Outback or Forester – Which Subaru Suits Your Family Best?

The year 2019 was a great one for Subaru’s family car models. Both the Outback and the Forester made it into top rankings for family cars in such lists as Kelley Blue Book and Digital Trends. If you’re a family shopping for a reliable, high-quality new family car, then you may have thought of Subaru already, but the question remains: Which one is best for us? The Forester or the Outback? Let’s look at each one in turn.

2019 Subaru Outback

In summary – what makes it a good choice?

Unique design – SUV power with versatility of smaller vehicle
Two engine choices
Great tech features

The Outback is not an SUV, which already makes it stand out among the already saturated SUV market. It’s really a station wagon, but with the space and rugged side of the SUV as well. It comes with all-wheel drive and a variable transmission as standard, and you get two engine choices: entry-level (2.5L flat-four, 82hp, 176lb-ft torque) or turbocharged (2.4L flat-four giving 260hp and 277lb-ft torque).

It’s also loaded with tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention Subaru’s own EyeSight package of driver-aid features. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and more.

It’s the perfect choice for the family that wants the power of the SUV, but the lower center of gravity and more compact structure of a sportier model.

2019 Subaru Forester

In summary – what makes it a good choice?

Lots of cargo space
Great gas mileage
Affordable

The Forester is a compact SUV offering space, fuel economy and an affordable price tag. From the outside, you might not see a huge change from previous models, but on the inside there have been development. The 2019 features more interior room in both rows and a wider rear opening for better cargo loading — up to 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space in total. Secondly, despite being able to load more in, the vehicle runs quieter and gets great mileage: 26 in the city and 33 on the highway, which is great considering the 2.5L engine under the hood.

Finally, the Forester comes at a good price, starting at just $26,554 for the standard model. There’s room to customize, though, with different trims, as well as roof rails, heated seats, windshield de-icer etc. It’s all the SUV your family will ever need, and will serve you well.

If the Outback, Forester, or any other model of Subaru interest you, head down to your nearest dealership and check out what’s offered.

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.