2022 Subaru Outback vs. 2022 Forester | Rochester, MN
Are you ready for a new Subaru and wondering whether the 2022 Outback wagon or 2022 Forester SUV is the best choice for you? The team at Subaru of Rochester put together this side-by-side comparison to help you with your decision.
Search our inventory for the model and trim that interests you, and let us know if you'd like to take it for a test drive. Contact us at (888) 541-2994 or send us a text or chat, and we'll be happy to prepare it for your arrival. Make sure you also view our current Outback and Forester finance or lease offers for a great opportunity.

2022 Outback vs. 2022 Forester Exterior Design
Both the 2022 Subaru Outback wagon and 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV received updates in 2022, preserving and enhancing the unique Subaru experience of cross-country adventure seeking and utility-driven, contemporary design. The Forester received a new front fascia, grille, and lighting and, like the Outback, debuted an all-new trim ― Wilderness ― which brings a new level of all-terrain, rugged good looks to the Outback and Forester lineup.
Wilderness trims are specially engineered for off-roading adventures; they come equipped with such all-terrain details as a higher ground clearance, tent-supporting roof rails, all-terrain tires, and bumpers designed for steep inclines and uneven or rocky trails.
Among the available features these two models share:
- 17- or 18-in. wheels
- Power moonroof
- Raised roof rails
- Power folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- LED fog lights
- LED steering-responsive headlights

2022 Subaru Outback

2022 Subaru Forester
2022 Outback vs. 2022 Forester Interior Design & Technology
Offering cargo-carrying utility and a comfortable ride, the 2022 Subaru Outback is ready to help you run errands or enjoy those much-anticipated road trips along legendary Minnesota scenic byways. Inside the spacious Outback cabin, enjoy listening to your favorite tunes on the 12-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system. Relax in soft Nappa leather or water-repellent StarTex® upholstery and available heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Loading your gear or provisions is made easy, too, with a hands-free power gate.
The 2022 Subaru Forester also delivers an enjoyable in-cabin experience, offering a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, leather or StarTex upholstery, and heated front and rear seats. Effortlessly slide that 30-pound bag of dog food into the back of your Forester with the welcome help of a power gate.
Both models feature the SUBARU STARLINK® infotainment system with 7- or 11.6-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth® functionality, and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi® access.

2022 Subaru Outback
2022 Outback vs. 2022 Forester Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
For 2022, the Subaru Outback offers two engine options across its trim lineup, while the 2022 Subaru Forester equips its trims with a single, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with auto start-stop technology.
2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER
2.5L four-cylinder turbocharged SUBARU BOXER
2022 Outback vs. 2022 Forester Size & Cargo Space
Both the 2022 Outback and 2022 Forester comfortably seat five passengers. The utility-based wagon design of the 2022 Outback provides generous cargo-carrying capacity ― 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and an impressive 75.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
The 2022 Forester SUV offers up to 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 74.2 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

2022 Subaru Outback

2022 Subaru Forester
2022 Outback vs. 2022 Forester Safety Options & Features
If you love a Subaru, you likely appreciate the top safety scores Subaru models consistently achieve. Both the 2022 Outback and 2022 Forester are packed with advanced safety features and driver assist technologies to help support, alert, and inform you so you can respond quickly and remain in control of your vehicle. The EyeSight® suite of driver assist technologies is standard equipment on all Outback and Forester trims, plus you'll find other standard and available features like high beam assist, brake assist, brake override system, DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system, blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, traction control, a rear vision camera, child LATCH system, comprehensive airbag system, and tire pressure monitoring.

2022 Subaru Outback
2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru Forester: Differences in Rochester, MN
Do you prefer the roomy wagon body style of the 2021 Subaru Outback, or the sporty and spacious Forester SUV? Not sure which is right for you? The team at Subaru of Rochester in Rochester, MN, put together this comparison to help you in your decision making.
When you're ready to take the next step, check out our Outback inventory or Forester inventory to find the model and trim you love, and check out our Outback lease offer or Forester lease offer for a great deal. Contact us at (888) 541-2994 or send us a text or chat if you'd like to set up a test drive.

2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterPrice
Whether you prefer the Outback wagon or the Forester SUV, both 2021 Subaru models offer stylish comfort for your short trips or long journeys. The 2021 Subaru Outback has a starting MSRP of $26,795, while the 2021 Subaru Forester comes in a bit lower at $24,795.
2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterPerformance Specs
Both the 2021 Outback and 2021 Forester come equipped with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) with X-MODE. The Outback also offers a turbocharged engine option, which we use in the performance comparison below.
2021 Subaru Outback
Engine | 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER |
---|---|
Horsepower | 260 HP |
Torque | 277 lb.-ft. |
MPG (city/hwy) | 26/33 |
2021 Subaru Forester
Engine | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER |
---|---|
Horsepower | 182 HP |
Torque | 176 lb.-ft. |
MPG (city/hwy) | 26/33 |
2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterExterior
Offering quintessential, adventure-loving Subaru design, both the 2021 Outback and 2021 Forester feature distinctive lines and bold exterior styling details that include LED lighting, side view mirror-integrated turn signals, high beam assist, and roof rails. Unique features on each model include:
- Power-folding side view mirrors and high beam assist on the Outback
- An exclusive roof spoiler on the Forester

2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterInterior
Enjoy the ride when you're behind the wheel of a Subaru. Practical, comfortable, and spacious, both the 2021 Outback and 2021 Forester offer ample passenger space for you and four family members or friends.
When it comes to amenities, both models feature a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and GPS navigation to point you toward your destination. Unique features and upgrades are listed to the right.
2021 Subaru Outback
Moonroof | Power tilting/sliding glass |
---|---|
Seating Materials | Cloth, StarTex® water repellent, leather trimmed, or Nappa leather trimmed |
Front Seat Upgrades | Heated and ventilated |
2021 Subaru Forester
Moonroof | Power panoramic |
---|---|
Seating Materials | Cloth, Sport cloth with orange accent stitching, or leather trimmed |
Front Seat Upgrades | Heated |

2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterDimensions & Cargo
The Outback and Forester were built for active lifestyles, which means you'll find plenty of space to satisfy passengers and bring along items you can't do without. Both models seat five people and both provide ample cargo space ― a maximum 75.7 cubic feet on the Outback when the rear seats are folded down, and a maximum 76.1 cubic feet on the Forester. Passenger volume is 105.6 cubic feet in the Outback and 111.9 cubic feet in the Forester.
Clever storage solutions offer additional space for you to stow away items you don't want others to see. They include underfloor storage and a removable tray.

2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterSafety
The Subaru brand is synonymous with safe driving, and in 2021 the new Outback and Forester joined other models in the lineup to secure top safety scores. This includes a superior rating for front crash prevention from a top independent rating organization.
Among the features that helped propel the Outback and Forester to receive such recognition is the EyeSight® driver assist technology suite. Both models also feature advanced adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, and blind spot detection with lane change assist.
The 2021 Outback also features lane keep assist, 180-degree front view monitor, STARLINK® Safety and Security, and available DriverFocus® distraction mitigation system. The DriverFocus system also comes standard on the 2021 Forester.

2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Subaru ForesterTechnology
To make your ride as enjoyable and personalized as possible, Subaru equips the Outback and Forester with a STARLINK Multimedia or Multimedia Plus system and Harman Kardon® premium audio system so you can enjoy your favorite tunes, podcasts, news, or navigation when you're on the road.
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