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Subaru makes several SUVs and wagons that all seem to do the same things very well. Two of the most similar include the Subaru Outback and Forester. In the great Subaru Outback vs. Forester debate, the two SUVs have similar prices, similar sizes, and similar missions. Which one, though, is bigger, faster, or more expensive?

The Outback is larger than the Forester but just barely

The Subaru Outback is larger, but just barely. It is 191.1 inches long and 73 inches wide. While those numbers are hard to visualize, that means that inside front and rear legroom is generous for five passengers. It can hold 75.6 cubic feet of luggage as well.

The Subaru Forester SUV got a styling refresh in 2022, so it’s not getting any changes for 2023, and pretty much every dimension is within an inch or two of the Outback’s. It’s 182.7 inches long and 71.5 inches wide. It has very similar legroom and headroom dimensions, but its cargo area holds just 69.1 cubic feet of stuff.

So far in the Outback vs. Forester fight, the size advantage goes to the Subaru Outback.

Outback vs. Forester – which model is faster?

The 2023 Subaru Outback comes with two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter, 182-hp, four-cylinder. The optional engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that makes 260 hp and definitely outguns the Forester. Either engine mates to a CVT automatic with an eight-step manual mode tied to paddle shifters. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The Forester, however, only comes with the 182-hp four-cylinder. It can only tow 1,500 lbs, thanks to the CVT. Both SUVs come standard with Subaru’s all-wheel drive system. It does, though, make Edmunds’ best small SUVs list for 2023.

Which is more expensive, a Subaru Outback or Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester pricing starts at $26,395. The new Wilderness trim adds some off-rad goodies to the Forester, such as an additional 0.5 inches of grand clearance, longer shocks, and springs, as well as off-roar Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires for $34,020.

When you really want to pump up your Forester, though, the Touring model for $36,495 adds the full list of options, including gesture control ability for the climate control, and black or saddle leather with a 10-way driver’s seat, starts at $36,495.

The 2023 Subaru Outback is more expensive, and it starts at $28,395. While that version comes well equipped, the Premium at $30,695 comes with more of the stuff folks want, like the larger screen, dual-zone climate control, and several charge ports, including USB-C and USB-A. The $39,695 Outback Limited XT and Touring trims include the 260-hp motor, navigation, and even a heated steering wheel.

Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester – which should you buy? Now you have all the information you need to make an educated decision.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.