2022 Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Crosstrek
Last updated on January 3rd, 2022 at 06:59 am
Subaru is one of the famous automobile manufacturing companies based in Ebisu, Japan. The company is known for manufacturing boxer engine vehicles. Similarly, they are among the 20 largest automakers by production. It is the oldest car manufacturing company founded on July 15, 1953.
However, their cars are getting more popular nowadays compared to the old days. But now, they are among the 20 largest automakers by production. Their cars are very much popular, especially in the western market. Some of the popular models of Subaru cars include Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek. There is a huge fan of these models of cars in the western market.
Thanks to its affordability and the rough road capability, which has attracted lots of small but devoted buyers. Today, in this article, we will compare some of the most popular models of Subaru, including Subaru Outback VS Forester VS Crosstrek.
Suppose you are planning to buy any of these cars or shortlisted any of these cars on your list. But, confused while choosing one, this article will work as a guide for you.
2022 Subaru Outback
The production of Outback was first started in 1994. Since then, the company has been adding more new features and improvements. Now, the car is very much popular when it comes to affordability and its features. If you are searching for a versatile car-like SUV consisting of all-wheel drive and features including advanced driver assist.
Subaru Outback is one of the famous cars you should add to your list. The only downside of this car is its base engine’s slow acceleration. However, Outback comes with a potent turbo-charged mill which will fill the gap of these particular cons. But, when it comes to Outback, no competitor can beat its comfort, features, and capability.
Pros
- Bigger and smoother cabin
- Additional features Turbo-charge power engine to power up the engine when needed
- Perfect for an off-road ride
- Advance driver-assist features that provide a very comfortable ride.
Cons
- Lacks on providing proper infotainment features
- Big touch screen but slow when it comes to respond
- Slow acceleration engine
- The Voice recognition system is not that accurate
Features:
- Flat 4 cylinder engine that can efficiently produce 182 horsepowers at 5800 RPM.
- 3 years of 36000 miles warranty
- Fuel economy of 26 MPG at the city and 33 MPG at highway
- It has a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gals.
- All-wheel drive type
2022 Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester is another popular compact crossover SUV. It is a front-engine all-wheel-drive type vehicle type crossover. Its new FB25 DI non-turbo engine powers it. Similarly, the engine can produce 182 horse-powered at 5800 RPM. Moreover, it is equipped with Eyesight Driver to assist technology when it comes to safety technology.
Its production started in 1997. Since then, they have been making new changes and improvements in the vehicle. This is why they can deliver cutting-edge features and technology compared to their competitors. Some of the top rivals of this particular model include Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Volkswagen Atlas cross.
Pros
- Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system
- Enhanced X-mode system that optimizes output and the transmission ratio
- Distract mitigation system that alert driver when distracted
- Great off-road capability
Cons
- Its engine is underpowered
- Below average fuel economy than expected
Features:
- Excellent navigation system with voice control
- Well-padded front and rear seat
- Automatic climate control heated seats
- 3 years of 36000 warranty
2022 Subaru Crosstrek
Crosstrek is another extra-small and versatile Crosstrek known for its compatibility in both off-road and on-road. It is the successor to the Outback model of Subaru. Its production was started in 2012 since then, they have manufactured various variants of this particular model.
Moreover, they have also launched the hybrid version of this car. Currently, the 2018 model of Crosstrek is very much popular in the Western market. It is a Symmetrical all-wheel-drive vehicle consisting of 5 seats. Similarly, it is powered with 2.5 L FB25D H4 engines that produce 152 horsepower at 6000 RPM.
Pros
- Comfortable front and rear seat
- High ground clearance of 8.7 inches
- Optional engines to power existing engines
- Great safety features
Cons
- Small Cargo Area
- Slow acceleration with the base engine
- Infotainment features are not that good as promised
Features:
- Lane-keeping system to monitor your position on the road
- Optional engine to power base engine while driving
- It has a fuel economy of 28 MPG on the highway and 30 MPG on the highway
- 2.5L engine with 152 horsepower at 6000 RPM
2022 Subaru Outback VS Forester VS Crosstrek
Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek are very similar to each other, and they don’t have much difference. They share similar features very much. One of the significant differences among these SUVs is size. Subaru Forester comes with bigger cargo space and so do its sizes. It is a mid-size SUV.
Whereas Subaru Outback and Crosstrek are small SUVs, and pricing of both models is a bit low compared to Forester. Let’s look more at the engine on these models of cars.
Engine
| Models | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback |
| MSRP | $22,445 | $25,195 | $26,945 |
| Engine | 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 | 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 | 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | CVT | CVT |
| Power (hp @ rpm) | 152@6,000 | 182@5,800 | 182@5,800 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 145@4,000 | 176@4,400 | 176@4,400 |
From the above table, we can see the pricing of all three models, including their engines and power. Subaru Crosstrek comes with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, and it is also considered lightly powdered. Similarly, it has a 6-speed manual transmission, and it can also be changed with a CVT panel. However, it is the best SUV to start within the Subaru car lineup.
While talking about the Subaru forester, it is one step up in the Subaru car lineup. One of the significant differences of Subaru Forester is that it has a 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 engine and CVT Gearbox. The displacement engine in Forester has increased from 2L to 2.5L. The forester engine can generate up to 182 horsepower at 5800 RPM compared to Subaru Crosstrek 152 horsepower at 6000 RPM.
Subaru Outback has not had much difference in engine power and features compared to Forester. But, the catch with Outback is that it has an additional turbo-charged flat 4 engine. This will enhance the existing power of Outback by 182 hp to a maximum of 260 hp. This makes it suitable to ride both on and off-road.
In our opinion, the Outback is pretty much ahead in terms of engine performance as it is powered with an additional turbo-charged engine which makes it a clear winner in engine comparison.
Performance
| Models | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback |
| 0-60 MPH (sec) | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Quarter Mile (sec) | 16.9 | 16.7 | 16.6 |
| Top Speed (MPH) | 117 | 140 | 139 |
| Curb Weight | 3117 | 3449 | 3634 |
| 60-0 MPH (ft) | 120 | 118 | 130 |
When it to performance, every model of Subaru comes with the same potential and capacity. There is not much difference in the performance in the above-listed cars. When it comes to Subaru Crosstrek, it can easily hit 0-60 MPH at 9 seconds. Moreover, it can also provide a comfortable ride on any road. It is equipped with an 11.6-inch rotor brake in the front and 10.8 inches in the rear.
Coming onto Forester, it can hit 0-69 MPH within 8.5 seconds, and it can reach a maximum speed of 140 MPH. Similarly, it can reach quarter-mile speed within 16.7 seconds, slightly less than Crosstrek 16.9 seconds. While talking about break, it is equipped with an 11.6-inch rotor break in the front and an 11.2-inch rear brake.
You might not be that excited seeing the above performance features of Outback. As mentioned earlier, Outback is powered with an additional 2.4L turbo-charged engine which is cable of reach 0-60 MPG within just 6.1 seconds. Indeed this figure is pretty much high and impressive compared to its other competitor.
Comfort
| Models | Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room | 39.8 | 40.2 | 40.1 |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 | 43.3 | 42.8 |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 | 58.2 | 58.1 |
| Cargo Capacity (ft3) | 20.8 | 28.9 | 32.5 |
2022 Subaru outback Vs. Forester Vs. Crosstrek has not much difference when it comes to comfort. Subaru is known for manufacturing affordable yet comfortable vehicles. Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback have a maximum of 5 seating capacities. Similarly, the Outback is a bit larger as compared to the remaining two SUVs.
When it comes to spacious SUVs, the forester should deserve the title. Thanks to its more significant cabin area, it beats Outback and Forester in comfort. While talking about Cargo Outback offers 32.5 cu. Ft of the area as compared to Crosstrek 20.8 and Forester 28.9.
Overall all three models of Subaru come with similar features. But, in our opinion, we will consider forester over comfort. Despite being a small SUV, it aims to provide enough comfort to the driver.
Conclusion
Subaru is one of the popular small-size SUV manufacturers. This article has discussed three leading popular small-size SUVs with their features, pros, and cons. Overall, all these car models are suitable, and neither have considerable differences. In our opinion and comparison between Subaru Crosstrek VS Forester and Outback. We conclude Outback as a clear winner in terms of performance and additional features.
