Head to head
2026 Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback
The sourced numbers side by side, no verdict attached. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG.
At a glance
Subaru Forester
Shown: 2026 Forester AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, the median MPG trim of 2 2026 trims.
- Recalls, 2026 model year
- 3
- Owner complaints, 2026 model year
- 25
Subaru Outback
Shown: 2026 Outback AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, the median MPG trim of 2 2026 trims.
- Recalls, 2026 model year
- 0
- Owner complaints, 2026 model year
- 16
Spec by spec
| Spec | 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 2026 Subaru Outback AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 21 mpg |
| MPG Comb | 29 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Fuel $/yr | $2,300 | $2,800 |
| Eco Score | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| CO₂ | 310 g/mi | 369 g/mi |
| Length | 183 in | 192 in |
| Width | 72 in | 74 in |
| Height | 68 in | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | 105 in | 108 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,580 lb | 3,772 lb |
| Recalls | 3 | 0 |
| Complaints | 25 | 16 |
How this page picks its numbers
Both columns share the newest model year the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback both offer, 2026. Each column shows the 2026 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.