Choose the Outback Wilderness if you want maximum towing capacity (3,500 lbs), more horsepower from a turbocharged engine, and a longer, wagon-like ride that excels on the highway. Choose the Forester Wilderness if you prefer a traditional, boxier SUV shape with unmatched visibility, incredible headroom, and a slightly shorter wheelbase that makes it highly maneuverable on tight, twisting trails.
While both vehicles are factory-lifted to handle deep mud, rocks, and rutted paths, deciding between them usually comes down to how much power you need and what kind of cargo you are hauling.
Here is how the distinct designs of the Outback and Forester impact their off-road performance and daily drivability.
The Turbocharged Hauler
The Outback is functionally a lifted, reinforced station wagon. Its standout feature is the standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, generating 260 horsepower. This makes it significantly faster and punchier than the Forester, particularly when passing on the highway or hauling a heavy trailer uphill. The longer cargo floor is also perfect for sleeping in the back or carrying longer items like skis and lumber.
Shop Outback Wilderness →The Agile Trail Navigator
The Forester relies on a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine (182 hp). While it lacks the raw acceleration of the Outback, it makes up for it with incredible spatial design. Its tall roof, massive windows, and shorter overall length make it incredibly easy to see out of and maneuver around tight obstacles on the trail. It also offers slightly better fuel economy for daily commuting.
Shop Forester Wilderness →The physical footprint of these two SUVs is where the biggest differences lie. See exactly how they stack up in clearance, cargo, and pulling power.
| Feature | Outback Wilderness | Forester Wilderness |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® |
| Horsepower / Torque | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | 182 hp / 176 lb-ft |
| Ground Clearance | 9.5 inches | 9.2 inches |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| Max Cargo Volume (Seats Down) | 75.6 cubic feet | 69.1 cubic feet |
| Overall Length | 191.3 inches | 182.7 inches |
The Outback Wilderness has a clear advantage in towing (3,500 lbs vs 3,000 lbs), but the true difference is the torque. Because the Outback is turbocharged, it reaches its peak torque at lower RPMs. If you frequently tow teardrop campers or small boats into the mountains, the Outback will feel significantly less strained on steep inclines compared to the Forester.
Specs only tell half the story. You have to feel the turbocharged power of the Outback and experience the incredible visibility of the Forester for yourself to make the right choice.
