2026 Subaru Outback Vs. Forester

2024 Subaru Outback vs. 2024 Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester

vs.

2026 Subaru Outback
5 passengers

Seating Capacity

5 passengers
69.1 or 74.4

Maximum Cargo Volume

80.5 cubic feet
2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine

Base Engine

2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine
180 hp

Standard Horsepower

180 hp
178 lb-ft

Standard Torque

178 lb-ft

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.

2026 Subaru Outback Vs. Subaru Forester: Interior Space

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:

2026 Subaru Forester Interior

  • Row Count: 2
  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Passenger Volume: 110.8 or 106.6 cubic feet (depending on trim)
  • Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row: 29.6 or 27.5 cubic feet (depending on trim)
  • Cargo Volume Behind 1st Row: 74.4 or 69.1 cubic feet (depending on trim)

2026 Subaru Outback Interior

  • Row Count: 2
  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Passenger Volume: 111.1 or 112.3 cubic feet (depending on configuration)
  • Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row: 34.6 cubic feet
  • Cargo Volume Behind 1st Row: 80.5 cubic feet

2026 Subaru Outback Vs. Subaru Forester: Performance

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:

2026 Subaru Forester Performance

Base Engine (All Trims)

  • 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder
  • 180 hp
  • 178 lb-ft of torque

2026 Subaru Outback Performance

Base Engine (Premium, Limited, Touring)

  • 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder
  • 180 hp
  • 178 lb-ft of torque

Optional Engine (Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT)

  • 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder
  • 260 hp
  • 277 lb-ft of torque

Shop For New SUVs For Sale At Byers Subaru Dublin

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.

 

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