Forester vs Outback ? What are the main differences? Bryan Subaru explains

First, what do they have in common?

Like all Subarus, the Forester  and Outback  come standard with many safety technologies such as 4-wheel Anti-Lock Brakes that pulses braking power to help prevent wheel lockup. Subaru comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for better stability and along with that, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) automatically senses steering and braking inputs to help keep your vehicle on the intended path. Also, every Subaru comes with a SUBARU BOXER^® engine. The horizontal layout of the SUBARU BOXER^® engine combines balance with power and efficiency. And finally, Subaru is the only manufacturer with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models, two years in a row! Already made up your mind? Contact Bryan Subaru  

If you want to know more about the differences, Bryan Subaru will now give you some more insight:

Dimensions

The Outback is longer and a little wider. The wheelbase of the Outback is almost five inches longer but the Forester provides you a little more interior room with more head room and somewhat more legroom. Customers tell us that the Outback looks more like a station wagon and the Forester like an SUV. You therefore sit slightly higher in a Forester but both vehicles give you that "commanding driving position" so you can see what is ahead of you on the road.

Both the Forester and the Outback are known for their cargo space and are ideal for dog owners, especially with the optional Dog Guard Compartment Separator. We love our pets at Bryan Subaru. If you have a big dog, there is more height for him or her to stand in the Forester because the rear door is more erect. The cargo space can also be used to store your bike. You don't even have to remove the wheels when putting them in the back of your Subaru Outback.

Price
The base model of an Outback is about $2,700 more than the base model Forester and the difference buys you a slightly bigger car with some more standard equipment such as a roof rack and premium materials such as carpeting and interior surface finishes.  

Engines and Fuel Economy
Both vehicles come standard with the same 2.5 liter four cylinder BOXER^® engine that puts out 170 horsepower. The 3.6 liter engine is available for the Outback giving you extra horsepower, making it 256 hp.  Both vehicles get the same fuel economy on the highway but the Forester does a little better in the city.