Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Subaru Forester
$632
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Subaru Outback
$607
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
3
1
2
Above Average
The Subaru Forester Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $632 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Subaru Outback Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 10th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $607 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good car. now I have 180.000 miles on it and I have to change the head gaskets, that will cost about...”
“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good...”
The Subaru Outback ranks highest in safety and ranks lowest in performance.
“This was my 5th of 6 Subaru's and most likly my last. Front rotor's were an issue until I replaced them with a slotted performance set on all 4 corners @ 40,000 miles. My model was a LL Bean with...”
“This was my 5th of 6 Subaru's and most likly my last. Front rotor's were an issue until I...”
The Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback have a lot of similarities, as you’d expect of two cars from the same manufacturer. The Forester is a compact, two-row SUV, and the Outback is a midsize, two-row, wagon-based SUV. Both of these vehicles come with all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The primary differences between the Forester and the Outback come down to their platforms. The Forester is built on a shorter wheelbase and sits the occupants more upright. The Outback is built on a longer wheelbase and sits the occupants lower within the vehicle. This makes the Forester taller and less long, while the Outback is longer, with a lower roofline.
Despite the variations in dimensions, the Forester and the Outback have nearly the same amount of cargo space when you fold down the rear seats. The Forester has 74.7 cubic feet, while the Outback offers 73.3.
Both of these vehicles offer state-of-the-art driver assistance features, optional engines with higher power ratings, and several trim levels with increasing amounts of comfort and luxury. Choosing between them comes down to the details you prefer. Drive them both and see which one you like better.