2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. Inside, the Forester's cabin prioritized function over form, offering a modern look without sacrificing utility. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each featuring standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems. The base trim was well-equipped with features like 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

The 2020 Subaru Outback aimed for incremental improvements, building on its already successful formula. It was underpinned by Subaru’s Global Platform, which increased structural rigidity by 70%. The base 2.5-liter engine had 90% new parts, while higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. The exterior changes were subtle, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim. The Outback also introduced DriverFocus, an innovative tech feature that used facial recognition to adjust settings and alert distracted drivers.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option, which was available in the 2018 Forester, was a notable drawback. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. The SI-Drive system offered some hope by tuning throttle response and power delivery, but overall, the Forester's performance was not its strong suit. Fuel economy was respectable at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter engine produced 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the 2019 model. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Outback to hit 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, thanks to the low center of gravity of the boxer engine. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode in the Onyx XT, the Outback was capable off-road. Fuel economy for the base engine was 26 mpg city, 33 highway.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim, while other trims provided 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance were beneficial for both off-road driving and ease of entry for older passengers. The cabin was designed with a "Function First" philosophy, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The increase in width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior volume. The Outback's cabin was spacious enough to accommodate taller passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. Visibility was excellent, except for the rear quarters, which had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity compared to SUVs made the Outback a practical choice for many buyers.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive, intuitive, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, which notified the driver if the vehicle ahead had moved and they had not.

The 2020 Subaru Outback introduced a tablet-style, 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system's lag affected various functions, including navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar. Despite these issues, the screen was easy to understand and navigate. The Outback's DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was problematic, often issuing false alerts.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist and a full array of airbags were also standard, making the Forester a very safe vehicle.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's standard safety suite was impressive, including AWD and various driver-assistance features. However, the DriverFocus system was a disappointment, frequently issuing false alerts. The EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off.