Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback

The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $5,500.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $47,839 and $53,889 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 88% for the Subaru Outback.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Outback, against 4 on the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Subaru Forester does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Forester gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 225mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 34L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Forester.

Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,309 (Subaru Outback). The Subaru Forester saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.