Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$48,990RRP
- with the Subaru Forester's standard kit: $48,990 (nothing to add)
$45,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Subaru Outback & Subaru Forester
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $53,889 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
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 Outback and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Recalls on our record
Subaru Outback
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005485 · published 3 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- REC-001697 · published 24 Aug 2021The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, as a result it may become deformed.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 11 more on the model page.
Subaru Forester
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001604 · published 2 Jun 2021The rear stabiliser bracket bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-001224 · published 3 Dec 2019Over time the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may fracture, allowing the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, 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.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Outback measures 4,880mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 225mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Outback a 34L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1267L vs 1174L.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Forester.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru Forester: Level on the CarSorted Score at 76, ahead on the category wins
The Subaru Forester comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 76), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Subaru Forester ahead by 6). The Subaru Forester will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L with the seats up (1,267L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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