Agree with others that you really need to drive both. And bring your car seats so you can see how they fit.

I will say that the Outback’s rear seat is noticeably larger. We have an Outback felt that it was a nicer ride. I think taller people like the Forester since there is so much headroom. Not an issue in our family lol

Forrester is more for utility, Outback is a nicer ride. If I wanted a 3rd row, I'd go for the Ascent. My friend has one and loves it.

We have a Forester and I could never figure out what the advantage of the Outback was that justified the higher price. But, I do agree with PP that you can't fit 3 car seats in the back seat. And if you have 2, the kid in the middle is going to be unhappy.

But overall we're happy with ours that we've had for 9 years and will probably get another one after this one. I have other family members who are on their second or third Foresters. My aunt recently switched to a Crosstrek and likes it. I didn't find the drivers seat to be as comfortable as I'd like it when I test drove one though.

Test drive both and pick the one you prefer. We have a forester and love it. We never considered the outback. Theyre quite different and you'll likely prefer one over the other pretty clearly once you give them a try.

I own two Foresters and I love them but I can’t imagine fitting three car seats in the second row. Maybe two seats and a booster. I’ve had both of them for six or so years and I’ve never had any problems with either of them.

Anonymous wrote:If I'm most concerned about hauling kids, the Outback, which is slightly better suited to rear-seat passengers.

If I'm most concerned about hauling stuff, the Forester, which has a higher ceiling so more cargo capacity.

I assume if everyone's headed someplace, you'll be in the minivan, right?

+1.
I have a Forester and love it, but you can't seat 3 adults (or car seats) in the back seat. I would have preferred an Outback but it was slightly more expensive, plus I actually do like the higher ceiling.

I had a 2015 Outback and now have a 2019 Forester. I like the larger windows and taller height of the Forester but miss the larger seats and cup holders of my Outback.

Outback
- wider across the body, front seats are large and comfy
- longer and wider cargo area
- has a “sedan” feel when driving but has AWD and good ground clearance

Forester
- sits up higher and much larger windows all around
- cargo area is less long and wide but is taller
- less legroom for backseat passengers
- feels like a small SUV and not a sedan

If I'm most concerned about hauling kids, the Outback, which is slightly better suited to rear-seat passengers.

If I'm most concerned about hauling stuff, the Forester, which has a higher ceiling so more cargo capacity.

I assume if everyone's headed someplace, you'll be in the minivan, right?

With 3 kids, I'd get the Forester. Though in general I prefer the size and feel of the Outback.

Foresters used to have a lower, boxier profile and I liked that version a lot better. Now they just look and feel like every other small SUV/cross-over, including the Crosstrek. I just don't get the point of the Forester category anymore.

We've owned both. Loved the Outback and drove it into the ground (12 years, I think?). Forester has been a lemon.

That said, my sister also has a Forester and loves hers.

Anonymous wrote:Neither. Why Subaru? They don’t have good transmissions.

It's a Subaru thing.

Neither. Why Subaru? They don’t have good transmissions.

I have both a Forester and an Outback. If you're only buying one with 3 kids, a Forester without a doubt.

I think the Forester is a bit bigger than the Outback. What do you like in them? You want better mileage, especially if the other car is a minivan. Which has better mileage? Can you fit 3 carseats comfortably in the back. You know how your kids grow. Some kids are huge at an early age, that means your carseat/booster tend to be big.

I prefer Honda CRV for their mileage. They have great mileage.

What I've noticed about Subaru is that it makes loud sounds when the engine starts. Then it settles quickly when the car moves.

Which one would you buy? We have 3 (young) kids. Our other car is a minivan. We will buy it new, whichever one we choose.