Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign that introduced a more cohesive look for this sixth-generation compact SUV. While it lost some of its distinctiveness, the new design featured a blockier shape with less body sculpting, giving it a visual heft reminiscent of a fun-sized Ford Explorer. The rugged appearance was enhanced by black plastic elements, hinting at its off-road potential. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard centre section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin offered a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats providing ample cushioning and support for long drives. Heated outboard rear seats added to the comfort, although the rear seating area had fewer material upgrades to ensure durability.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback adopted a more SUV-like appearance after 30 years as a wagon. Despite only marginally larger dimensions, the blockier and more upright design gave it a more substantial presence. The rectangular grille and boxy headlights contributed to its visual impact, while faceted plastic trim added to its rugged look. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a reintroduced physical climate control system. The interior materials were commendable, with higher trims offering smoother materials and an appealing saddle brown palette. The Outback's design changes aimed to enhance its visual presence and interior functionality, appealing to those seeking a more SUV-like experience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, combined with a parallel hybrid system that included two motor/generators. This setup produced 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 hp. The hybrid system featured an all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a traditional driveshaft, promising better traction and consistent reactions off-road. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower than it was, especially at higher speeds. The hybrid system operated smoothly, with seamless transitions between electricity and the engine. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road, thanks to its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous drivers.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre boxer engine producing 180 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer-four with 260 hp. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD. The base engine surprised with its performance, providing adequate power for the Outback's weight. The CVT featured eight simulated gears, enhancing control on descents. The Outback's off-road capability was notable, with 22 centimetres of ground clearance and X-Mode for improved traction. The forthcoming Wilderness model promised even greater off-road prowess with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The cockpit felt open and airy, with ample space for front passengers. Rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, though cargo space was slightly less than some rivals at 779 litres. The hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases added convenience for loading bulkier items.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space increased, with a total interior volume of 3,146 litres. Rear seats accommodated taller adults comfortably, with ample legroom and larger windows enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Subaru made incremental improvements, such as cupholders with "dog bone" cutouts and door pockets for larger flasks. Cargo capacity increased to 980 litres behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 2,280 litres with seatbacks folded. The multifunction cargo cover and robust roof rack added versatility for storage and adventure gear.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system received praise for its user-friendly interface and large on-screen buttons. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views enhanced off-road capabilities. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2026 Subaru Outback advanced in technology with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered customizable layouts and reduced response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operated wirelessly, and a wireless charging pad was available. The climate controls were reintroduced as physical buttons, improving usability. The Outback's tech features prioritized ease of use over complexity.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned impressive safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional features like blind spot monitoring and a surround-view monitor were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's crash test results were not yet available, but Subaru's commitment to safety suggested top marks. The Outback included Subaru's EyeSight suite with features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane centring assist. The Premium XT trim added a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.