vs.
Seating Capacity
Maximum Cargo Volume
Base Engine
Standard Horsepower
Standard Torque
Are you seeking an SUV that offers enhanced capability, long-lasting value, and added peace of mind to your daily drives in Upper Arlington and the surrounding areas? Both the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Forester are excellent choices. Which is right for your weekday commutes to your office in Dublin and weekend getaways out past Powell? To help you decide, the team at our Columbus dealership has compared the 2026 Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester in terms of their size and performance.
Both the Forester and the Outback have 5 seats. So whether you’re visiting Coffman Park for the annual Dublin Irish Festival or taking your family for a weekend vacation out of state, you’ll have plenty of seating and room for your loved ones. While these models have generously spaced cabins, the Outback is slightly more spacious, with more passenger and cargo volume. Need the extra room? You’ll go with the Outback. Otherwise, the Forester has plenty of space for shorter drives to Coffman Park or Indian Run Falls. Check out the interior dimensions of these models here:
For performance, both the Forester and the Outback use the 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine as the standard powertrain. That said, you will enjoy the same horsepower and torque in either model. However, if you want next-level performance on the road, only the Outback offers an option to upgrade to the 260-hp 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine.
See the specs for these SUVs’ engines below:
Base Engine (All Trims)
Base Engine (Premium, Limited, Touring)
Optional Engine (Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT)
Whether you’re leaning toward the Outback or Forester, we’d love for you to contact us online or call us at 833-461-0211 to set up a test drive of either or both. Feel free to apply for financing before you stop by Byers Subaru Dublin to ensure a smooth, simple purchasing process. Our auto loan application is quick and easy to use, and you can complete it from the comfort of your home.
2026 Subaru Forester Cargo Space & Dimensions Up to 74.4 cu. ft. of cargo room, seating for five, and a smartly sized footprint. Quick Answer: The 2026 Subaru Forester offers up to 74.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded (Base trim), or 69.1 cubic feet on trims with the panoramic…
2026 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Adventure-ready capability, standard all-wheel drive, and up to 3,500 lbs of towing muscle. Quick Answer: The 2026 Subaru Outback tows up to 2,700 lbs on Premium, Limited, and Touring trims (2.5L engine) and up to 3,500 lbs on Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims (2.4L turbocharged engine). Every 2026…
A growing family means growing demands. Shuttling a full carpool to practice in Dublin, packing up giant grocery hauls from the Perimeter Loop, or heading out for a weekend at Glacier Ridge Metro Park requires a specific kind of automotive muscle. You need rows of seating, heavy-duty safety features, and enough cargo space to handle…
