2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Starting at an MSRP of $29,495, the Forester Premier reached up to $40,595, with an additional destination charge of $1,800. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured a rugged design with white paint, a dark grey interior, and water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, priced at $38,995 including destination. The Wilderness model stood out with its suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, maintaining a quality feel despite its somewhat dated look. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift with a new front end, redesigned LED headlights, and a restyled grille. The aggressive appearance was further enhanced by dark grey vertical cladding, a simulated skid plate, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Outback Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, complemented the bold design. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695. The Limited trim, tested in Cosmic Blue with Java Brown Nappa leather, provided a luxurious interior with contrasting leather and dashboard stitching. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained an upscale feel. The large infotainment screen, however, was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the engine lacked a turbocharger, the Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester Wilderness averaged 9.1 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the expected 9.0 L/100 km. The SUV excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road courses, thanks to its re-tuned suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, the lack of engine power and excessive wind noise at higher speeds were notable drawbacks.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, with its standard 2.5-litre engine, also delivered 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Despite the CVT's efforts, the Outback felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The Outback XT models, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, offered better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The standard Outback averaged 9.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 8.3 L/100 km. The Outback's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and its Active Torque Split AWD system enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the standard engine's lack of power was a significant drawback, particularly at higher elevations.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered ample comfort and storage, with 818 litres of cargo space without the sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of a dashboard shelf or tray was a missed opportunity.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized utility with its robust roof rack, flat door sill trim, and practical accessories. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable seats, heated steering wheel, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback provided 923 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded. The flat, textured door sills served as useful steps for accessing the roof rack. However, the Outback could benefit from additional storage space, particularly in the centre console area.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Starlink connected services, and a Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The system's usability improved, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved camera-based driver assist technology. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing its safety features. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial and intrusive.