Head to head
2025 Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback
The sourced numbers side by side, no verdict attached. Each column shows the 2025 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG.
At a glance
Subaru Forester
Shown: 2025 Forester AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, the median MPG trim of 2 2025 trims.
- NHTSA overall crash rating
- 5 of 5 stars
- Recalls, 2025 model year
- 2
- Owner complaints, 2025 model year
- 73
Subaru Outback
Shown: 2025 Outback AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, the median MPG trim of 2 2025 trims.
- NHTSA overall crash rating
- 5 of 5 stars
- Recalls, 2025 model year
- 0
- Owner complaints, 2025 model year
- 0
Spec by spec
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Forester AWD | Outback AWD |
| Trim / config | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
| MPG Hwy | 33 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Comb | 29 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Fuel $/yr | $2,150 | $2,500 |
| Eco Score | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Smog score | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| CO₂ | 310 g/mi | 356 g/mi |
| Length | 183 in | 192 in |
| Width | 72 in | 74 in |
| Height | 68 in | 66 in |
| Wheelbase | 105 in | 108 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,580 lb | 3,651 lb |
| Recalls | 2 | 0 |
| Complaints | 73 | 0 |
How this page picks its numbers
Both columns share the newest model year the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback both offer, 2025. Each column shows the 2025 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG. Fuel economy figures come from EPA records; recall, complaint, and crash rating figures come from NHTSA. Other trims differ, so open the comparison tool above to swap in the exact trims you are cross-shopping.