2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, giving it a more aggressive appearance. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding, offering a more cohesive appearance. The Outback was available in seven trim levels in Canada, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine was offered in various trims, with prices ranging from $32,695 to $40,995, excluding a $1,995 destination charge. For those seeking better acceleration, the turbocharged XT models were available, with prices ranging from $43,195 to $46,395. The Outback's interior, especially in the Limited trim, was praised for its upscale and cohesive design, featuring premium Nappa leather upholstery and contrasting stitching. However, the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim on the centre console were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its familiar design, resembling previous models, especially in Cascade Green Silica paint. It was available in Base, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier trims in Canada, with prices ranging from $30,995 to $41,595, excluding a $1,975 destination charge. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and pincer-shaped lighting, giving it a utilitarian appearance. The Premier trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's interior featured brown leather and trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, reflecting traditional Subaru design. While hard plastic was abundant, it made the cabin easy to clean. The Forester's control layout relied on traditional buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly. Despite its busy appearance, the Forester's back-to-basics nature was appreciated. The Forester's roof rails were robust, allowing for various accessories and even supporting a tent. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller adults.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped reduce the vehicle's centre of gravity and provided a characteristic grumble and vibration. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) made good use of the power at lower speeds, passing and climbing power was limited. The Outback's towing capacity was 1,225 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was disappointing, with a combined rating of 9.2 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 8.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered a more responsive driving experience, with a 2.4-litre engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. However, the XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings ranging from 9.5 to 10.1 L/100 km. The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic transmission, and paddle shifters were available for manual control. The Active Torque Split AWD system provided excellent traction, and the X-Mode traction system optimized performance on challenging terrain. The Outback's suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, and its handling was commendable, though not sporty. The standard engine's lack of power and fuel economy were the main drawbacks, making the turbocharged XT models a more appealing choice for those seeking better performance.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive SI-Drive system with a Sport mode for improved responsiveness. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction control system included hill descent control, with additional settings for Deep Snow and Mud starting with the Sport trim. The Forester Wilderness trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and modifications. The Forester Premier, weighing 85 kilograms less than the Outback Premier, felt livelier despite sharing the same powertrain. The Forester's driving dynamics were praised for their comfort and handling, with light and accurate steering, effective brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. The Forester's ride was firm yet communicative, providing a more engaging driving experience than the Outback. However, the Forester's engine was louder under acceleration, and a turbocharged option was desired for better performance at elevation. The Forester's fuel economy was 9.1 L/100 km, falling short of the official rating of 8.2 L/100 km. A hybrid or plug-in hybrid option was suggested to improve efficiency and performance.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a manually adjustable thigh support bolster and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat. Both seats were heated, and the steering wheel was also heated. The Outback's interior featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, providing a comfortable and cozy environment. The Outback's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the rear seats offered ample legroom and comfort. The cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured plastic door sills served as steps for accessing the roof rack. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space, and wind noise on the highway was a minor issue.

The 2023 Subaru Forester focused on function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Touring trim included a panoramic glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. The Forester's cloth upholstery was suitable for cold weather, while higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or perforated genuine leather. The Forester's outward visibility was excellent, thanks to its high seating position and large windows. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller adults. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful, with multiple pockets and compartments. The cargo area offered 762 litres of space behind the back seat and 1,957 litres with the back seat folded down. The Forester's power liftgate and hidden storage under the load floor added to its practicality.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Starlink system's usability was improved, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly. The Base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was preferred for its physical controls and ease of use. However, the voice recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential for navigation and other functions.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing safety features and supporting new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Outback Premier XT added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's next-generation EyeSight system featured updated software and cameras, improving performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included Automatic Emergency Steering. The Forester's Rear Automatic Braking system was prone to false alarms, and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was available on Limited and Premier trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a notch down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings and a four-star rollover resistance rating.