When choosing a vehicle that balances practicality, reliability, and versatility, Subaru is a brand that consistently comes to mind. Known for its rugged all-wheel-drive systems, reliability, and commitment to safety, Subaru vehicles have a loyal following. Two of Subaru’s most popular models are the Forester and the Outback, which offer a unique blend of features and capabilities. The 2016 Subaru Forester vs Outback are often compared by potential buyers seeking a robust and capable vehicle for urban and off-road adventures. In this article, we will compare these two models in-depth, helping you decide which one might be better for your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview of the 2016 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has long been a favourite among those who value practicality and all-weather capability. The 2016 Forester continues this tradition, offering a spacious interior, excellent visibility, and Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
Key Features
- Engine Options: The 2016 Forester offers two engine options. The base engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque for those seeking more power.
- Transmission: Lower trims have a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a continuous variable transmission (CVT) is available. The turbocharged model comes exclusively with the CVT.
- Fuel Economy: The 2.5-litre engine with the CVT achieves an impressive fuel economy of around 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The turbocharged engine is slightly less efficient, with ratings of 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
- Cargo Space: The Forester offers ample cargo space, with 34.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
- Ground Clearance: The Forester boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading.
Overview of the 2016 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has evolved from a rugged wagon into a versatile crossover that appeals to families and adventurers. The 2016 Outback offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and excellent off-road capability.
Key Features
- Engine Options: Like the Forester, the 2016 Outback offers two engine choices. The base engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful option is a 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: The 2.5-litre engine has a CVT, while the 3.6-litre engine has a high-torque CVT.
- Fuel Economy: The 2.5-litre engine achieves fuel economy ratings of around 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the 3.6-litre engine is rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
- Cargo Space: The Outback offers slightly more cargo space than the Forester, with 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
- Ground Clearance: Like the Forester, the Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it equally capable off the beaten path.
Design and Exterior Comparison
When comparing the 2016 Forester and Outback’s design and exterior, both models share Subaru’s rugged and practical design language. However, some key differences set them apart.
The Forester has a more traditional SUV look, with a boxy shape that prioritises visibility and cargo space. Its tall roofline and large windows provide excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for urban driving and parking in tight spaces. The Forester’s design is functional, focusing on utility rather than flashiness. Its high roofline and squared-off rear end contribute to its spacious interior.
On the other hand, the Outback has a more streamlined and wagon-like appearance. It’s longer and lower than the Forester, giving it a more car-like stance. The Outback’s design balances ruggedness and sophistication with sleek lines and a more aerodynamic profile. The roof rails, prominent wheel arches, and cladding along the lower body panels add to its rugged appeal, while its overall look is more refined than the Forester.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the Outback is larger than the Forester. Its longer wheelbase contributes to its smoother ride and more stable handling. The Outback’s larger size also translates to more cargo space, though the difference is marginal.
Interior and Comfort
The 2016 Subaru Forester and Outback interiors are designed with practicality and comfort in mind. However, some differences may influence your decision.
2016 Subaru Forester Interior
The Forester’s interior is straightforward and functional. The materials used in the cabin are durable, and while the design isn’t particularly luxurious, it’s well-built and user-friendly. The Forester’s high roofline gives it a more open and airy feel, and the large windows provide excellent visibility, enhancing the sense of space.
The front seats are comfortable and offer good support, making long journeys more enjoyable. The rear seats are spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. One of the standout features of the Forester is its excellent visibility, thanks to its large windows and elevated driving position.
Regarding technology, the 2016 Forester comes with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, which includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen in the base models and a 7-inch screen in higher trims. The system is intuitive and easy to use, with features like Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and available navigation.
2016 Subaru Outback Interior
The Outback’s interior is more refined than the Forester’s, with higher-quality materials and a more upscale design. The Outback’s cabin is quiet and comfortable, with a focus on providing a smooth and serene driving experience. The front seats are supportive and offer a good range of adjustments, while the rear seats provide plenty of space for passengers.
Like the Forester, the Outback features Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, which has similar touchscreen sizes and functionality. However, the Outback’s interior feels more premium, especially in higher trims that offer leather upholstery and additional amenities like heated seats and a power liftgate.
One of the Outback’s key advantages is its quieter cabin. Thanks to additional sound insulation, the Outback provides a more peaceful driving experience, which can be particularly appealing for long-distance travellers.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2016 Subaru Forester and Outback offer capable performance but cater to slightly different driving preferences.
2016 Subaru Forester Performance
The 2016 Forester’s standard 2.5-litre engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, but the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine shines. The turbocharged engine delivers brisk acceleration and makes the Forester feel more engaging when driving, especially on highways and during overtaking manoeuvres.
The Forester’s handling is commendable, with responsive steering and a stable feel on the road. Its compact size and tight turning radius make manoeuvre in urban environments easy. The ride quality is comfortable, though the Forester’s suspension is tuned more for utility than luxury to feel firm over rough surfaces.
The Forester is impressive off-road. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, and features like X-Mode (which optimises traction on slippery surfaces), it is well-equipped for tackling dirt roads, snow, and light off-road trails.
2016 Subaru Outback Performance
The Outback’s performance emphasises comfort and long-distance cruising. The base 2.5-litre engine provides smooth and efficient power delivery, making it a good choice for those prioritising fuel economy. However, if you want more power, the 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine is the way to go. It offers strong acceleration and makes the Outback more responsive, especially when fully loaded or towing.
The Outback’s handling is stable and composed, partly thanks to its longer wheelbase. It feels more planted on the road than the Forester, and its ride quality is more refined. The Outback absorbs bumps and road imperfections better, making it a more comfortable option for long journeys.
Like the Forester, the Outback excels off-road. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Symmetrical AWD, and X-Mode make it capable of this task. Whether driving on muddy trails or snowy roads, the Outback provides confidence-inspiring traction and stability.
Safety Features
The 2016 Subaru Forester and Outback have a comprehensive suite of safety features, making them excellent choices for safety-conscious buyers.
2016 Subaru Forester Safety
The Forester has a rearview camera, stability control, antilock brakes, and airbags. Higher trims offer additional safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions.
The 2016 Forester received high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned top crash test scores.
2016 Subaru Outback Safety
The Outback also has a rearview camera, stability control, antilock brakes, and multiple airbags. Like the Forester, it offers the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as an option. The Outback’s larger size and heavier weight may give some buyers an added sense of security.
The Outback received similarly high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Pricing and Value
Regarding pricing, the 2016 Subaru Forester and Outback offer good value for money, but the final decision may depend on your budget and the features you prioritise.
2016 Subaru Forester Pricing
The base model of the 2016 Forester starts at a lower price point than the Outback, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the price can increase significantly as you move up the trim levels and add options like the turbocharged engine and EyeSight technology.
2016 Subaru Outback Pricing
The Outback, with its more refined interior and larger size, typically costs more than the Forester. The base model is still reasonably priced, but the Outback can become quite expensive if you opt for the 3.6-litre engine and higher trims with additional luxury features.
In terms of value, both vehicles offer a lot for their price, but the Forester may be the better choice if you’re looking for a lower-cost entry into the Subaru lineup. The Outback, on the other hand, offers more features and a more premium feel, which may justify its higher price for some buyers.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between the 2016 Subaru Forester and Outback ultimately depends on your priorities and lifestyle.
- Choose the 2016 Subaru Forester if:
- You prioritise affordability and practicality.
- You need a vehicle with excellent visibility and a spacious interior.
- You want a compact SUV that is easy to manoeuvre in urban environments.
- You value a more engaging driving experience, especially with the turbocharged engine.
- You plan to do light off-roading and need a capable all-weather vehicle.
- Choose the 2016 Subaru Outback if:
- You prefer a more refined and comfortable interior.
- You want a vehicle that is larger and more stable on the road.
- You need more cargo space and towing capacity.
- You prioritise a quieter and more comfortable ride, especially for long journeys.
- You seek a vehicle with similar off-road capability but a more upscale feel.
The 2016 Subaru Forester and Outback are excellent vehicles that offer value, safety, and versatility. Whether you choose the Forester or the Outback, you can be confident that you’re getting a reliable and capable vehicle that will serve you well for years.