Hey guys! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two of Subaru's most popular SUVs: the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Subaru Outback. Both vehicles are known for their reliability, safety features, and off-road capabilities, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In this article, we'll break down the key differences and similarities to help you decide which one is the better fit for you.

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Subaru Forester remains a top pick in the compact SUV segment, celebrated for its practicality, spacious interior, and standard all-wheel-drive. It’s an ideal choice for small families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a dependable vehicle for daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Forester’s design emphasizes functionality, with excellent visibility, user-friendly technology, and a reputation for safety that’s hard to beat. This model year includes subtle styling updates and enhanced safety features, reinforcing its position as a well-rounded and sensible SUV. Its nimble handling and fuel-efficient engine make it a joy to drive, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring unpaved roads. The Forester's commitment to safety is evident in its comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Beyond its practical attributes, the Forester boasts a comfortable and refined interior, making long journeys a pleasure. With ample cargo space and versatile seating configurations, it's well-equipped to handle everything from grocery runs to camping trips. The Forester's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to meet the diverse needs of modern drivers, blending practicality, comfort, and capability into a single, compelling package.

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback is a versatile wagon-like SUV that blends the practicality of an SUV with the comfort of a car. It's perfect for those who want extra cargo space and ground clearance without the bulk of a traditional SUV. The Outback is known for its comfortable ride, standard all-wheel-drive, and a range of features that make it suitable for both on-road and off-road adventures. It offers a more powerful engine option compared to the Forester, making it a great choice for those who need extra towing capacity or simply want more pep in their drive. Inside, the Outback boasts a refined interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Its advanced infotainment system and available features like a premium sound system and sunroof add to the overall comfort and convenience. The Outback's rugged exterior design and durable construction make it well-suited for tackling tough terrain, while its comfortable interior and smooth ride make it a pleasure to drive on long road trips. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or simply need a reliable and versatile vehicle for daily use, the Outback is a great choice.

Key Differences

When comparing the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Subaru Outback, several key differences emerge, shaping which vehicle might better suit your specific needs. One of the most noticeable distinctions is in their body styles: the Forester presents as a traditional compact SUV with a taller, boxier profile, while the Outback adopts a wagon-like design, sitting lower and longer. This difference in form factor influences interior space and cargo capacity. The Forester, with its higher roofline, offers a bit more headroom and a more upright seating position, which some drivers may find more comfortable. In contrast, the Outback provides a longer cargo area, making it ideal for hauling larger items or accommodating more gear for outdoor adventures. Engine options also set these two apart; the Outback offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option, providing quicker acceleration and greater towing capability compared to the Forester's naturally aspirated engine. This makes the Outback a better choice for those who frequently tow trailers or need extra power for challenging terrain. Furthermore, the Outback tends to offer a slightly more upscale interior with available features like leather upholstery and a larger infotainment screen, appealing to those seeking a more luxurious driving experience. While both vehicles come standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, their suspension and ground clearance are tuned differently, affecting their off-road prowess. The Forester, with its higher ground clearance and shorter wheelbase, is slightly more nimble on rough trails, while the Outback's longer wheelbase provides a smoother ride on paved roads. Ultimately, the choice between the Forester and the Outback depends on your priorities: the Forester excels as a practical and spacious compact SUV, while the Outback offers a blend of SUV versatility and wagon-like comfort.

Performance and Engine Options

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what's under the hood! The 2022 Subaru Forester comes with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. This setup provides adequate power for most driving situations, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and performance. The Forester's engine is known for its smooth and responsive nature, making it a comfortable choice for daily commutes and highway cruising. While it may not be the fastest SUV on the market, it offers plenty of power for merging onto the highway and navigating city streets. Fuel economy is also a strong point, with the Forester achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

On the other hand, the 2022 Subaru Outback offers two engine choices. The base engine is the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the Forester. For those seeking more power, there's an available 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers significantly more punch, making the Outback a quicker and more capable vehicle overall. Like the Forester, the Outback comes standard with a CVT and all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration and ample power for towing and hauling cargo. It's a great choice for drivers who frequently travel on hilly terrain or need extra power for passing on the highway. Fuel economy with the turbo engine is still respectable, though slightly lower than the base engine, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Ultimately, the choice between the Forester and Outback depends on your performance needs. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and adequate power, the Forester's engine is a solid choice. But if you crave more power and capability, the Outback's turbo engine is the way to go.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside, both the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Outback offer comfortable and well-equipped cabins, but there are some key differences in their design and technology features. The Forester boasts a practical and functional interior with a focus on maximizing space and visibility. Its upright seating position and large windows provide excellent outward visibility, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Forester's interior is constructed with durable materials and features a user-friendly layout. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety features. Higher trim levels add amenities like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Forester's interior is designed to be both comfortable and functional, making it a great choice for families and those who value practicality.

The Outback, on the other hand, offers a more upscale and refined interior with a greater emphasis on comfort and technology. Its interior design is more modern and stylish, with available features like leather upholstery, wood trim, and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Outback's infotainment system is more advanced than the Forester's, with features like integrated navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and a voice-activated virtual assistant. The Outback also offers a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. One of the standout features of the Outback is its available Harman Kardon premium audio system, which delivers exceptional sound quality. The Outback's interior is designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, making it a great choice for those who value technology and refinement. Whether you prioritize practicality or luxury, both the Forester and Outback offer well-equipped interiors with a range of features to suit your needs.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, both the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Outback excel, earning top marks from safety organizations. Subaru has long been committed to safety, and both vehicles come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Both vehicles also feature Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which uses two cameras to monitor traffic and provide alerts to the driver. EyeSight includes features like pre-collision braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep drivers and passengers safe.

In addition to these standard features, both the Forester and Outback offer available safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. These features provide an extra layer of protection, helping drivers avoid collisions in a variety of situations. Both vehicles have also performed exceptionally well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester and Outback have both earned five-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ awards from IIHS. These accolades demonstrate Subaru's commitment to building safe and reliable vehicles. Whether you're driving around town or embarking on a long road trip, you can have peace of mind knowing that the Forester and Outback are equipped with the latest safety technologies to protect you and your passengers. With their comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent crash test ratings, both vehicles are among the safest choices in their respective classes.

Price and Trims

Let's talk dollars and cents! The 2022 Subaru Forester typically starts at a lower price point compared to the 2022 Subaru Outback. The Forester's base trim offers excellent value, with standard features like all-wheel drive, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of advanced safety features. As you move up the trim levels, you'll find more luxurious amenities like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Forester is available in several trim levels, including Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Each trim level offers a unique combination of features and equipment, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

The Outback, being a larger and more upscale vehicle, commands a higher starting price. However, it also offers more standard features and a wider range of available options. The Outback is available in several trim levels, including Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, and Wilderness. The Onyx Edition XT and Wilderness trims offer unique styling and enhanced off-road capabilities, appealing to those who want a more rugged and adventurous vehicle. Like the Forester, the Outback offers a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and preferences. When comparing prices, it's important to consider the features and equipment included in each trim level. While the Forester may have a lower starting price, the Outback offers more standard features and a more upscale interior. Ultimately, the best way to determine which vehicle offers the best value for your money is to compare the features and prices of the trim levels that interest you. Be sure to also factor in long-term costs like fuel, insurance, and maintenance when making your decision.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

So, which one should you choose: the 2022 Subaru Forester or the 2022 Subaru Outback? Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, a lower price point, and a more traditional SUV body style, the Forester is an excellent choice. It's a practical and versatile vehicle that's well-suited for families, commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Forester's spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, and comprehensive suite of safety features make it a top pick in the compact SUV segment.

On the other hand, if you need more power, a more luxurious interior, and greater cargo capacity, the Outback is the better option. Its available turbocharged engine delivers brisk acceleration and ample power for towing and hauling, while its upscale interior provides a comfortable and refined driving experience. The Outback's wagon-like design offers plenty of cargo space, making it ideal for road trips and outdoor adventures. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and driving needs when making your decision. Test drive both vehicles to get a feel for their handling and performance. And don't forget to compare the features and prices of the trim levels that interest you. Whichever vehicle you choose, you can be confident that you're getting a safe, reliable, and capable SUV that's built to last. Happy driving!