Subaru Outback vs. Forrester

[Anonymous]

Trying to hold off on a new car a bit longer but will need to replace one soon as our old Honda is becoming a money pit. Was considering a Forester or Outback- will go to test drive both at some point but was wondering if anyone can compare the pluses/minuses of the two. I recall my mom's Forester being very noisy but maybe they are better now, she had an older model. I guess I like the "look" of the Forester over the Outback but wonder how they compare in terms of storage, comfort, handling etc.?

Also open to other similar models in other makes, like a CR-V.

[Anonymous]

Do you want longer trunk space (outback) or taller trunk space (forrester) - other than that they are very similar

[Anonymous]

Outback is like a foot longer than the Forrester. I preferred the roomier interior of the Outback but the extra foot was too much (we parallel park a lot). Forrester is short so beware if you have tall people in your family. Just go test drive them.

[Anonymous]

We are in the market for one of these cars as well, probably a Forrester. Can you even get them right now? I had heard that Subaru has very few cars and that you might have to wait a long time to get one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you even get them right now?

You can get them. You'll pay MSRP and may have to wait a bit but it shouldn't be that bad. Contact a handful of Subaru dealers, tell them you'll pay MSRP (no bs add-ons like fabric protection or rustproofing), and ask them what they can do for you.

[Anonymous]

We went with a touring edition Outback when we were expecting our second and had a toddler and still love it with 4 and 7 year olds. We have driven it on a relo trip from DC to TX and did another 3000 mile road trip in it, plenty of space both trips. Car is almost 5 years old and aside from oil changes/regular maintenance we have not spent money on it. We can't easily carpool, but that's my only complaint about the car.

[Anonymous]

I'd only prioritize an Outback over a Forester if you have kids, because the back is roomier and you have more trunk space. Otherwise it would just come down to preference. You may also want to consider the Crosstrek.

[Anonymous]

I'd also make sure that whichever you get, you get one with a a/c vent in the back seat (for outback, I think that's limited or above). I was looking at a crosstrek and without the a/c vent, my kid was sweating back there.

We didn't end up buying one, but were this close to getting the Outback after test driving all the things.

[Anonymous]

Have both. Outback has wayyyyyyy more room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are in the market for one of these cars as well, probably a Forrester. Can you even get them right now? I had heard that Subaru has very few cars and that you might have to wait a long time to get one.

There is a shortage of all cars right now, because of the microchip shortage. It’s not just Subaru.