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Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (169 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (40,000 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Outback or Subaru Forester?

Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Outback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Subaru Forester is moderately cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Subaru Outback costs 40,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,886 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Subaru Forester uses 8.1 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Subaru Outback offers slightly more power – delivering 169 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 33 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Subaru Outback is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 10.2 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Subaru Outback delivers clearly more torque with 252 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 70 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Outback is barely lighter – 1,643 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 50 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Outback offers marginally more boot space – 561 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries moderately more – 557 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 65 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Subaru Outback stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £40,000
Outback

Subaru Outback

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 169 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 8.6 L/100km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
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View detailed analysis

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

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Reviews Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
193 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Estate
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
561 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,875 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
524 - 557 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
169 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
252 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
124 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Subaru
Is the Subaru Outback offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.