Subaru Outback vs. Forester: Which Should You Buy??
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- Outback vs. Forester, the age old question. Which is best for you? Which has the features you want? Watch my insanely helpful video to find out!
For a full review on the 2022 Outback, click here: • 2022 Subaru Outback Pr...
For a full review on the 2022 Forester, click • 2022 Subaru Forester P...
Thank you for watching! - Zábava
Honest and not dealer propaganda. Well done.
Yeah the sun is coming out it's a beautiful day. :)
Insurance is less expensive for the outback since it’s considered a station wagon while the Forester is a SUV. Something to think about....
That's literally the biggest concern of mine and I want the Forester. Thanks for the bad news.
Good to know. I didn’t think about that
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.
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.
Been selling Subies for over 6 years. This video represents my life eerily accurately. Thanks.
Let me know if you can identify with the intro of this video:
czcams.com/video/2X-NPv1tHSg/video.html
I have a 2015 Forester Touring, with all the bells and whistles. I could not be happier.
Have the same & love it.
I just got my 2020 Forester 2020 touring the other day I absolutely love it. I am obsessed.
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.
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.
Thank you for your kind words and for watching my video!
This is about the best comparisons I've seen.
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. 😁
Rear seat vents are important, hope Outback adds them in soon. Ventilated seats are nice, would be a great option on Forester
Well done! I just purchased a forester and not one sales person was able to explain what you spoke about in the video.
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.
Good point I did forget to mention that, and I assure you that you are not the only Subaru owner who sleeps in their car during outdoor excursions.
So can you sleep well In it ?
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: czcams.com/video/aTbzfcOdSUg/video.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.
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
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!
I drove a loaner forester and it has a nice suspension really enjoyed the ride
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'm six two and never thought of that. Great point!
Currently driving a Manual trans. Forester. A/T tires and roof basket. Lol. I love it !
thank you. you have helped me choose the Forester after going back and forth for days.
Glad I could help!
We have a 2014 Subaru Forester in black. We really like it!!!
“ I don’t have the key, that’s why *HA* “
Made my depressed quarantine day. ♥️💪
Glad to be of service! We all need little things to lift our spirits right now
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.
Tremendous job!!!! I wanted to know the diffs too and u explained options and packages very well!!!!
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.
Thank you! Finally someone did a proper and clear explanation! If I lived in US I would probably buy a car from you.
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!
My pleasure thank you so much for watching!
Forester is the best.
Always liked your videos! I ‘learned more’ about ‘tech buttons’ a year ago in Forester, thanks to you. Actually Forester is a small SUV, my auto insurance dropped when I purchased ‘limited’ trim . Previously owned almost 17years...Forester (bought New). Although now small SUV Forester (check your New Car auto sticker readout on window) is labeled as a ‘truck’. Love This Forester!
Thank you for watching William!
Great info. Right to the point, no babble. thank you
2020 outback touring xt here. so in love.
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.
Actually Your Correct! Maybe that’s why my previous Foresters lasted at least 200,000k. Without high maintenance costs (via Dealership, bought New).
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
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.
Wow lot of cars. I have the same out back my parents used it’s a 3 generation hand me down. 1 out back 15 years of history still strong.
Super informative. Thanks for posting!
Never knew this before, thanks for the explanation 👍.
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.
Yeahhh, I feel like people aren't reacting quite as well to the giant screen as Subaru had hoped
Same. Saw the big screen and I'm like nope. Would rather have the smaller screen.
I have to agree with you. When you just get inside and see a big dark blank screen it just does not look appealing at all.
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
This one one of the reasons I bought a Forester over an Outback
Really helpful information!
Outback is simply the perfect.
I moved to Texas with a stunning Audi A6 T. First month bad rain storm got totaled.
I did not want a truck as many of my new friends suggested. Coming from MA Foresters and Outbacks are every where.
So gave the Forester a shot. Found a mint Forester Touring in mint certified condition.
Gave it a shot. The power is down compared to my Audi and previous Lexus RX350. But I am very pleased with it.
The interior is so bright you can see everything. Love the pano and it’s about the right size.
I am slowly adjusting to less power but it’s plenty for what it’s intended.
I hope in the future they drop the 2.4 T into the forester.
I now understand why so many enjoy their Subaru’s I truly enjoy mine.
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.
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 totally agree I am 610 and I had a 2001 went to a 2011 in the seats are shorter
6 foot 1
We love our Forester it has all the bells and whistles, and I love how much higher the roof is, also the train is higher off the ground. It’s pure luxury !
Lift kits solves clearance
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 .
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent review. Great job.
Thank you very much!
Just retired my 2002 subaru outback shortly after joining the 300k original mile club!
Great Job Sarah!
2012 outback base model owner with 114k miles on it and still love it. Will be upgrading to a new one in a couple years but will go with the premium for more lux and power.
Wow, a honest dealer, thankyou
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.
Just bought a 2022 Outback Premier. It feels luxurious. The big screen is growing on me.
I found 2019 a Forester XT with 241hp Version 4 from 2017 brandnew, was a showcar in an other country. For me the perfect mix of sleeping space, cargo room and fun of power. Easy to park because of the size and very cool to be fast very quick and the big sunroove is really nice. Just love it. Sorry, it's not my mother tongue. 😁
Outback is the REAL DEAL...
Great comparison video!
Thank you for watching!
Thanks, useful information delivered in an excellent manner.
You're welcome, thank you for watching!
Outback is a LEGEND!!!
Great video. I still love my Outback, it is simply Awesome.
Nice comparison -- much appreciated!
Thanks for watching!
V good analysis. We have both, albeit different ages- 19 Forester and 11 OB. OB quite a bit more ride quality and space for not slot more money (always figured 3k diff, surprised its now ~2k per this vid).
I love the turning radius with my forester.. If your in a tight situation on a dirt road is easier to turn around.. Parking in LA is easier with the forester too
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”.
Nice comparison!
Thank you for the video!
My pleasure!
2:01 I'm driving an outback, sir
thanks dude!
Informative! Good video
Wow I love your comparison 👍👍😊
We Love our Outback. It’s actually my wife’s commuter car and our road car.
We needed to replace our 18 year old Camry and a car with AWD or a 4X4, bc we get 5-6 ft of snow every winter.
We looked at the Toyota Venza & Rav AWD hybrid. The rear visibility on both were horrible.
We called our insurance company to see how much more would our premiums would be for the Venza which was $1K more a year. The Rav was $700 more each year.
We then asked about the Outback and it was only $300 more a year.
We donated our Camry to our church & bought the Outback.
Once we dropped the insurance on the Camry and added the Outback our insurance actually dropped by $100 a year.
Our other car is a 11 Rav 4WD Limited with a 3.5 V6.
I must admit that the Subaru is far superior in all driving conditions over our (my) Rav.
We’ve had the Outback for almost a year now and have been to ID twice and MT twice.
We have to go to Seattle twice a year for my dad’s Dr visits. We’ve never had a problem going over the mtn passes to Seattle, which is about a 3 hour drive.
Our Outback is only the 2.5 naturally aspirated engine so it’s barely adequate in acceleration.
When my Rav wears out, we’ll replace it with an Outback XT or if the Forester gets a turbo, I’ll get it instead.
Thank for the comparison ..... I've often wondered myself (Outback owner 10years)
You're welcome!
To me the outback just screams adventure mobile and has a bit more character in my opinion. I also like the space and extra comfort you get from the longer wheelbase
Buy the forester guys you will love it more than the outback
Love my '06 Outback XT. Just got my wife an '02 Forester. Both great cars.
We have a poverty pack 2020 Outback (Aussie version) and we could not be happier with it. We test drove a few other SUVs around the same price bracket and the Outback was an absolute standout. The Outback came with a few less bells and whistles, but for driveability and comfort it was easily the best.
Thank you for watching from Down Under! I'm glad you are happy with your Subaru
What did you choose, sport or touring?
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.
Congrats on your new Subaru!
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.
Enjoy your Subaru! 3.6R is a great engine
Love the blank buttons to remind you that you can’t afford the upper trim.
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.
Outback drives great.. Outback 2022 owner
Customer: “so what’s the difference between these cars”.
This guy - holds up YT video on phone. 😂
I've driven a previous-gen Forester and a current-gen Outback. Both with base engines. The Outback feels like a lumbering submarine compared to the very punchy and responsive Forester. Driving it is like sitting in a fishbowl sportscar. Sounds nice as well. If you want to pass on the freeway, have fun flooring it in the Outback and relying on momentum. It was so slow above 60 mph. I think I may be more used to having more action in the cabin in cheaper cars.
Is the cvt on the forester and base engine outback different from the XT? great video by the way.
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!
I love my 18' limited outback.
Excellent. Liked. Subscribed
Thank you Paul!
I love my 2020 Outback Touring XT. I bought the Touring because I wanted the upgraded stereo plus the front camera, as well as the Nappa leather. I haven't had any issues or regrets.
Love the ride of the 2020 Forester but the wind noise in that nice $$$ a car was a deal killer.
Wind noise? LOL you should drive a 2006 Forester sometime.
We have an ‘11 outback with 219,000 km on it...’18 crosstrek with 50,000km on it. Not ready to give up the OB yet. Won’t do the forester though. OB is a nicer vehicle
Thx for this video
You're welcome!
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!
A selling point for me is if the front passenger seat could fold down flat like in the Toyota Matrix. It sure is handy when carrying lumber or to sleep in when camping. Unfortunately no one makes these anymore, as far as I know. Pity.
I love my 2020 Subaru Outback premium. It’s been a dependable car and with Blizzak tires unstoppable in the snow this winter.
The downsides to me are no hard buttons for the heated seats, auto vehicle hold, and turning off the auto stop start. I have to push so many buttons every time I start the car!
Facts. I got the 2021 limited and i love it but I wish that had it to once you set the setting you want it should stay that way
Thanks for the blooper at the end lol
Great video
Good review
Good video. We have a forester on the way. The outback is to large for my uses
my girlfriend has a forester, I drove a Outback for about a week but after coming from Honda Civics and Honda Fits, decided on a Crosstrek. Just handles better, its a bit smaller and has better geometry for mountain roads / trails
2021 outback xt owner here, very good car!
11’ Outback gang ! Love them both though.
Love the video. I wanted to know about the reliability and problems with each. I've heard that 4th and 5th gen outbacks have a lot of problems.
As a rule of thumb, the Foresters are more reliable (they're still built in Japan). If you're looking at used cars, focus on the individual car. A well-maintained Outback will do better than a neglected Forester. If you're buying new, get whichever one you like best and do all the factory scheduled maintenance on it when you're supposed to and you'll probably be fine.
Thank you!
I am currently deciding between these 2 models. It's either going to be a Forester Sport or Outback Onyx XT. Pretty much the only reason I'm considering the Outback is for the turbo engine. The additional space and creature comforts it offers would be nice, but I don't really need it. I too prefer the smaller footprint and sporty feel of the Forester, not to mention that it's nearly over $5000 less than the Onyx XT. Even a loaded Forester Touring would be $3000 less than the Outback. Damn you Subaru for pulling the Forester XT!
Nice job.
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.
excellent video even if I am considering a 2022
Yeah it's still pretty much the same stuff for 2022. Eventually I'll make another one of these when they both get redesigned