Have just picked up the 2020 Onyx and love it. Im a jeep guy and own a Ford edge SEL so can tell you it takes a lot to get me to budge. My wife picked this up before it was even delivered to the dealership. The more I learned about the Onyx the more I was excited. This guy does not do Subaru's justice. Can not believe he wasted your time talking about lights. Ill name just 3 things, full size spare on factory rim, 11.6 inch infotainment center, Driver assist that makes even the windiest day a smooth ride. Oh, look up under the car when the front seats set and tell me what you see.
Not a single word about how good and clean this fit and finish is on both these Subarus. Not a single lose end or gap like that in the all new Highlander bonnet or Altima's. Overlooked by almost every reviewer.
I have a 2020 Subaru outback and I love it. Better than any American SUV . I will never go back to an American SUV or car . I have least two Subarus, one Forester and now the outback. This outback turns sharper than the 2019 outback. It may be longer but the turning radius Is sharper. I have everything I wanted except a CD player. I forgotten to ask about one .
Picked up my 2020 Touring Forester 10 days ago and absolutely love it! Only zonk I have is the auto off/on engine feature. Wish I could permanently disabled it but glad it's easily shut off with the button on the dash at any time while driving. Have the brown leather interior with Sepia Bronze exterior, really like the rich look of that color combo. Subaru did the Forester Touring real good and when compared with my 2010 Limited model it replaced I feel like I'm riding in a very upscale vehicle worth the price paid. Well done Subaru.
One thing that bugs me is the continuous trend youtubers follow, case in point the tail lights... I swear, almost all of them say they don't light the design. What about it they don't like, I don't know. I think it's just one following the other. There is nothing wrong with the tail lights. Again it's my opinion.
Very nice detailed video, thanks! I finally decided after pondering for a week or so that I like the Forester better. Too bad you didn’t have both vehicles in white here, but I’m glad you had the Outback in white. I saw another similar comparison where the Forester was in white and the Outback was not, so thank you.
James Mastroianni ground clearance is the same 8.7 inches in the Forester and the Outback. But the Forester has the advantage of greater ride height. Either is a great choice for the deep snow we get here in Vermont but I prefer the higher ride height of the Forester. Now, if only I could get an XT Forester....
I too chose the Forester Touring for all the amenities but mainly for the Brown leather interior. My wife wanted her Outback with cloth interior 🤮. I told her that she would be happier with leather interior but she didn’t want it. 4 months after buying her the Outback (it was a birthday gift from me to her), she told me that she wished she would have gotten the Limited with Ivory leather interior. But now she has to wait until her Outback wears out before she gets one with leather interior. My Forester is Sephia Bronze with the Brown interior and hers is Cinnamon Brown pearl with the Ivory interior.
Last year (2021), I bought my wife a 2019 Outback for her birthday. Her Camry was 18 years old and we couldn’t drive it in the winter months bc we get 5-6 feet of snow every winter. It was a lease return and had only 5,600 miles on it. I looked it up on KBB with all amenities and it booked out for $38K. I bought it for $33K. We are so impressed by how well the AWD system works that I / we decided that we would replace my 11 Rav 4WD Limited this year with a Forester Touring. I found a 2019 Forester Touring at Carter Subaru in Shoreline WA (3 hours away) with only 4,700 miles. Again I went to KBB and it booked out for $38,900. Carter Subaru sold it to us for $33K. My wife’s is Cinnamon Brown pearl with Ivory interior. My Forester is Sephia Bronze with Brown interior. I really wanted to get the Brilliant Bronze for my wife but she insisted on the Cinnamon. It’s too dark of a color for me, but she loves it. I love the lighter Bronze color of mine. Our vehicles seldom get washed in the winter only because our normal day temperatures hover around 20-25 degrees.
I would get the Forester my grandmother has 2009 Forester it’s very comfortable and full of great safety features and being 6ft 7 it’s has plenty of room.
Love your comparison! But in case someone else didn't point it out, the Outback has the cross bars built into the roof rails. You don't need to buy them from Subaru or aftermarket :)
Had an 11 and 14 Forester with rails and moveable crossbars. Have a 17 Outback with the built-ins. The Outback bars can only be set at either 30 or 40 " apart. The Forester bars are much more adaptable. You can get bars 2nd hand for the Forester at a reasonable cost. And by the way , crossbars from my 2011 ( 2009 to 2013) will work perfectly well with the 2014 to 2018 generation, and maybe with the current generation. So I much prefer the Forester system.
Joe, the CVT does not make the drone, it is the engine. If you floor a car with this engine with an automatic transmission, it will also make the same drone at the high rpm’s. It is not the CVT so much as the engine that is the problem. Cars with more horsepower don’t have to run this high of RPM and therefore don’t sound like this. I have the outback with the CVT and 3.6 engine and it is quiet and smooth all the time.
I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. towed to the dealer no less than 4 times. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. Major problem with the dealer, they do not give you any paperwork, to prove you were there in the first year, they delete the PC history, (destroy the evidence). I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.
It doesn't need a turbo as much as it needs anything but a CVT. Even the outback with the torquey 3.6L was DOG slow 0-30mph because of the transmission, and its the same ancient transmission in the new ones.
Yes this is true and that is why I bought the turbo/Boxer engine Outback. 3500 is a generous towing ability but would never go past 3000 to 3100 weight and would not tow anything that did not have electric brakes on the item being towed. When I go down a hill I dont want anything pushing me down, I must have control.
If they put the turbo in the Forester, and some of the upgraded features of the Outback, I would probably get the Forester. I personally prefer to sit up higher since I'm used to driving a truck. So I am stuck between deciding between those two.
Purchased the Outback Touring XT. Fabulous 2.4 Turbo engine gets up and goes effortlessly, which the 2.5 just does not have. Without the Turbo option, I’d likely went with another line. Really liking the Napa Leather Brown with White Exterior combination.
Eric Calabros, I traded a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring w/ Turbo. It was very nice, but seats were very uncomfortable for me. The 2 vehicles are very similar in cabin noise. The Subaru is nicely isolated, ride is very impressive for AWD with low noise, yet decent handling. Cruised at 75-80 effortlessly and quiet. CVT is quite good......for a CVT, but you still know it’s a CVT. A nice 8 speed automatic would be great in this car though. However, I’m quite OK with this CVT with 2.4 Turbo set up.
The best part of any Subaru (and the reason that I love my Forester the most) is the way they chug through the snow. My Fozzy is unstoppable in heavy snow, and even though it doesn't snow in Denver as much as people think it does, it's great to have the peace of mind when it does. It's also a little tank on off-road trails and has allowed me to get to many a remote trailhead.
We just got an Ascent for the family and we love it so far. I might get one of these also in the future, probably the Outback just because my mom has a Forester. Plus I like the grill a little better and the chrome accents are nice. I just wish they had a trim with a turbo engine on the Forester.
Got news for you, if they've kept it the same, the seats are not all leather. They use a vinyl look alike in some areas of the seats. One area of our 2015 was torn on the back left of drivers side. Subaru said it was cuz the previous driver slid their butt across it. It was only a year and a half old when I purchased it and only 27,000 miles.Had to replace the whole top seat cover. 300 bucks just for the cover PLUS almost 200 bucks labor. I'll never purchase a Subaru again with "leather" interior.
Yes it is because they are nicer from the outside to the very nice interior with the 11.6 Subaru Starlink infotainment system. Also bones on the 2020 Outback has the option 2.4 Turbo engine in it. I think Subaru needs to being back a Turbo engine for the Forester. And my mom has a 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onya Edition in the pearl white. We got it on September 13th of 2019. We went with a XT model since we live in the high hills or South Carolina.
Great well built safe versatile vehicles. I would however leave the towing to a truck unless it is a small trailer for tents etc. Once again excellent review by Joe and the Crew. 🏆
We went back and forth for a month between Forester and Outback quite the dilemma for us. Forester room & visibility is so amazing as well great for dogs, styling from rear bit of a let down. Outback offered the turbo engine and we liked the exterior styling better...wound up with an Onyx XT. The ride is great , the power is great & mileage good, getting used to the center Stack which looks great but a little distracting.
I've owned Foresters with rattles/squeaks and badly fitting trim (particularly first year models). My first outback ('21 - 2nd year model) doesn't (so far) have those issues. Forester definitely has more headroom and feels more spacious despite shorter length. Outback's proved quieter and less rough around edges.
It's all a matter of choice. I picked the Forester because it was the right size. The Outback was too big for me since I don't have a family. The price was right. The dealer was trying to force the Outback on me before I even saw the Forester. One look at the Forester, and I knew that was my car. Awesome price, awesome MPG- 37 highway, 25 city.
Is the forester bigger in height because of the more square body? I'm thinking my dogs could stand up easier in a forester compared to a outback. Subaru should let the back window go down. Guarantee that would boost sails.
You almost hit that Mercedes changing lane without signaling. The lane change warning did what it’s supposed to but was promptly ignored. Goes to show all the tech in the world will not triumph over determined distracted driver.
I had my last vehicle 10+ years ago. I will be in the car 95% of the time alone. However when I have the grands I need room for 2 car seats in the rear & possibly a teen. Been admiring the outback for many years but concerned about the length for tight & challenging parking in NYC. I am planning group day trips & solo road trips. The more I research the more I am unclear to get the outback, forrester, crosstrek or impreza. Now I talking to people with outback that I see in the neighborhood all give outback 5 stars. One impreza owner said she likes her vehicle but wish she got the outback. Advice please. Thanks.
The new Forester design has grown on me a lot, happens every time Subaru releases a new gen. First you kinda don't like it and then it's like, nice! lol Forester needs the Outback XT engine next year! And the Forester Premium wheels look better imo
Sport sharp mode on the Forester Sport helps with the acceleration, although I agree a turbo would be better. The Onyx XT Outback takes care of this but at the expense of a cargo space that isn’t as good for me. I prefer the higher ride height (albeit with same ground clearance) and the higher (if slightly shorter) cargo space in the Forester -which lets short people like me almost stand up in the back. And, as you mentioned, rear visibility is better in the Forester.
I just scooped up am ultra sharp 2020 Forester sport a month ago. The outback was nice, but I got more for my money with the Forester. The outback didn't seem to have the interior room the Forester had, and everything was more expensive for having essentially the same drive train and motor.
Great double feature review Joe. I had a '17 Forester XT (accident), presently driving a '18 WRX, but I'm thinking about going back to the Forester. May wait for Spring '21 for Wilderness edition. Any details about that?
Love Subaru WRX and Forester my favorites , I'd love it if the WRX didn't need premium I know that asking much and the forester didn't have nick nack mods like coloured vents they u can buy those for few bucks anywhere they should keep it clean but the best lineup I've seen from them
I'd go for the Forester just on looks alone.... Outback...Don't like all the lower black bulky cladding on the bumpers both front and rear. I recently traded a 2016 Outback, in my opinion it was a much better looking wagon overall.
How does the driver's seat compare in the Forester and the Outback? Lumbar support (2-way or 4-way?). Thigh extension ? Hardness/softness of cushion bottom ? Which one of these vehicles would you want to be in the driver's seat for a lengthy trip? Thanks.
I’m leasing a 19 Forester Premium and it’s a good car. The 20’s have Lane Centering which is a huge upgrade. I’d like to see them add a Forester PHEV direct competitor to the upcoming RAV4 Prime that can run 30-40 miles on EV mode and kick over to gas. The highway mileage on the Forester is great but the city mileage is not the best. EV mode would solve that problem - and give extra acceleration! Fingers crossed - otherwise the Model Y is looking more and more attractive
I bought the Forester. I like the headroom better in the Forester. After carefully studying the vehicles, I felt the Forester met my needs better. The outback, technically is a wagon. The Forester is a SUV.
Also, though the Outback has the same engine as the Forester, it can tow 2700 lbs (or 3500 lbs with the turbo engine in the XT models) vs the Forester's 1500 lbs.
Good comparison. I personally, like the Forester. It is shorter, but it is taller. It has more interior space. It has a lower price, and the outback doesn't give you enough to warrant the price. I would not spend the dollars for the touring trim. I also would not get the base model. However, the premium, I believe is the best deal. Subaru is a quality product. It's Forester for me. I do like the taillights Vetter on the outback. I do hope that Subaru will move,away from the CVT transmission.
How are these on poor roads? I didn't see any bumps at all. I have a back and bad neck. Also, I'm highly considering the Outback with the turbo. Is there any difference between that ride as well. Thank you very much.
I agree with you on the CVT. An 8 or 10 spd geared transmission would provide better reliability. The CVT robs the engine on horsepower, torque and mpg. You cannot rebuild a CVT, you simply have to buy a new one at the price of about $8K.
Subaru, you are almost perfect but you guys doesn’t have 360 Camera and wireless charger. Please by next year please have some. Im excited for next year.
Hi! I’m a graduating college in December, and I want a vehicle to do road trips in with friends. I am coming from a Toyota 4 runner (which I discovered has some poor safety ratings) Which one of these amazing vehicles would you recommend?
Alright, a two for one review! I like them both but I would pick the Outback. Especially if it was the XT. I think the taillights on the Forester look like lobster claws. Either one would be a good choice. Nice double play Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
They're essentially the same same size... Smdh. I wish the Forester was a bit taller (plus, about an inch more ground clearance), could tow up to 3000 kg, and had twin tailpipes.
Greatly appreciate the comparison idea. I am exactly on the fence between Forrester and Outback. Perfect video for me.
Have just picked up the 2020 Onyx and love it. Im a jeep guy and own a Ford edge SEL so can tell you it takes a lot to get me to budge. My wife picked this up before it was even delivered to the dealership. The more I learned about the Onyx the more I was excited. This guy does not do Subaru's justice. Can not believe he wasted your time talking about lights. Ill name just 3 things, full size spare on factory rim, 11.6 inch infotainment center, Driver assist that makes even the windiest day a smooth ride. Oh, look up under the car when the front seats set and tell me what you see.
The keyfob is waterproof. I unintentionally found out when I dropped the key in a lake and fished it out hours later.
Not a single word about how good and clean this fit and finish is on both these Subarus. Not a single lose end or gap like that in the all new Highlander bonnet or Altima's.
Overlooked by almost every reviewer.
My '18 Outback is a mini tank. Just a few upgrades and it's a beast.
I totally agree with you!
Thanks for this excellent review. It was very thorough and informative.
You are so very welcome!
First year Foresters have outsold Outbacks. I bought a Forester its awesome!
What trim ???
I really like the Forester sport 😍
thanks! I've been looking at both online and at my local dealer. still on the fence, but this was very helpful. all good info
Thank you for letting me share it with you!
So you're getting the Outback, right?
I have a 2020 Subaru outback and I love it. Better than any American SUV . I will never go back to an American SUV or car . I have least two Subarus, one Forester and now the outback. This outback turns sharper than the 2019 outback. It may be longer but the turning radius Is sharper. I have everything I wanted except a CD player. I forgotten to ask about one .
Picked up my 2020 Touring Forester 10 days ago and absolutely love it! Only zonk I have is the auto off/on engine feature. Wish I could permanently disabled it but glad it's easily shut off with the button on the dash at any time while driving. Have the brown leather interior with Sepia Bronze exterior, really like the rich look of that color combo. Subaru did the Forester Touring real good and when compared with my 2010 Limited model it replaced I feel like I'm riding in a very upscale vehicle worth the price paid. Well done Subaru.
Permanently disable auto start stop: www.autostopeliminator.com/collections/subaru/products/2019-subaru-forester
One thing that bugs me is the continuous trend youtubers follow, case in point the tail lights... I swear, almost all of them say they don't light the design. What about it they don't like, I don't know. I think it's just one following the other. There is nothing wrong with the tail lights. Again it's my opinion.
Very nice detailed video, thanks! I finally decided after pondering for a week or so that I like the Forester better. Too bad you didn’t have both vehicles in white here, but I’m glad you had the Outback in white. I saw another similar comparison where the Forester was in white and the Outback was not, so thank you.
I bought the 2020 Outback XT Touring. Love it better then my Legacy.
Congrats! Great choice!
If I had to choose I would go with the forester. I have a friend who has one in upstate New York and it gets her through the snow through any amount.
They both handle the snow like champs.
They have the EXACT same drivetrain and the outback has more clearance. And snow tires are always the most important part in any snow environment
@@james2042 Good call!
Is there another reason to buy other than SNOW..crap?
James Mastroianni ground clearance is the same 8.7 inches in the Forester and the Outback. But the Forester has the advantage of greater ride height. Either is a great choice for the deep snow we get here in Vermont but I prefer the higher ride height of the Forester. Now, if only I could get an XT Forester....
I chose the Forester. It is taller than the Outback. It has more interior space. In chose the Premium model with the 15 package.
Congrats on your Forester James!
You do miss the awesomely large screen on the Outback though!
I too chose the Forester Touring for all the amenities but mainly for the Brown leather interior.
My wife wanted her Outback with cloth interior 🤮. I told her that she would be happier with leather interior but she didn’t want it. 4 months after buying her the Outback (it was a birthday gift from me to her), she told me that she wished she would have gotten the Limited with Ivory leather interior.
But now she has to wait until her Outback wears out before she gets one with leather interior.
My Forester is Sephia Bronze with the Brown interior and hers is Cinnamon Brown pearl with the Ivory interior.
Raiti, what are your sources saying? They’re bringing back XT forester anytime soon?
Last year (2021), I bought my wife a 2019 Outback for her birthday. Her Camry was 18 years old and we couldn’t drive it in the winter months bc we get 5-6 feet of snow every winter.
It was a lease return and had only 5,600 miles on it. I looked it up on KBB with all amenities and it booked out for $38K. I bought it for $33K.
We are so impressed by how well the AWD system works that I / we decided that we would replace my 11 Rav 4WD Limited this year with a Forester Touring.
I found a 2019 Forester Touring at Carter Subaru in Shoreline WA (3 hours away) with only 4,700 miles.
Again I went to KBB and it booked out for $38,900. Carter Subaru sold it to us for $33K.
My wife’s is Cinnamon Brown pearl with Ivory interior. My Forester is Sephia Bronze with Brown interior.
I really wanted to get the Brilliant Bronze for my wife but she insisted on the Cinnamon. It’s too dark of a color for me, but she loves it.
I love the lighter Bronze color of mine.
Our vehicles seldom get washed in the winter only because our normal day temperatures hover around 20-25 degrees.
Thank you for sharing that great input from your experience David!
I would get the Forester my grandmother has 2009 Forester it’s very comfortable and full of great safety features and being 6ft 7 it’s has plenty of room.
Love your comparison! But in case someone else didn't point it out, the Outback has the cross bars built into the roof rails. You don't need to buy them from Subaru or aftermarket :)
yep. outgoing 2019 Touring requires crossbar purchase
Had an 11 and 14 Forester with rails and moveable crossbars. Have a 17 Outback with the built-ins. The Outback bars can only be set at either 30 or 40 " apart. The Forester bars are much more adaptable. You can get bars 2nd hand for the Forester at a reasonable cost. And by the way , crossbars from my 2011 ( 2009 to 2013) will work perfectly well with the 2014 to 2018 generation, and maybe with the current generation. So I much prefer the Forester system.
In Canada, even my Base model 2020 Outback came with cross bars from the factory.
Great video. I am currently looking at get one of them. I'm now leading towards the Outback. Thanks from Australia!
25:35 blind spot light flashes a lot and a Mercedes appears
Joe, the CVT does not make the drone, it is the engine. If you floor a car with this engine with an automatic transmission, it will also make the same drone at the high rpm’s. It is not the CVT so much as the engine that is the problem. Cars with more horsepower don’t have to run this high of RPM and therefore don’t sound like this. I have the outback with the CVT and 3.6 engine and it is quiet and smooth all the time.
I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. towed to the dealer no less than 4 times. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. Major problem with the dealer, they do not give you any paperwork, to prove you were there in the first year, they delete the PC history, (destroy the evidence). I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.
The Outback already has the cross bars. They swing out of the way and lock down when not needed. :)
they need to put the turbo back in,
tbh a supercharger would be better it needs that low end power for both asap
Fingers crossed that they bring the Forester XT back!
It doesn't need a turbo as much as it needs anything but a CVT. Even the outback with the torquey 3.6L was DOG slow 0-30mph because of the transmission, and its the same ancient transmission in the new ones.
You maybe should’ve added that if you do opt for the XT or higher trim for the outback you’ll get up to 3500 lbs of towing vs. 1500 lbs
Yes this is true and that is why I bought the turbo/Boxer engine Outback. 3500 is a generous towing ability but would never go past 3000 to 3100 weight and would not tow anything that did not have electric brakes on the item being towed. When I go down a hill I dont want anything pushing me down, I must have control.
The zonking and candy bar references are bizarre but funny
Diggin the outback! Nice review
If they put the turbo in the Forester, and some of the upgraded features of the Outback, I would probably get the Forester. I personally prefer to sit up higher since I'm used to driving a truck. So I am stuck between deciding between those two.
Nice, comprehensive comparison. Thanks, Joe! 👍
Purchased the Outback Touring XT. Fabulous 2.4 Turbo engine gets up and goes effortlessly, which the 2.5 just does not have. Without the Turbo option, I’d likely went with another line. Really liking the Napa Leather Brown with White Exterior combination.
Eric Calabros, I traded a 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring w/ Turbo. It was very nice, but seats were very uncomfortable for me. The 2 vehicles are very similar in cabin noise. The Subaru is nicely isolated, ride is very impressive for AWD with low noise, yet decent handling. Cruised at 75-80 effortlessly and quiet. CVT is quite good......for a CVT, but you still know it’s a CVT. A nice 8 speed automatic would be great in this car though. However, I’m quite OK with this CVT with 2.4 Turbo set up.
I LOVE all the chrome on my Forester Touring !
It adds just enough extra style.
The best part of any Subaru (and the reason that I love my Forester the most) is the way they chug through the snow. My Fozzy is unstoppable in heavy snow, and even though it doesn't snow in Denver as much as people think it does, it's great to have the peace of mind when it does. It's also a little tank on off-road trails and has allowed me to get to many a remote trailhead.
Loved the video. The references to sweets awesome!
Thanks for making you laugh!
We just got an Ascent for the family and we love it so far. I might get one of these also in the future, probably the Outback just because my mom has a Forester. Plus I like the grill a little better and the chrome accents are nice. I just wish they had a trim with a turbo engine on the Forester.
Looking to buy another Subaru? email for details on a discount. tkeith64@hotmail.com
No dedicated auto on/off button on the Outback. That was the deal breaker for me. Bought a 2020 Forester Limited instead.
Thanks for sharing that info.
On/off button for what?? Starting the car?
@@kellyname5733 auto start stop. A lot of cars have the option to turn that off.
The Outback had a recent software update 3/2021 where a dedicated auto on/off button is present on the Home Screen. Happy Subie driver I am!
@@CactusBravo42 Subaru just had a recent software update 3/2021. Can now turn the auto on/off with a dedicated button on the Home Screen. Yay!
great review Joe i really enjoyed it. as I'm watching it Iam thinking about my 2015 FXT!
Both cars are great. But I prefer Forester due to physical knobs available on the dashboard.
Got news for you, if they've kept it the same, the seats are not all leather. They use a vinyl look alike in some areas of the seats. One area of our 2015 was torn on the back left of drivers side. Subaru said it was cuz the previous driver slid their butt across it. It was only a year and a half old when I purchased it and only 27,000 miles.Had to replace the whole top seat cover. 300 bucks just for the cover PLUS almost 200 bucks labor. I'll never purchase a Subaru again with "leather" interior.
Yes it is because they are nicer from the outside to the very nice interior with the 11.6 Subaru Starlink infotainment system. Also bones on the 2020 Outback has the option 2.4 Turbo engine in it. I think Subaru needs to being back a Turbo engine for the Forester. And my mom has a 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onya Edition in the pearl white. We got it on September 13th of 2019. We went with a XT model since we live in the high hills or South Carolina.
Thanks for sharing your great input Steven. I appreciate you watching!
pretty sure the outback roof rails have integrated crossbars. could be wrong but that is what i have seen
Great well built safe versatile vehicles. I would however leave the towing to a truck unless it is a small trailer for tents etc. Once again excellent review by Joe and the Crew. 🏆
excellent video Joe. Great job. Slight static on audio,1/2 a zonk. Great job overall here. Thank you.
great video, efficient!
Thanks for taking the time to say that!
You should try sitting in the middle seat and give perspective for that 5th person. Just a random thought.
Nah
We went back and forth for a month between Forester and Outback quite the dilemma for us. Forester room & visibility is so amazing as well great for dogs, styling from rear bit of a let down. Outback offered the turbo engine and we liked the exterior styling better...wound up with an Onyx XT. The ride is great , the power is great & mileage good, getting used to the center Stack which looks great but a little distracting.
The Forester is made in JAPAN while the outback is made in the states. Clearly the Forester is a better made vehicle.
Great insight bro
I've owned Foresters with rattles/squeaks and badly fitting trim (particularly first year models). My first outback ('21 - 2nd year model) doesn't (so far) have those issues. Forester definitely has more headroom and feels more spacious despite shorter length. Outback's proved quieter and less rough around edges.
It's all a matter of choice. I picked the Forester because it was the right size. The Outback was too big for me since I don't have a family. The price was right. The dealer was trying to force the Outback on me before I even saw the Forester. One look at the Forester, and I knew that was my car. Awesome price, awesome MPG- 37 highway, 25 city.
Is the forester bigger in height because of the more square body? I'm thinking my dogs could stand up easier in a forester compared to a outback. Subaru should let the back window go down. Guarantee that would boost sails.
You almost hit that Mercedes changing lane without signaling. The lane change warning did what it’s supposed to but was promptly ignored. Goes to show all the tech in the world will not triumph over determined distracted driver.
I had my last vehicle 10+ years ago. I will be in the car 95% of the time alone. However when I have the grands I need room for 2 car seats in the rear & possibly a teen. Been admiring the outback for many years but concerned about the length for tight & challenging parking in NYC. I am planning group day trips & solo road trips. The more I research the more I am unclear to get the outback, forrester, crosstrek or impreza. Now I talking to people with outback that I see in the neighborhood all give outback 5 stars. One impreza owner said she likes her vehicle but wish she got the outback. Advice please. Thanks.
The new Forester design has grown on me a lot, happens every time Subaru releases a new gen. First you kinda don't like it and then it's like, nice! lol
Forester needs the Outback XT engine next year! And the Forester Premium wheels look better imo
The XT outback’s are so worth the money. The turbo charger does wonders for that 2.4L
Sport sharp mode on the Forester Sport helps with the acceleration, although I agree a turbo would be better. The Onyx XT Outback takes care of this but at the expense of a cargo space that isn’t as good for me. I prefer the higher ride height (albeit with same ground clearance) and the higher (if slightly shorter) cargo space in the Forester -which lets short people like me almost stand up in the back. And, as you mentioned, rear visibility is better in the Forester.
Love the Outback!!!
I am so glad that I could share it with you!
I just scooped up am ultra sharp 2020 Forester sport a month ago. The outback was nice, but I got more for my money with the Forester. The outback didn't seem to have the interior room the Forester had, and everything was more expensive for having essentially the same drive train and motor.
Great double feature review Joe. I had a '17 Forester XT (accident), presently driving a '18 WRX, but I'm thinking about going back to the Forester. May wait for Spring '21 for Wilderness edition. Any details about that?
Good insight to what the 2021 STI will look like inside.. might head down and get a deposit on a 2020 while I still can
This is great, thank you.
Can you do the same with the Impreza and Crosstrek?
Love Subaru WRX and Forester my favorites , I'd love it if the WRX didn't need premium I know that asking much and the forester didn't have nick nack mods like coloured vents they u can buy those for few bucks anywhere they should keep it clean but the best lineup I've seen from them
I'd go for the Forester just on looks alone.... Outback...Don't like all the lower black bulky cladding on the bumpers both front and rear. I recently traded a 2016 Outback, in my opinion it was a much better looking wagon overall.
How does the driver's seat compare in the Forester and the Outback? Lumbar support (2-way or 4-way?). Thigh extension ? Hardness/softness of cushion bottom ? Which one of these vehicles would you want to be in the driver's seat for a lengthy trip? Thanks.
Owned a 14 Forester and now have a 17 Outback. The seats in both are very comfortable. Virtually no difference.
They need to add a hybrid variant. PHEV would work independent of the combustion engine, reducing wear and tear on the transmission and engine.
It will be interesting to see how this goes down.
I’m leasing a 19 Forester Premium and it’s a good car. The 20’s have Lane Centering which is a huge upgrade. I’d like to see them add a Forester PHEV direct competitor to the upcoming RAV4 Prime that can run 30-40 miles on EV mode and kick over to gas. The highway mileage on the Forester is great but the city mileage is not the best. EV mode would solve that problem - and give extra acceleration! Fingers crossed - otherwise the Model Y is looking more and more attractive
Forester and Crosstrek need the turbo XT option...
I bought the Forester. I like the headroom better in the Forester. After carefully studying the vehicles, I felt the Forester met my needs better. The outback, technically is a wagon. The Forester is a SUV.
Why does it matter to you CVT or automatic transmission when you don't drive at all yourself Joe?
Also, though the Outback has the same engine as the Forester, it can tow 2700 lbs (or 3500 lbs with the turbo engine in the XT models) vs the Forester's 1500 lbs.
Good comparison. I personally, like the Forester. It is shorter, but it is taller. It has more interior space. It has a lower price, and the outback doesn't give you enough to warrant the price. I would not spend the dollars for the touring trim. I also would not get the base model. However, the premium, I believe is the best deal. Subaru is a quality product. It's Forester for me. I do like the taillights Vetter on the outback. I do hope that Subaru will move,away from the CVT transmission.
Your best review yet. Well done!
we only got the 2.0 e-boxer in the Forester and the XV(Crosstrek in Amerika) in the Netherlands and a 2.5 boxer in the Outback
Wireless charging is an option for a couple hundred bucks, the model you reviewed just didn't have that option selected.
Thanks for sharing your input and perspective! I really appreciate you watching!
Spring for the XT Turbo, you will not be sorry!
I choose the forester i love it
I am so glad that you like this one.
Great video!!
How are these on poor roads? I didn't see any bumps at all. I have a back and bad neck. Also, I'm highly considering the Outback with the turbo. Is there any difference between that ride as well. Thank you very much.
I am not buying a car to drag race. 182 horsepower is perfectly good for me. I looked at the outback but with it is out of my budget range.
The right Subaru to buy? My choice is the Subaru BRZ, already have an AWD Honda CR-V at home for family time.
Yes indeed! I love Lori's BRZ!
If they just were not so drag ass slow
@@becraftcorey LMAO! Great in the twisty bits.
Any thoughts on the 2020 Crosstrek?
It's slow as hell, you're welcome.
Wait til next year it will have more power. Right now it's slow
I agree with you on the CVT. An 8 or 10 spd geared transmission would provide better reliability. The CVT robs the engine on horsepower, torque and mpg.
You cannot rebuild a CVT, you simply have to buy a new one at the price of about $8K.
Plus they are not great iff you go off the beaten path when driving.
Very helpful. Thanks!
I am so glad that I could share this one with you!
Been wanting to get my negative out of my CX-5 for the payments so I can get a Outback limited I work for Subaru of Little Rock and love the outback’s
The outback also has the semi auto steering function
Subaru, you are almost perfect but you guys doesn’t have 360 Camera and wireless charger. Please by next year please have some. Im excited for next year.
Good points!
REALLY wish they left physical HVAC controls on the outback 💔💔
I totally understand where you are coming from. I highly recommend taking one for a test drive!
love your sense of humor, sir. nice job!
Thanks Greg! That really means a lot!
Forester hit sweet spot for seniors, height for egress
Please review a crosstrek. Thanks, love your videos
The only real drawback to the Forester is that it doesn’t have the turbo engine
This is so true!
It does need a dual exhaust so the engine has less back pressure giving a bit more horsepower, torque and mpg
Looks and more HP sounds like a win to me.
what was that clunking noise in both as you stepped on the gas??
Great question!
@@RaitisRides so what's the answer?
I hate that there is no way to see the temperatures of your radiator.
This is very true!
We are looking to buy a new Subaru Outback. Do you have anything in the 26,000?
Hi! I’m a graduating college in December, and I want a vehicle to do road trips in with friends. I am coming from a Toyota 4 runner (which I discovered has some poor safety ratings) Which one of these amazing vehicles would you recommend?
* read title*
WRX STI is the only valid answer here
That is the way I would go! LOL
Raiti's Rides Joe, not if you live where 24-30 inches of snow is not uncommon. Had to get rid of my WRX because it just didn’t cut it in mud season.
Alright, a two for one review! I like them both but I would pick the Outback. Especially if it was the XT. I think the taillights on the Forester look like lobster claws. Either one would be a good choice. Nice double play Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
I am right there with you Larry! The Outback XT would be my choice! I am glad that you like the double feature!
Yes, I say in terms of styling at least.
Nice Automotive history drop!.... Should do more History nuggets
Get the cross rails from the catalog??? They are already built in!
Eric Fisher i can confirm this.
Just have to slide them out of the rails and connect .
They're essentially the same same size... Smdh. I wish the Forester was a bit taller (plus, about an inch more ground clearance), could tow up to 3000 kg, and had twin tailpipes.
And $12k cheaper
I just had to comment. I friggin love you with your Twinkies and Breath Mints and. Gum. Oh my!!!