Which Subaru Is Right for You? Outback vs Forester

When drivers consider buying a Subaru SUV, it usually comes down to either the Outback or the Forester. These two models are neck and neck when it comes to performance, convenience, and driver satisfaction. Learning more about them and how they can elevate your daily drive is a great way to decide which SUV works best for you. After all, driving in Charlotte can be daunting enough, so getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that fits your needs can give you the peace of mind you’ve been looking for.

Drivers searching for used cars in Charlotte, NC, can turn to Williams Subaru because we know Charlotte drivers and are always happy to help. Picking out a new vehicle is a big investment in both time and money, so it’s important to get it right. If you can’t decide which car to get, then you’re in the right place. Read on to learn about both of these great Subaru SUVs to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your driving needs.

The Outback and the Forester are two of Subaru’s most popular and durable vehicles. Both offer a lot in terms of space, performance, and flexibility for drivers. Their comfortable seating and spacious interiors make them both great for growing families and activities like camping or hiking. Meanwhile, their stellar fuel economy and noteworthy durability make them great commuters and everyday rides you can count on. So which is it, the Outback or the Forester?

All About the Outback

The Subaru Outback is a great vehicle for urban drivers trying to navigate in and around the Charlotte area. This is because the midsize crossover is set on a car platform. This gives it a compact silhouette plus the smooth and responsive driving of a sedan. Whether you’re dealing with tight parking or busy highways, the Outback is suited for your needs.

The Outback has had driver’s backs since its release in 1994. Since then, the model has seen countless makeovers and updates to turn it from a station wagon into the modern crossover that it is today. This long presence on the market means there are always plenty of used models to choose from. This is great for drivers who want the dependability that the Outback is known for while staying within their budgets.

For the sixth and current generation, which was introduced in 2020, the Outback was given a facelift to update its cabin with high-quality materials to give it a modern appeal. A streamlined dash with a larger touchscreen keeps the Outback’s technology user-friendly and stress-free for drivers. The ability to connect your smartphone for a personalized drive has great appeal for drivers who want to really make their vehicle their own.

A Subaru Outback can last upwards of 200,000-300,000 miles when properly maintained, giving drivers a lot of value for their dollar when they shop used. The low cost of parts and repairs means drivers don’t have to spend a lot to keep their Outback on track. If you’re a daily commuter or weekend road tripper, having a vehicle that can keep up with you is essential.

What else is essential? Plenty of interior space and comfort, of course! Well, don’t worry, the Outback has plenty to go around. The Outback has two rows of seating with room for up to five passengers. It’s worthwhile to note that the Outback is slightly longer than the Forester. However, if you’re tall, the Forester offers more headroom. Keeping that in mind will help you decide which SUV is perfect for your needs.

Cloth seating is standard on most Outback trims, but you can find plenty of used models with leather upholstery for a more upscale feel. The seats are supportive for both drivers and passengers. If you don’t need those rear seats, you can fold the second row flat to enjoy the crossover’s excellent cargo space.

Let’s break down what we learned about the Outback. We know that it’s been on the road for decades, which means there are plenty of models to choose from. Thanks to its great fuel economy and responsive steering, it’s perfect for Charlotte commuters and those who often have to deal with limited parking or busy traffic. The interior is comfortable and spacious, which makes it the perfect model for growing families or carpoolers. However, its headroom is not as great as the Forester. Overall, the Outback presents a modern, sporty design that fits multiple active lifestyles and budgets.

What to Know About the Forester

While the Outback is Subaru’s top-selling model, the Forester comes in right behind it. This is probably because of the Outback’s additional length and great towing abilities, which make it more suited for urban and suburban driving. But if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, you can’t really go wrong with a used Forester.

The Forester was introduced in 1997 as the SUV version of the Impreza platform. It gave off more of an adventurous vibe than the Outback while also offering a bit more headroom thanks to its boxy shape. The Forester was designed to be tough but also offer an easy driving experience. This makes it a great vehicle for active families. We’re talking about people who like to get out of town and see the scenic sides of North Carolina. Whether it’s simply enjoying an afternoon at Myers Park or making the journey to take in the beautiful scenery of Crowders Mountain State Park, the Forester offers seating for five plus ample cargo space for luggage, gear, and plenty of fun for everyone.

The Forester entered its fifth generation in 2019, and it’s still going strong with modern safety and driver-assist features that make this generation the safest yet. The vehicle was redesigned with additional cargo space and an overall larger body. Standard all-wheel drive makes it perfect for tackling various terrains, including wet, slippery, or sandy roads. This is great news if you often like to explore local campgrounds or parks.

New technology has drivers covered, including the ability to sync your smartphone with your infotainment system and customize your driving experience to your liking. We also appreciate that the Forester starts out at a lower price, making it easier for drivers to get into a dependable vehicle on a budget, especially when they shop used. While the Forester might not be as long as the Outback, it makes up for it with more headroom. As for fuel economy, the Forester and Outback are on even ground. If you want to explore, you can’t go wrong with the flexible and affordable Forester.

More Similarities Than Differences

It’s true; the Outback and Forester are different in plenty of ways. The Outback can be equipped to offer more towing power, while the Forester offers more space for tall drivers. However, both are considered top-notch vehicles for active families because of their equally high safety ratings and fuel economy. It really all comes down to the driver and their lifestyle.

As we mentioned above, the Outback is great for urban driving, and its slightly longer silhouette gives it more cargo space for work materials or daily essentials. The Forester is more compact and perfect if you want to get away for a weekend or if you need to tackle a tight parking space. Whether uptown or downtown or hitting the highway, both vehicles are great choices for drivers who want the peace of mind only a Subaru can offer.

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