Comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback Models

SUVs are as versatile as they are popular, often used for road trips, off-road adventures, and family driving. But depending on your needs, a crossover might be a better fit. In either case, Subraru has your back. Read on for our 2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback comparison to help you make the best choice for your needs. 

2025 Subaru Forester: Review, specs, & price

If you’ve got fewer than five passengers and need an affordable vehicle with solid performance, the 2025 Subaru Forester might be a good option. With a flat-four engine, all-wheel drive, and extra ground clearance, the Forester can handle bumpy roads and even moderate off-road terrain. 

Major changes to the 2025 Forester include a new exterior design, upgraded chassis, electric power-steering rack, and hands-free power tailgate. 

Price

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2025 Subaru Forester ranges from $31,115 to $41,390. Here’s a breakdown of the base price by trim level. 

Powertrain & performance

The 2025 Forester runs on a 2.5-L flat-four engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Performance is suitable for most drivers at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The compact SUV accelerates to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. 

Fuel economy

According to the EPA, the new Forester has a gas mileage of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. 

Interior features

Although compact, the Forester is far from uncomfortable. Interior features for mid- and high-end trims include a leather-wrapped gear selector and heated and ventilated front seats. When the rear seats are folded, you get roughly 75 cubic feet of cargo space. There’s also an available hands-free power tailgate. 

Infotainment & connectivity 

The Forester sports an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard on all but the base model, which gets dual a 7.0-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.  

Safety features

Standard safety features for the 2025 Subaru Forester include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

Warranty & maintenance coverage

Subaru’s warranty package includes a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles. No complimentary maintenance is included, but you can schedule affordable service at the Capital Subaru of Greenville Service Center. 

2025 Subaru Outback: Review, specs, & pricing

Depending on your needs, a compact SUV may be more than you need. A crossover may be a better fit. In that case, let’s continue our 2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback comparison with an in-depth run-down of the Outback’s features, specs, and performance. 

For 2025 specifically, the Outback includes a few upgrades to the Limited trim: a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, driver attention monitoring, & a larger 11.6-inch infotainment screen. There’s also the available XT package, which slips a turbo 2.4-L engine under the hood to deliver a whopping 260 horsepower. 

Price

The MSRP for the 2025 Subaru Outback starts at $30,315 and can go as high as $44,190. Here’s a breakdown of the base price by trim: 

Powertrain & performance

The 2025 Outback runs on two engines: a standard 2.5-L four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower, or the more powerful 2.4-L turbo four that makes 260 ponies. Both are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The former can hit 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, while the latter does the same in 5.8 seconds. 

Fuel economy

According to the EPA, the Outback’s standard engine has a gas mileage of 26 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined. The turbo engine, naturally, guzzles slightly more gas at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. 

Interior features

Inside, the Outback has a basic passenger compartment that has a decidedly “sedan” feel. Although its materials aren’t flash, the space is comfortable, with extra legroom compared with previous iterations. 

On all but the base model, you get heated front seats, a power-adjusted driver’s seat, and a bunch of USB ports scattered throughout the cabin. In terms of storage, you get about 33 cubic feet in the wayback space. 

Infotainment & connectivity

The Outback comes standard with a dual 7.0-inch touchscreen setup. However, the Premium trim and higher comes with a far more attractive 11.6-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Available add-ons include a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. 

Safety features

Standard safety features on the 2025 Subaru Outback include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available as add-ons. 

Warranty & maintenance coverage

The Outback comes with the same standard warranty package as the Forester. 

2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback FAQs

Is the 2025 Subaru Forester quiet?

Several reviewers do report that the 2025 Subaru Forester has a quieter engine and cabin than previous versions. 

Will there be any changes to the 2025 Subaru Outback?

Yes, there are some changes to the 2025 Subaru Outback. Most of these apply to the Limited trim: a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, driver attention monitoring, 11.6-inch infotainment screen, and available XT package. 

Final thoughts on the 2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback

After reading our 2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback comparison, it should be clear that both vehicles are affordable vehicles with solid performance. The question of which is best really depends on your needs. 

If you’re still on the fence, stop by Capital Subaru of Greenville and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.