outback vs. forester

[preacherman]

We are currently looking for a new dd for my wife. We are looking at the 09 outbacks and the 09 forester's. We love the awd and the mpg. We are looking for a dd and light weekend warrior to take on ski trips and camp-outs and such with our 2 boys. (I have other trucks for 4x4 trips)

I drove both this weekend and here were my impressions.

The outback has more cargo room than the forester, but the forester has more "people" room.

I would be interested to know everyone else's opinion of the differences between the 2.

 

[ThomD]

I could never quite figure out how Subaru positioned their wagons - I think there is too much overlap between them. Anyway, I have an 04 Forester XT and love it. The only complaint is that when we have guests in the back seats, it is a little tight to get in and out of. I read that the 09s added 4 inches of leg room, so that would solve that problem.

Take a look at this site, which has everything you ever wanted to know about Subys. Lots of dimensions so you can compare models.

http://www.cars101.com/

 

[preacherman]

great site....it looks like they have the same cargo room but the forester does in fact have more leg room, bigger door openings, and just a scosh more head room.

Thanks

 

[Jerry]

I have to admit I didn't check out the specs, but I have looked at both models side by side and it appeared the Outback had more ground clearance than the Forester. Not that you will be off-roading, but clearing small snow berms and drifts could be a factor.

 

[ThomD]

Nope. According to the specs, the Forester has .3 inches more ground clearance.

 

[Dale]

My wife and I have a 2001 Outback. We chose the Outback over the Forester because we wanted a vehicle we could sleep in
(sleeping area is 76" x 44"); also, the insurance is cheaper for an Outback because the Forester it is considered an SUV.

 

[preacherman]

Well after much looking and driving both we decided on the 09 forester. We got it in Santa Fe and got a great deal. We are real happy with it. In the end for us it came down to people room. The forester has bigger door openings, is a little higher and easier to get in and out of, and has more backseat legroom and headroom. (note the 09 was redesigned and is bigger than the earlier models)

So far we are really pleased. We took it down some dirt and gravel roads and it drives really well, plus it got 28.8MPG coming home.....nice.

 

[Martinjmpr]

IIRC the Forester also has shorter overhangs front and rear. I owned an OBW and the overhang was a real problem on anything other than a smooth surfaced road. So I applaud the choice of the Forester!

 

[Co-opski]

Having a 07 forester that Mrs. Co-opski drives, I can say you'll be happy with your decision. Our does well in the heavy wet snow we get here, and the only mod was getting some cooper tires studded. Our dog loves the big sunroof that the foresters have.

 

[Starscream]

When I am ready to get a new daily driver, I will definitely be considering one of those two vehicles. Last New Year's, I rented a Forester for a trip to VT and fell I love with it. But lately, I have been really admiring the Outbacks.... that's a tough decision.

 

[Fireman78]

I have a 1996 Outback with about 250,000+ miles or so, I use it as my DD, grocery getter, soccer shuttle, basically whenever I don't need a truck. I have also used it as a rafting shuttle vehicle.. I does have a lot of cargo room. It seems to be the perfect vehicle for me for these purposes. It drives great, gets good MPG, and holds whatever I need for the most part. And the best part is.... if it gets firebombed at a trailhead, I'm out... uh.... only about 1700 bucks.

 

[slooowr6]

Anyone know other than the dimension difference, do they share the same chassis, suspension, transmission? Thx

 

[98roamer]

2009 Forester get 2009 SUV of the Year

Just noticed this article this morning. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/16/america/US-Motor-Trend-SUV.php

 

[Superu]

Anyone know other than the dimension difference, do they share the same chassis, suspension, transmission? Thx

The Forester is based on the Impreza platform and shares many suspension components with it. Depending on years and trim levels, there is a fair amount of overlap in the tranny and engine area.

Check out this site for all the comparison details.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Anyone know other than the dimension difference, do they share the same chassis, suspension, transmission? Thx

Chassis: No, the Forester is on the shorter Impreza platform. Suspension I believe is the same. Engine, tranny and other running gear are identical AFAIK.