Both the Outback and Forester come with standard AWD, excellent safety ratings, and practical family-friendly interiors — so what actually separates them? The answer comes down to how you sit and how you drive, not how much you spend. If you’re also comparing deals across the island, see our best Subaru deals on Long Island for current incentives.
Bottom Line: Choose the Outback for a lower, highway-confident ride; choose the Forester for an upright SUV feel with easier entry and more cargo room with seats up.
- Ground clearance is identical (8.7 in) — neither has an off-road edge over the other
- The Outback offers a turbocharged engine option; the Forester does not
- The Forester starts slightly lower in price and has more cargo volume with rear seats up
Size and Dimensions: More Similar Than You’d Think
The Outback and Forester are close in overall size, but the differences matter in daily life around Nassau County.
| Spec | 2026 Outback | 2026 Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo (seats up) | 32.5 cu ft | 34.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 75.7 cu ft | 76.1 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in |
| Overall height | 66.1 in | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 105.1 in |
| Starting MSRP | ~$30,495 | ~$28,995 |
The Forester has slightly more cargo volume when rear seats are up — useful for weekly grocery runs or camping gear. The Outback is a few inches longer with more rear legroom, which makes it more comfortable for taller passengers on long trips.
Ride Feel: The Biggest Real Difference
This is where the two models genuinely diverge — and where most buyers make their final call.
The Outback sits lower and drives more like a station wagon. It handles highway cruising with a stability that feels planted and confident. Many Nassau County commuters who spend time on the LIE or Northern State Parkway prefer the Outback for exactly this reason.
The Forester rides higher with a more traditional SUV posture. The seating position is more upright, you have more glass around you, and the elevated ride height makes it easy to spot cross-traffic at busy Nassau County intersections. Drivers who feel more comfortable “sitting up” consistently prefer the Forester.
Engine Options: Where They Diverge
Both models share the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four producing 182 horsepower, paired with a CVT automatic. Real-world performance is essentially identical — composed on the highway, comfortable around town, confident in winter.
The Outback has a performance upgrade the Forester doesn’t. The Outback Onyx XT and Wilderness trims offer a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp for drivers who want more passing power on the highway. There’s no comparable upgrade on the standard Forester lineup.
Features: Where Each Wins
Both models include Subaru EyeSight — adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist — as standard equipment across all trim levels. Neither model requires paying for safety features.
The Outback gets:
- Standard 11.6-inch center touchscreen on higher trims
- Available Navi-Pro system
- Outback Wilderness trim for genuine light off-road capability
The Forester gets:
- Wider panoramic roof options across more trim levels
- More upright visibility — easier to judge distances in tight parking
- Forester Wilderness trim with added ground clearance and rugged styling
"This is one of the most common questions we get on the showroom floor — Outback or Forester? Both are fantastic vehicles, but it really comes down to whether you prioritize cargo space and a wagon feel, or a higher seating position and easier access for the family."
General Manager, Grand Prix Subaru
Which Trim Should You Choose?
For most Hicksville, Bethpage, Plainview, and Syosset buyers who want a capable daily driver, the decision is straightforward.
| Your Priority | Recommended Trim |
|---|---|
| Best value, all features | Outback Premium or Forester Premium |
| Highway commuting focus | Outback Limited |
| More power | Outback Onyx XT |
| Around-town + cargo | Forester Limited |
| Genuine off-road use | Outback Wilderness or Forester Wilderness |
Once you see the current lease numbers, price often helps make the decision. When Subaru has strong incentives on one model specifically, the monthly payment difference can tip the balance. Check current lease and finance specials at Grand Prix Subaru to see what’s available now.
The Test Drive Question
Reading specs only gets you so far. The difference between the Outback’s long wagon stance and the Forester’s upright SUV feel is something you really need to feel for yourself.
Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville has both in stock for back-to-back test drives — a 45-minute investment that will tell you more than any comparison chart.
If you’ve already decided on the Outback and want to maximize the deal, check our best Subaru deals for South Shore Long Island for current incentive details. For Hudson Valley buyers considering the same models, see the Subaru Outback buyer’s guide for Hudson Valley.
Ready to see them side by side? Grand Prix Subaru can set up a back-to-back test drive so you can feel the difference yourself.
Schedule a test drive at Grand Prix Subaru →
Quick Comparison Summary
| Outback | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Highway commuters, longer trips | City driving, easy entry, families |
| Driving feel | Lower, wagon-like | Higher, upright SUV |
| Performance upgrade | Yes (XT turbo) | No |
| Starting price | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Cargo (seats up) | Slightly less | Slightly more |
| Best pick | Highway-heavy drivers | Around-town drivers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get AWD on both the Outback and Forester?
Yes — Subaru Symmetrical AWD is standard on every trim of both models. There’s no front-wheel-drive version available in the US market.
Which Subaru holds its value better?
Both hold value very well — Subaru consistently ranks among the top brands for resale. The Outback has traditionally edged out the Forester slightly, but the difference is small enough not to be a deciding factor.
Does Grand Prix Subaru carry both models in stock?
Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville typically carries a full inventory of both Outback and Forester trims. It’s worth calling ahead if you’re looking for a specific color or trim combination. Contact Grand Prix Subaru →
Is the Outback or Forester better for winter driving in Nassau County?
Both are excellent. Standard AWD on every trim handles snow confidently. The difference is negligible for typical Nassau County winters — but adding proper winter tires (available through Grand Prix Subaru’s parts department) takes either vehicle to another level.
What are the lease payment differences between the two?
Payments depend on current Subaru Financial incentives, which change monthly. The Forester typically starts $20–40/month lower on comparable trim levels, but the gap narrows when Subaru runs special support on either model. Check current specials at Grand Prix Subaru for live numbers.