2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Review

[@gregjoubert5118]

I really wish Subaru went back to smaller screens with actual buttons/knobs for the simple and quick tasks. No need to dig in the system for certain things. Plus, it can be laggy and the glare can be a bit much. Other than that I really do like the vehicles. My wife's 2016 has gone over 100k without an issue. Still not fond of the CVT but that's what it's got. The AWD system is great! Very practical and utilitarian vehicles. Thanks for the comparison.

[@minnybiker4505]

As an owner of a giant screen, I really like it. I know everyone likes to complain about it, but I enjoy what it offers. And, it's not tacked on top of the dash, it's well integrated.

[@danielrn133]

I have a 24 outback onyx. I don't mind the large screen, but I agree the glare can be intense at times and make it hard to see much of anything. Most of the time it is fine, but like I turn on the AC and I literally cannot see the bottom screen buttons at all.

[@w00tplayaw00t]

What are you doing that requires you actual buttons all the time?

[@sunset3052]

Totally agree

[@-----------------------------]

​@@w00tplayaw00tHe's the type that doesn't know how to use automatic climate control. Always tweaking out with fan speed and temperature vs setting a temperature and go. Once I set a temperature remotely or in the car, I only touch the screen for directions or changing my Spotify playlist. Otherwise everything else can be done with physical buttons like the automatic climate control.

[@agent00066]

I got my 2025 forester base couple days ago. Got it $30k out the door. First subaru and love it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s exciting!

[@surendrashakya4182]

I got my 2025 forester premium last week. OTD price $33,700. So far love it. I just do not know how to turn up lane warning beep volume.

[@agak61]

@@surendrashakya4182with the $1,200 package ?

[@minnybiker4505]

My vehicles have always been slower, non-sports cars. Corollas, Saturns, Prius, smart fortwo (with a couple Maximas in there)... I've never had a problem merging into freeway traffic at speed, passing trucks, etc. Is faster "funner?" Sure! But is a modern non-turbo Subaru "dangerously" slow? Of course not. I wish people would stop expecting race car performance in appliance vehicles. We complain that cars are getting too expensive, but demand luxury features and sports car performance.

[@TC1Z2L3]

You're not wrong. I have a turbo Outback and a non-turbo and have driven the old NA Subaru 2.5s for years. They do get the job done but that's about it. I will say that the new 2.5 is a little more eager off the fly but the turbo kinda whirls up and gets you up and going in a way the NA just can't compare. If you're any kind of enthusiast the 2.5 will leave you wanting for power. But for the average 4-banger commuter, it's just fine.

[@Yan-ox8si]

In the Houston metro，2.5 NA is not adequate

[@agak61]

The best and most pleasant reviews on KZbin!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Lol, I don’t know about that, but I’m glad you think so! 😁😅

[@barryv9733]

I leased a 2020 Outback Limited XT (my 4th Outback). Fast, smooth, comfortable. But we hurried up and got a 23 Forester Limited (for me) and a 24 ditto (for my wife) so we wouldn't end up with the big, slow, distracting screen. Love the knobs/buttons. Better QC (and tolerable stop/start) on the Japanese-made Forester. Fast enough, with the S button on for tough freeway entrances.

[@jparker1823]

Outback NA is a 3.9, Forester is a 3.7 Final drive. Outback tows more because it has a CVT cooler, only Forester with a CVT cooler is the Wilderness trim.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for adding this!!

[@mickydee6550]

Subscribed. Looking forward to your detailed 2025 Subaru Outback review.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks!! I believe I’ve made public the Wilderness, Touring XT and Premium trim level. I have the Onyx XT and Limited XT done, I’ll probably make one of those public in the morning!! 🙂

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

Option package #13 for the outback has proximity key, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring without the moonroof for around $1500.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you for mentioning this!!

[@tuan056585]

I bought the new Outback Touring in white last week $41K OTD. My first Subaru. Love it.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Very nice!

[@w.k.7277]

Cars in the US are so cheap!

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

Be careful. I heard you can get hooked after just one time. You could be driving Subarus the rest of your life.

[@m3rdpwr]

I bought a fully loaded Outback Touring XT a few months ago and enjoy it as my second vehicle, when not driving my truck. My wife will likely be getting the new Forester, trading in her old Rougue.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I bet that XT is nice! And we’re definitely enjoying our 25 Forester. They’re just all around such a good vehicle.

[@goodlookin319]

Have a 2025 Outback Wilderness on the way! The last year before a redesign is always a solid bet

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Nice!!

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

I have the 2023 OBW. Like it except for the gas mileage which is bad.

[@neillepotakis8356]

Nice comparison video. My preference at my age (upper 60's) was the Forester for ease of access, around town driving which I mostly do and also the ease of parking. The other thing I like is the 8" screen with traditional controls on my 24 Touring. I think Subaru should look at bringing that smaller display screen back. But honestly, whether it's the Forester or Outback they both have their advantages as you pointed out and I just don't think you can go wrong with either car. Keep up the great reviews.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thank you! And I appreciate you choosing to watch and provide great insight! 🙂

[@chuckwalla2967]

If they offered the Outback Premium in XT, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That would be a sweet spec. It’s a shame you have to pay for other fancy stuff just to get the power!

[@patrickgelinas5241]

Same here. Still enjoying my 2018 Forester XT 2.0 with 250HP!

[@craigcurry4057]

I have had 8 Subaru s 1st one bought in 1988 , a white Legacy wagon , next 1974 , another Legacy wagon, then from 2008:2012: 2015: 2018 : 2021 those last 3 Foresters , and a new 2024 Outback , white Limited! Never had problems with any of them ……I agree with you , cost $41,000 , leased at great price !

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing.

[@littlestinker9716]

As an owner since new of a 2004 Forester with 2.5L, the engine is very reliable and super easy to work on. Other than spark plugs, everything is very easy to get it. On newer 2.5L engines, I love how the oil filter is right in front of you when you open the hood.

[@atmartens]

My wife and I got a 2021 Outback with the moonroof package, but non-turbo. It's our first Subaru, and she always wanted an Outback, and honestly it's been a great car. I can totally understand why there's so much love for Outback's. Thoughts on Outback vs Forester... we got the Outback without the turbo, and it's the slowest car I've ever owned or driven. I don't think it's dangerous, but coming from Acura TLs and RDXs, it was an adjustment for me. My wife couldn't care because she loves the great gas mileage, and not having to use premium. I haven't had any issues, but a lot of people on Outback FB groups say that the windshield cracking is a big issue. The infotainment screen can be buggy, and I once had it freeze on me, but it fixed itself within a day. I assume they'll be a new generation for 2026, and hope they'll offer a hybrid trim. I'm going to be going into the car market myself this winter, and I really like the look of the previous Forester, but this new redesign looks to much like a Ford Explorer. I REALLY wish Subaru would do a XT trim in the last generation, or even this new one. I can only hope that the hybrid trim that will come out for the Forester will offer some extra power. I can't imagine I'm the only customer who wants some extra power. I also agree that the ride is not as good compared to the Outback, but that's a product of the wheelbase. This new Forester is a step forward in some ways, but just can't get past the styling. I haven't decided for sure what I'm going to get, but I'm leaning towards either a Acura Integra A-Spec with the tech package, or a Subaru Legacy Touring XT. It's a bummer to see the Legacy go after 2025, which makes me a little nervous getting a car that's discontinued, but it's so similar to the Outback that I think I'd be okay.

[@davestadt49]

Really good comparison that show the difference between them. On Dealership comparison works well. Have a safe & healthy 4th of July

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad my video was helpful! And thanks for mentioning that, it wasn’t exactly how I had been planning to film this video that day so it had thrown me off a bit lol. Have a happy and safe 4th as well!! 😁

[@darkartsteacher]

Spot on review Outback excellent for long interstate trips , more so with the turbo,with some drawback for congested city driving. Or with tight garage space. The Forester is excellent for urban surroundings and still good for long trips but not as good as the Outback. When you choose a car, compromise on the thing you use the car for the least of.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Haha you’ve concisely summarized this 22 minute video quite well. Thanks for watching and providing value!

[@FordEnthusiast413]

Excellent comparison between these two great Subarus! Love the Outback a bit more but the Forester is nice as well. You are the lucky to have both in your garage!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks again! Yeah, we’re very fortunate! It feels so good to know that both our daily’s are safe and capable now.

[@FordEnthusiast413]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208I am trying to to convince my wife to get another Forester as she has had two but she is loving her 2022 Tucson. I am eagerly awaiting the 2026 Outback!

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

Comparison's are among my favorite reviews. Gives me something to measure with. So to speak. Or at the very least sort of a buy one get one free & who doesn't like a deal in today's market.

[@jparker1823]

We have both. 23 Outback Onyx and 25 Forester Sport. Outback is the more luxury feeling vehicle. Forester drives like a much smaller vehicle.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Sounds like we have nearly the same garage! I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way about them. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@patrickdevine1085]

My only tip is to slow down, you speak way to fast and you loose clarity.

[@09areFish]

The Outback gets better door sill protection from the factory, covering the thickness of the sill and not half. I noticed our Outback Premium displays the posted speed limit on the meter screen, while our Crosstrek Limited does not. I’m guessing it’s due to the Outback having built-in navigation.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great insight! Also, I’ve noticed the same. Our OBW with navigation displays speed but our Forester Premium without it does not. Thanks for watching!

[@dannymcneal]

You can fit a full-size spare in the Outback well-BUT, and this is a big BUT, a full-size spare will NOT fit under that larger edge-to-edge foam support. To put a full-size spare in the well, you have to use the same piece of foam that is used in the Wilderness-an additional purchase with a full-size spare. I bought a 2024 Outback Limited XT, which comes with a space saver spare. Not wanting to be out in the middle of nowhere NM if a tire goes bad, I opted to purchase a full-size spare AND the smaller piece of foam support that comes in the Wilderness-they both fit perfectly AND the foam accommodates the array of tire-changing tools that come standard with all Outbacks. Hope this helps! I’m tempted to trade in my ‘24 model for one of the hybrids expected in ‘26. I just hope they mate it with the turbo-then it would be a no-brainer. I’m also wanting a more responsive (less laggy) media display, three Eye-sight cameras instead of just the two currently offered, and hopefully a higher-resolution rear camera. Would also be nice if Subaru improved the steering assist-currently, it bounces from side to side, like a junior bowling alley lane with bumpers. 😂 All in all though, I think I’m a Subaru owner for life. Having said that, IF Toyota adopts the Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system, then I could possibly be swayed into buying the Toyota. Value for value though, it seems the Subarus are always the better value. We shall see-great review! Thanks!!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s super helpful, I hadn’t thought about the foam around the tire, so thank you for mentioning that! Yeah, hopefully there are some nice upgrades to the future trim levels and powertrains and they’re not over priced, since Subarus really are such a great value. I also imagine as long as we live in a snowy state we’ll always have at least one!

[@rockrunner387]

Being on the dealer lot is ok fine. Another KZbin, Scotty, says stay away from turbocharged boxer engines. Rings still go bad and to fix, the valves have to be readjusted (long and hard job, many dealer techs don’t do it) and instead of rubber gaskets, they use silicon glue which won’t last beyond 150K-200K miles. When the glue dries up, the cars become oil leakers. Has anyone had this type of problems?

[@danielrn133]

Are there a lot of engines going 200K with no issues at all? I had a 2014 Tacoma and I had an engine repair at 40k miles. Also a non engine warranty repair at about 25K. If I go 200k before needing any work I am good.

[@generector8583]

Both AI programs agree, wait until January to buy a car.

[@ofcbob6391]

I see that the 25 Forester will allow for the nicer, lighter interior seating for the silver exterior color, whereas for the previous years, you were forced to go with the dark black interior. I couldn't quite tell though, if those new cloth seats lost the leatherette edges to the seats, which I did like in the previous edition.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Good eye, yes the cloth seats, at least in ours does not have the leatherette surrounding the cloth.

[@cindylk11]

Thanks for another great comparison video. I think that it was perfectly fine to film at the dealership. The 2025 Outback looks pretty sweet. I like the Forester’s wider windows, especially the front windshield. I also have a question. Do you think it’s better to own a Subaru from Japan, or from the US? Could I order a new Subaru from my local dealership, and ask them if they can ship it from Japan?

[@ericripley9739]

Have owned 3 Subarus: ‘11 and ‘14 Foresters ( Japan) and now a ‘17 Outback ( USA). See absolutely no difference in quality. Foresters had around 200,000 km at trade in. Outback has over 200,000 and no plans to trade.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks again for watching! As mentioned below, I haven’t actually heard of any known quality differences between Subarus and their build location. I think it’s just assumed that vehicles build in Japan are held to a high standard. The U.S. is pretty good too. And because of the factories set up to build the various models you can’t pick and choose where it came from, they’re just simply built at that location depending on model. The thing that’s unfortunate is when an auto maker really wants to save more money (and what appears to be cheaping out) they will move production to Mexico or China. For example, a sad thing Toyota did is with the new 2024 4th generation Tacoma they moved assembly to Mexico instead of Texas so now they only have to pay their workers the equivalent of 2-4$ an hour (from what I’ve read). Instead of a livable wage in the U.S. And it’s assumed that the assembly care and quality might be lower, but also I don’t know for sure and it might be a case by case situation. 🤦‍♂️

[@jparker1823]

The delayed key fob opening the door... I've only had that issue when carrying two fobs. It's like one interferes with the other.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Oh very interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@TraceNoOne]

Are you saying that the 2026 Outback will be a new design. Maybe a Baja version

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s the assumption. And the Baja idea is just my own hope and dream lol.

[@kris11ocean]

Why did they have to remove the X-mode selector button?!. You can't leave this function in a touchscreen on an AWD vehicle.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, it’s silly. 🤦‍♂️

[@jdemaninco]

With the improvement in cabin quietness in the 2025 Forester, is the cabin in the Outback still significantly quieter than the Forester?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a tough question to subjectively answer. I think they’re very similar, but I haven’t objectively tested them with a decibel reader. Sorry I can’t be more helpful on this yet, maybe down the road I’ll add one of those to my testing measurements! 🙂

[@frankpoperowitzmusic]

I like referring to my Outback XT as a wagon. So, Forrester is a true SUV but the Outback is a SUW. Embrace it!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

100% lol

[@efavuzza73]

Good review

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks!! I’m glad you liked it.

[@ryanheintze9180]

Does the 2025 Outback have the electric control thermostat or is it back to the good mechanical one too???

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I ‘think’ the 25 Outback 2.5 boxer has the TCV rather than a mechanical thermostat. I’ve not looked as closely to what’s under the intake manifold plenum very closely. I’ve more just focused on the Foresters 😅🤦‍♂️ Also I believe the Turbo 2.4 engines are mechanical and not TCV.

[@JordanICM]

When you says 2025 outback, it's really just the 2024 one right? There's no new one for 2025 on the website.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Hey Jordan! This one legitimately is a 2025, lol. I have no idea why Subaru of America hasn’t updated their website yet. I think I mentioned that in the full review of the 25 Outback Wilderness I did, as well as the 25 Red Premium Outback (you should be able to see that one). It’s strange, also yesterday I put up a 2025 Legacy Premium video and those have been updated on the website. Not sure who dropped the ball or what the reasoning is though on the Outbacks haha. 🤪

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

What about interior noise at highway speeds? Is the outback a bit better?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I don’t have an accurate decibel reader so it’s hard to say for sure. The Outback may have been a tad bit quieter inside compared to the 5th gen Forester, but I don’t know that it is as good as this new 6th gen. 🤷‍♂️😅 That just means they’re probably very similar, at least in what I can detect.

[@jparker1823]

I have both, road noise is the same. Both are very quiet. Forester is slightly quieter when it comes to wind and engine noise, but I have the Forester Sport with the lower roof rack. I have heard that the XT Outback has a quieter engine compared to the 2.5.

[@michaelptm2269]

Does the forester premium have dual X mode?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Nope, just single X-mode unfortunately.

[@volcom77d]

I like subaru

[@JustChillingNahhhhMean]

For me, forester is so ugly…

[@bwset69]

Why does most subaru drivers drives so sloooowwww ???!!!!

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

We’re practical people, so we leave on time. We also tend to be better educated.

[@JustChillingNahhhhMean]

Nobody driving slow where I live lol

[@dalecesafsky4506]

Drive responsibly and you will not need the”extra power” of a turbo. Give up aggressive!

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

Agreed. I’ll take the reliability and ease of maintenance of an NA over a turbo all day. It’s one thing to have an aggressive face on the Outback, but to be just another incel Dodge driver as well? Keep the turbo. I save my aggression for the bedroom.