for years have discretely piped them in the floor under the front seats. My '91 maxima, '01 itrepid, '13,'16 outback have hole in carpet. They just didn't have in back of console.
80srockerable Yes, this works for heat, but not so awesome for A/C. I have a 2017 Golf Sportwagen, which is an economy car and way cheaper than the Outback, and it has A/C vents in the rear part of the console.
80srockerable P.S. I had a ‘92 Maxima...that was an awesome car!! That V6 engine was so smooth. This is another thing that bothers me about Subaru...they stick a 4 cylinder in every car they make.
@@howtobeatadrum Yes Maxima was a neat car for its time. I was always a honda guy before it. I recall it seemed to dry my eyes out on long drives. Seemed to always push air through defrost no matter which position selected on hvac. Yes, I'm afraid the decline of v6 is due to fuel economy goals. Honda doing in Accord. Some full size trucks even going 4. I really have no complaints in the 4 in my current '16 OB though. It seems peppy and speeds with ease. Almost 100k on. My '13 did use oil. '16 does not. But now I read where new OB throttle response is softer. Mine is super sensetive. They constantly tweak electroncis.
The Outback is very comfortable and more room for rear passengers. I would buy another Outback in a heartbeat. Thanx for your comparison between the Forester & Outback
One look at the side profile is all you need to see. The windows on the Forester are huge and visibility is amazing. Being able to see well is the greatest safety feature on a vehicle. Forester for me.
I went from a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LTZ (fully loaded & upgraded) to a 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6r Limited (fully loaded). I am not dissapointed, I enjoy the AWD.
I agree that the main difference is the luxury feel of the Outback. I was surprised at how loud the Forester road compared to the Outback. It would be interesting to see a high-end trim level for the Forester that provides the luxury aspects-acoustics, smooth ride, smooth touch points-of the Outback.
I loved your video on the Outback - Forester comparison. I went from a 2014 Base Model Forester, that I bought in 2017 with only 17,500 miles, sold it with 87,500, and loved it. I agree, it seems sportier to me, as well and actually, I feel better connected to the road than I have felt in a long time. I went from a 2004 Audi A6 to the Forester and always wondered if the Outback was a better fit. I arrived at your same conclusion and just purchased a 2018 Premium Forester with 17,500 miles. I appreciate the upgrades, i.e. Adjustable Rear View Mirror, heated Side Mirrors, and WOW at the Back-up Camera. Thank you for the thoughtful video. John
Just faced this dilemma myself, came in to look at foresters, left with a 2020 outback. Both are great cars, but I chose the outback for several reasons. Based on the available financing offers, the outback came out really close on the trim levels i was considering...difference that I’d pay in Forester/Outback premium trims was negligible. Also, the Outback interior just seemed a little more refined...I was ok in the Forester front seats, but the back seats are truly awful in my opinion...I felt like I was sliding forward in the upright position. I sit very upright, so I’m a bit out of the norm, so a lot of folks would probably find the seats in the forester just fine.
It's funny you should say this, because over the years when somebody comes in for one of these models and switches to the other, they came in for a Forester and left with an Outback. The seats are often a reason for this. Personally I am comfortable in both but different strokes and all that. Enjoy your Outback!
hardworkrr12 on cars thanks! Coming from a Honda Element, The Forester was a natural choice on my list, but in a way they were a little too much alike...after driving the Element for the better part of 15 years, I was ready for some a little different...the Outback retains enough of the functionality I loved in the Element, but feels much more like a “real” car for a daily driver and to take a while family on long road trips!
