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Subaru Cars | Subaru of America

Outback and Forester:
Outback is Subaru's number one seller, and Forester number two. Outback is a longer, more substantial vehicle--a "midsize crossover" where Forester is a "compact crossover." Outback looks and feels more like a wagon, Forester looks and feels more like a small sport utility vehicle. Comparably equipped, Outback is about $1,000 more. Many shorter drivers like the Forester's high perch; other drivers prefer the Outback's smoother ride and European handling.

Source: Subaru Forester and Outback Comparison | Planet Subaru, Hanover Massachusetts
See also 2014 Subaru Forester vs. 2014 Subaru Outback: What's the Difference? - Autotrader

The Subaru Forester was #4 in Kelly Bluebook's top SUVs under $25,000.
Honda CR-V was #1

2015 Comparison (See engine comparison and price range below)

Outback 2.5i
Premium
Forester 2.5i
Premium
Forester2.5i
Touring
Price $26,995 $24,595 $30,095
Wheelbase (inches) 108.1 103.9 103.9
Turning Circle, curb-to-curb 36.1 34.8 34.8
Length (inches) 189.6 180.9 180.9
Width (inches) 72.4 70.7 70.7
Height (inches) 66.1 68.2 68.2
Track (Front) 61.8 60.9 60.9
Track (Rear) 62.2 61.1 61.1
Curb Weight (pounds) Manual Transmission 3285*
Curb Weight (pounds) Automatic Transmission 3593 3433
Ground Clearance 8.7" 8.7
* The Premium with an automatic transmission is $25,095

2015 Outback specs | cars101.com

Outback 2.5i
Premium
Forester 2.5i
Premium
Forester2.5i
Touring
Headroom (Front) no moonroof 40.8 41.4
Headroom (Front) w/ moonroof 38.3 40.0 40
Headroom (Rear) 38.9 39.8 37.5
Legroom (Front) 42.9 43 43
Legroom (Rear) 38.1 38 38
Shoulder Room (Front) 58.1 57 57
Shoulder Room (Rear) 57.3 56.5 56.5
Manufacturer Passenger Volume (cubic feet) 108.1 108.3 103.3
Cargo seats down 74.7 73.3
Cargo Length
(seats down)
65" 60"
Cargo Door height 35" 35"
Cargo height center 29¾" 32"
Cargo max width 51" 47"
Cargo Volume (seats up) 35.5 34.4 31.5
Cargo Volume (seats folded) 73 69
Towing Capacity (pounds) 2700 1500 1500
Tires P225/
65HR17
P225/
60HR17
P225/
55HR18

2015 Subaru Forester specs |cars101.com

Subaru Global Compare | Compare Subaru with Other Vehicles

The Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium got the highest SUV rating of 86 at Consumer Reports.
The Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited got the highest wagon rating of 85 at Consumer Reports.
See Small sport-utility vehicles | Consumer Reports (Subscription required)


Outback: Wagon
Subaru offers the 2015 Outback in 2.5i and 3.6R model series. The Outback 2.5i is available in standard, Premium, and Limited trim levels, while the Outback 3.6R is offered only in Limited trim.
Model Engine Mileage Price
City Hwy MSRP Invoice MSRP-Invoice
2.5i 175 HP 2.5L 4 * 25 33 $24,895-$29,995 $23,407 $1,488
3.6R 256 HP 3.6L 6 20 27 $32,995 $30,860 $2,135
* 175 horsepower, 2.5 Liter, 4-cylinder

In addition the the MSRP you will have to pay a Destination (Delivery) fee of $850 and Regional Adjustment (Advertising) ($147 for Bridgewater NJ).
Source: 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i: True Market Value | Edmunds
See other fees at Auto Buying Guides

2015 Outback specs, options, colors, prices, photos, and more  | cars101.com 
   (Major Option Packages, with features, package code and MSRP price,
       Option price table 
    Option & Upgrade packages table2,
    Factory and port Individual options
   
2015 Subaru Outback Features & Specs | Edmunds
  2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i: Options prices (MSRP & Invoice) | Edmunds
   
2015 Subaru Outback Review | cars.com

2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i (CVT) Wagon Ratings, Prices, Trims, Summary | J.D. Power

2015 Subaru Outback | Pricing, Features, Colors, Pics and Video | ManchesterSubaru.com
In addition to standard option packages, Subaru offers a huge number of dealer-installed options including fog lights, remote start, a 115-volt outlet, upgraded speaker kits, rear cargo cover, crossbars for the roof rack and a number of roof-rack accessories for holding skis, bikes, kayaks and cargo-carriers.
Forester: SUV
Two model series 2.5i and 2.0XT. The former is the most popular version, while the latter is a turbocharged variant designed for improved performance, especially at elevation. Premium fuel is recommended for the turbo.
Model Engine Mileage Price
City Hwy MSRP Invoice MSRP-Invoice
2.5i manual 170 HP 2.5L 4 22 29 $22,195-$24,595 $20,995 $1,200
2.5i automatic CVT1 170 HP 2.5L 4 24 32 $23,195-$30,095
2.0XT automatic CVT 250 HP 2.0L turbo-4 23 28 $28,495-$33,095 $30,927 $2,168
1. CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission

2015 Subaru Forester research webpage | cars101.com
   (Major Option Packages with features, package code and MSRP price
    Option price table 
    
2015 Subaru Forester Features & Specs | Edmunds
    
2015 Subaru Forester Standard & Optional Equipment | cars.com

2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i SUV Ratings, Prices, Trims, Summary | J.D. Power

2015 Outback specs, options, colors, prices, photos, and more

2015 Outback specs, options, colors, prices, photos, and more

Eyesight feature
AutoTrader's Advice:
If fuel economy and some modest creature comforts top your shopping list, the 2.5i Premium with CVT, the All-Weather Package and a touchscreen navigation radio would be our pick. However, if power and performance are paramount, then the 2.0XT Premium would be our choice. The Limited is nice if you like leather seating, heated seats and automatic climate controls, and those who must have all the bells and whistles will find them on the Touring trims. Be prepared, though, to pay a premium for the top models, on par with what you'd pay for a similarly equipped Outback.
See also Subaru Crosstrek

last updated 6 July 2015