Subaru Outback vs. Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Subaru Forester: Compare Space, Capability, & Value in Pasco, WA

Are you looking for your ideal crossover in the Tri-Cities area? Then, you will want to visit McCurley Subaru, where you will find the latest new Subaru models, including the 2026 Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester. These capable, all-wheel drive SUVs deliver everyday driving comfort, exceptional capability, and plenty of safety features for your peace of mind. But which one is right for you? Keep reading to discover how the Outback and Forester compare to one another.

Performance

The Subaru Outback and Forester both come standard with a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer® four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The Subaru Outback Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims get a 2.5-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine that gets 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Forester offers an available 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine that produces up to 194 horsepower.

Here are the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester fuel economy specs, based on EPA ratings:

  • Subaru Forester (2.5-liter four-cylinder): 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/ 29 mpg combined
  • Subaru Forester Hybrid (2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder): 35 mpg city/ 34 mpg highway/ 35 mpg combined
  • Subaru Outback (2.5-liter four-cylinder): 25 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway/ 27 mpg combined
  • Subaru Outback (2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: up to 21 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway/ 24 mpg combined

Capability

The Subaru Outback and Forester both come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. While most vehicles with all-wheel drive only engage all four wheels when the system, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides constant, even power to all four wheels, ensuring you get outstanding traction on and off the road. The Outback and Forester both offer a Wilderness trim. This trim is optimized for off-roading, and all Wilderness models include Dual-Function X-Mode® for improved traction, all-terrain tires, unique exterior cladding, weatherproof upholstery and flooring, improved ground clearance (9.3 inches for the Forester Wilderness and 9.5 inches for the Outback Wilderness), and improved towing capacity (3,500 pounds for the Forester Wildnerness and 5,000 pounds for the Outback Wilderness).

Safety

The Subaru Outback and Forester both come standard with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assistance Technology. This suite of safety tech features offers ample peace of mind for Walla Walla families whether they drive the Outback or the Forester. Subaru EyeSight® includes:

  • Pre-Collision Braking (alerts you when EyeSight detects a potential impending collision and applies the brakes if needed)
  • Automatic Emergency Steering (automatically engages the steering if needed to avoid a potential collision)
  • Pre-Collision Throttle Management (automatically reduces engine power when EyeSight detects a potential collision, giving you more time to react and reducing risk of injury and vehicle damage in the event of a collision)
  • Lane Departure & Sway Warning (Monitors the lane markings, alerting you if the vehicle drifts toward the edge of the lane and providing corrective steering when needed)
  • Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering (automatically maintains a set distance behind a vehicle in front of you while keeping your vehicle centered in your lane)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (When you are in reverse, uses EyeSight to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles approaching from the side, alerting you visually and audibly)
  • DriverFocus® (Monitors your driving for signs of fatigued or drowsy driving, gently alerting you to focus on the road or to take a break)
  • Blind-Spot Detection (Alerts you when EyeSight detects another vehicle in your blind spot)

Visit McCurley Subaru to Compare the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Subaru Outback in Person

Are you ready to discover if you want a new Subaru Forester in Kennewick or a Subaru Outback in Richland? Then visit McCurley Subaru to browse our new inventory and compare these vehicles in person with a test drive. Contact us today to schedule your visit.