Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester
Side-by-side score breakdown across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
What the Numbers Mean for You
- Up-front cost: the Subaru Outback starts about $1,900 lower ($31,795 vs $33,695).
- Biggest gap — safety: the Subaru Forester leads by 0.5 points (9.0 vs 8.5). In practice that means stronger crash protection and driver-assistance coverage.
Quick verdict: planning to keep it 8+ years? Lean Subaru Forester (reliability edge). Care most about the drive itself? The Subaru Outback is the more rewarding pick.
Fuel estimates assume 15,000 miles/year at $3.50/gal. Recall counts from NHTSA at page build time. Scores are Carivo's editorial assessment informed by NHTSA, EPA, and manufacturer data — how we score →
