Subaru is one of the leading automotive brands on the road today, thanks to the power of the flat-four BOXER® engine, the award-winning safety features and driver assist technology, and the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Once you decide that a new Subaru is the way to go, we know that it can be difficult to choose which amazing model will check all your boxes. This is why Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, has put together this handy comparison page, pitting the 2026 Forester against its rugged sibling, the 2026 Outback. Both SUVs offer impressive power, fuel economy, and towing capacity, as well as the latest in connectivity and luxury interior amenities. Below, you'll take a deep dive into the specs and features of the Forester and Outback so you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to choose your new vehicle. We invite you to contact us by phone, online, or stop by our Capitol Subaru dealership in Salem, OR, to speak to our expert sales staff, take a test drive, and apply for financing. We're excited to see you and help get you behind the wheel of a new Subaru! Stop by today.
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Design & Exterior Features
Both the 2026 Forester and Outback share an impressive 8.7-inch ground clearance. For those seeking a more rugged, off-road vehicle, however, both models are available in the Wilderness trim, which provides an even taller ground clearance. The Forester Wilderness is 9.3 inches while the Outback Wilderness offers a 9.5-inch ground clearance. The Forester starts off with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Outback comes standard with 18-inch wheels. LED steering responsive headlights are standard fare on both for excellent visibility while cornering, and LED fog lights are standard on the Outback and available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Raised roof rails are standard on the Forester and available on the Outback.
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Comfort & Technology
You'll find comfortable seating for 5 in both the 2026 Forester and 2026 Outback. Both compact SUVs offer similar passenger volume, while the Outback is the winner in the max cargo volume category: 74.4 cubic feet vs 80.5 cubic feet. Heated front seats are standard fare in the Outback and available on higher trim levels of the Forester. Ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats are available on both SUVs for the ultimate in luxurious comfort. A dual-zone climate control is standard fare for both models, so the driver and the passenger can be at their own ideal temperature. You'll find dual 7-inch touchscreens in the Forester, while the Outback boasts a 12.1 display, both with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, but only the Outback offers wireless compatibility.
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Performance
Both the 2026 Forester and the 2026 Outback come standard with the 2.5-liter BOXER, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. If you're in the market for more power, consider jumping to the Outback Wilderness model. It packs a potent 2.4-liter BOXER and generates a hefty 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both compact SUVs are paired to the Lineartronic® CVT, which offers a lighter design for better handling. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard fare on both models as well as SI-DRIVE® and Active Torque Vectoring. The Forester gets up to 33 MPG on the highway and can tow up to 1,500 lbs, while the Outback gets up to 31 highway MPG and tows up to 2,700 lbs. Both Wilderness models can up the towing to 3,500 lbs.
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Safety
While neither of the 2026 models has been rated yet, the 2025 Forester and Outback were both awarded a perfect 5-star crash safety rating by the NHTSA, while the 2025 Forester was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. There's no question about the safety of the new 2026 models as both come standard with the EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology, which includes Automatic Emergency braking and steering, Lane Keep Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and much more. DriverFocus® Distraction Management System, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Blind Spot Detection are standard fare on the Outback, while they're available on the higher trim levels of the Forester.
2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Subaru Outback: Overall Value
Both the 2026 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Subaru Outback are great choices for your next vehicle. Both compact SUVs offer amazing fuel economy, safety features, performance, connectivity, and so much more. You can choose to buy the Wilderness trim level on either the Forester or the Outback, taking advantage of the rugged build, higher ground clearance, and water-repellent upholstery. Stop by Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, today or contact us to get your test drives on our books! We can't wait to see you.
 | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2,5-Liter BOXER® | 2.5-Liter BOXER® |
| Standard Horsepower | 180 | 180 |
| Standard Torque | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Passenger Volume | 110.8 Cubic Feet | 112.3 Cubic Feet |
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Standard |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 33 Highway / 26 City | 31 Highway / 25 City |
| Max Cargo Volume | 74.4 Cubic Feet | 80.5 Cubic Feet |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Aluminum-Alloy | 18-inch Aluminum-Alloy |
