2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester vs. Outback

2025 Subaru Outback Outside

 

If your family needs a new SUV in Columbus, our lot has three outstanding selections. Compare the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Outback vs. Forester with our guide before you head to our lot near Dublin to see which one you favor. If you can’t narrow your choices here, feel free to test-drive any of the Subaru SUVs on our lot. Keep reading to learn more from Byers Subaru Dublin.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester vs. Outback: Sizes

Which is the best Subaru SUV for you? Size is a good indication of which one you should go with. All five models seat five people. Look for the Outback when you want the top cargo volume when you compare the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. All of them have roughly the same headroom and legroom numbers.

A main difference between the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Forester vs. Outback is that the Outback has a hybrid wagon and SUV style. Meanwhile, the Forester and Crosstrek are both SUVs for drives in Upper Arlington.

Compare the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback interior dimensions here:

Subaru Crosstrek

  • EPA interior volume (with/without moonroof): 99.0 cubic feet / 100.5 cubic feet
  • Cargo volume (rear seats up/down): 19.9 cubic feet / 54.7 cubic feet (Base)
  • Cargo volume (rear seats up/down): 20.0 cubic feet /54.9 cubic feet (Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness)
  • Headroom (first/second row): 39.8 inches / 38.0 inches (without Moonroof)
  • Headroom (first/second row): 38.7 inches / 38.0 inches (with Moonroof)
  • Shoulder room (first/second row): 56.8 inches / 55.3 inches
  • Hip room (first/second row): 55.1 inches / 53.2 inches
  • Legroom (first/second row): 42.9 inches / 36.5 inches

Subaru Forester

  • Headroom without Panoramic Moonroof (Front/Rear): 41.2 inches / 39.6 inches
  • Headroom with Panoramic Moonroof (Front/Rear): 40 inches / 37.7 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 57.7 inches / 56.7 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 43.3 inches / 39.4 inches
  • Passenger Volume (Without/With Panoramic Moonroof): 110.8 cubic feet / 106.6 cubic feet
  • Maximum Cargo Space without Panoramic Moonroof (Behind Rear/Front Rows): 29.6 cubic feet / 74.4 cubic feet
  • Maximum Cargo Space with Panoramic Moonroof (Behind Rear/Front Rows): 27.5 cubic feet / 69.1 cubic feet

Subaru Outback

  • Headroom without Panoramic Moonroof (Front/Rear): 40.1 inches / 39.1 inches
  • Headroom with Panoramic Moonroof (Front/Rear): 39.1 inches / 39.1 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 58.1 inches / 57.4 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 42.8 inches / 39.5 inches
  • Passenger Volume (Without/With Panoramic Moonroof): 109 cubic feet / 107.5 cubic feet
  • Maximum Cargo Space (Behind Rear/Front Rows): 32.6 cubic feet / 75.6 cubic feet

Compare Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback Engine Performance

These three Subaru SUVs also have different engine performance figures. For the most power when searching for the best Subaru SUV in Powell, the Outback is your choice with the turbocharged engine on some models.

See the engine specs of these Subaru SUVs here:

Subaru Crosstrek

2.0L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder

  • Standard engine on: Crosstrek (Base)
  • Horsepower: 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
  • Maximum towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder

  • Standard engine on: Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness
  • Horsepower: 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
  • Torque: 178 lb-ft of torque @ 3,700 rpm
  • Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Subaru Forester

  • 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® Engine (Lineartronic® CVT)
  • 180 hp
  • 178 lb-ft
  • Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission with low shift mode
  • Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • 1,500-pound towing capacity

Subaru Outback

2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-Cylinder

Standard On: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring

  • 182 hp
  • 176 lb-ft
  • Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission
  • Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • 2,700-pound towing capacity

2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-Cylinder

Standard On: Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims

  • 260 hp
  • 277 lb-ft
  • Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission
  • Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • 3,500-pound towing capacity

If you want to max out your cargo space and towing capacity, the best Subaru SUV for your family is the Outback. Consider a Wilderness edition if you want off-road-ready features to take outdoor adventures to the next level.

Test-Drive Subaru SUVs Sale in Columbus

Ready to get behind the wheel of the best Subaru SUV for your family? Contact us or call 833-461-0211 to schedule a test drive with our team. Until we meet, look over our new vehicle specials to cash in on a sweet deal at Byers Subaru Dublin.

 

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2455 Billingsley Rd, Columbus, OH, 43235
Byers Subaru Dublin 40.1113502, -83.0840634.