Compare the Subaru Outback vs Forester

The 2025 Subaru Outback vs. Forester: Choosing Your Adventure Companion

Subaru's legacy of rugged versatility shines brighter than ever in the 2025 Outback and Forester. Both models deliver Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced safety tech, and adventure-ready engineering-but their designs and strengths cater to different lifestyles. Whether you're navigating coastal highways or forest trails, understanding their nuances ensures you find the perfect match. Let's explore what sets these 2025 models apart.

2025 Subaru Outback

Interior & Exterior: Adventure, Styled Differently

The 2025 Outback leans into its crossover-wagon heritage with a sleek, elongated profile and updated hexagonal grille. New 18-inch black-painted wheels (standard on Premium trim) and revised LED steering-responsive headlights enhance its road presence. Inside, its cabin emphasizes refinement with available Nappa leather and an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay®.

The 2025 Forester embraces its SUV identity with a taller stance, larger windows, and a redesigned front bumper for improved approach angles. New Wilderness Green Metallic paint and standard roof rails amplify its outdoor ethos. Its interior prioritizes practicality with StarTex® water-repellent upholstery (standard on Premium) and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.

Space & Cargo: Versatility Defined

The Outback's wagon shape grants it a cargo advantage:

  • 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats (vs. Forester's 29.2).
  • 75.7 cubic feet with seats folded (vs. 63.4).

The Forester counters with superior headroom (41.2 inches vs. 40.1) and a square cargo opening for bulkier items like pet crates or coolers.

2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Outback

Ground Clearance: Trail-Ready Credentials

Both models excel off-road, but the 2025 Outback Wilderness trim raises the bar with 9.5 inches of clearance (vs. Forester Wilderness' 9.2). Standard X-Mode with Deep Snow/Mud and Snow/Dirt settings gives the Outback an edge in extreme conditions. The Forester, with 8.7 inches (8.9 on Sport), remains a capable choice for light trails and snowy commutes.

Pricing & Value

  • 2025 Outback: Starts at $29,010 (Base), undercutting the Forester's $29,995 base price.
  • Forester Premium: $32,395 adds heated seats, power moonroof, and blind-spot monitoring.
  • Outback Wilderness: $40,095 includes dual-function X-Mode, all-terrain tires, and front-view camera.
2025 Subaru Forester

Benefits of Each Model

Choose the 2025 Outback If…

You prioritize long-haul comfort, max cargo space, and towing capacity (2,700 pounds vs. Forester's 1,500). Ideal for cross-country road trips or hauling gear to Acadia National Park.

Choose the 2025 Forester If…

You value upright visibility, urban maneuverability, and standard EyeSight® safety tech. Perfect for navigating tight downtown streets or weekend camping.

Find Your 2025 Subaru at Stanley Subaru

Stanley Subaru offers expert guidance to match you with the ideal Outback or Forester. Test drive both models on routes mimicking Maine's diverse terrain, from Route 1A's curves to gravel backroads. Visit us today.

How Can We Help?

* Indicates a required field

Privacy Policy

  1. Stanley Subaru

    22 Bar Harbor Road
    Ellsworth, ME 04605

    • Sales: 207-667-4641
Loading Map...

Get in Touch

  • Contact our Sales Department at: 207-667-4641
  • Monday8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Tuesday8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Wednesday8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Thursday8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Friday8:00AM-6:00PM
  • Saturday8:00AM-5:00PM
  • SundayClosed