Hey guys! So, you're trying to decide between the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Subaru Outback, huh? It's a tough call, I get it. Both are fantastic SUVs, packed with Subaru's legendary reliability, safety features, and that go-anywhere attitude we all love. But they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your driveway.

Exterior and Styling: A Matter of Taste

When it comes to exterior and styling, the 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback present distinct personalities. The Forester embraces a traditional SUV shape with its upright stance, boxy silhouette, and large windows, maximizing visibility and creating a spacious feel. It's a classic look that appeals to those who appreciate function and practicality. The Outback, on the other hand, takes a different approach. It blurs the lines between SUV and wagon, boasting a longer, sleeker profile with rugged cladding and a higher ground clearance than your average wagon. This gives it a more adventurous and sophisticated vibe. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the traditional SUV look of the Forester or the wagon-esque styling of the Outback? Consider how each vehicle aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic tastes.

The Forester: This bad boy sports a more traditional SUV vibe. Think classic, boxy, and ready for anything. It's got that upright stance that gives you great visibility, which is a major plus when you're navigating tricky situations. The Forester's design screams practicality, and it's all about maximizing space and functionality. If you're someone who appreciates a no-nonsense, capable look, the Forester might just be your jam. Plus, its straightforward design makes it easy to maneuver and park, a definite bonus in crowded city environments.

The Outback: Now, the Outback is a bit of a rebel. It's like Subaru took an SUV and a wagon, threw them in a blender, and created something uniquely awesome. It's longer and sleeker than the Forester, with a more refined and adventurous feel. The Outback's design hints at its off-road capabilities while still maintaining a touch of sophistication. With its rugged cladding and slightly higher ground clearance, it's ready to tackle more than just your daily commute. If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle both city streets and weekend adventures, the Outback is definitely worth a look. Think of it as the Forester's cooler, more adventurous cousin.

Interior Comfort and Technology: What's Inside Matters

Interior comfort and technology are crucial factors when choosing a vehicle, and both the 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback offer compelling features. The Forester prioritizes practicality with its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and user-friendly infotainment system. Its large windows provide excellent outward visibility, making it easy to navigate and park. The Outback, while also comfortable, leans towards a more premium feel with its upgraded materials, refined design, and available features like a larger touchscreen display and a Harman Kardon sound system. Both SUVs come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and peace of mind.

Forester's Interior: Stepping inside the Forester, you'll immediately notice the emphasis on space and practicality. The cabin is airy and open, thanks to those large windows we talked about earlier. The seats are comfortable and supportive, perfect for long road trips or just running errands around town. The infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, with all the essential features you need to stay connected and entertained. While the Forester's interior might not be as flashy as some of its competitors, it's definitely functional and well-designed. It's a space that's built for everyday life, with durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of kids, pets, and all your gear.

Outback's Interior: The Outback's interior is where it really starts to set itself apart. While still practical and comfortable, it offers a more premium feel than the Forester. The materials are a bit nicer, the design is a bit more refined, and there are more available features to choose from. You can upgrade to a larger touchscreen display, a Harman Kardon sound system, and other goodies that will make your driving experience more enjoyable. The Outback's interior feels more like a luxurious cocoon, enveloping you in comfort and technology. It's a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country adventure. Think of it as the Forester's more sophisticated and tech-savvy sibling.

Performance and Handling: How They Drive

Performance and handling are key considerations for any car buyer. The 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback both come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. The Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate power for daily driving. It's known for its smooth and predictable handling, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and on winding roads. The Outback also uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, but it offers an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for those seeking more power and quicker acceleration. The Outback's longer wheelbase and slightly lower center of gravity contribute to a more planted and confident feel on the road. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and ease of driving, the Forester is a solid choice. However, if you crave more power and a more engaging driving experience, the Outback with the turbocharged engine might be the better option.

Forester's Performance: The Forester is all about reliable and predictable performance. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides enough power for everyday driving, and its smooth handling makes it easy to maneuver in various situations. The Forester's strength lies in its ability to inspire confidence, no matter the road conditions. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures that you have maximum traction and control, whether you're driving in rain, snow, or on gravel roads. The Forester isn't going to win any races, but it's a competent and capable performer that will get you where you need to go safely and comfortably. It's the perfect choice for those who prioritize practicality and reliability over raw power.

Outback's Performance: The Outback offers a bit more variety when it comes to performance. While it also comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you have the option to upgrade to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers significantly more power and quicker acceleration. This turbocharged engine transforms the Outback into a much more engaging and exciting vehicle to drive. The Outback's longer wheelbase and slightly lower center of gravity also contribute to a more planted and confident feel on the road. It's still comfortable and easy to drive, but it offers a more dynamic driving experience than the Forester. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle both everyday driving and more adventurous pursuits, the Outback with the turbocharged engine is a great choice. Think of it as the Forester's more athletic and spirited sibling.

Safety Features: Subaru's Commitment to Safety

Safety features are a cornerstone of the Subaru brand, and both the 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback excel in this area. Both SUVs come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, a comprehensive suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. These features work together to help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. Both the Forester and Outback have also earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further solidifying their reputation as safe and reliable vehicles. When it comes to safety, you can't go wrong with either the Forester or the Outback.

Subaru EyeSight: Both the Forester and Outback come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, a comprehensive suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the road around you and provide warnings or assistance if a potential collision is detected. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed to keep you safe. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, helping you stay on course. Automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, potentially preventing or mitigating an accident. EyeSight is a valuable safety feature that can give you peace of mind on the road.

Top Safety Ratings: In addition to EyeSight, both the Forester and Outback have earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These organizations conduct rigorous crash tests and evaluate a vehicle's safety features to determine its overall safety rating. The Forester and Outback have consistently performed well in these tests, earning top marks in various categories. This demonstrates Subaru's commitment to safety and its dedication to building vehicles that protect their occupants in the event of a collision. When you choose a Subaru, you can be confident that you're driving a vehicle that has been designed and engineered to keep you safe.

Price and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

Price and value are always important considerations when making a car purchase. The 2022 Subaru Forester and Outback are both competitively priced within their respective segments. The Forester generally has a slightly lower starting price than the Outback, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Outback offers more standard features and available upgrades, which can justify its higher price tag for some buyers. When evaluating value, consider your specific needs and priorities. If you're looking for a basic, reliable SUV with excellent safety features, the Forester offers great value for the money. If you're willing to spend a bit more for a more refined interior, more powerful engine options, and additional features, the Outback might be the better choice.

Forester's Value: The Forester offers excellent value for the money, especially if you're looking for a reliable and safe SUV without breaking the bank. Its lower starting price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Despite its lower price, the Forester still comes standard with a generous list of features, including Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight driver-assist technology, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Forester is a practical and sensible choice that delivers excellent value for everyday driving. It's a great option for families, commuters, and anyone who appreciates a well-rounded SUV at an affordable price.

Outback's Value: The Outback's value proposition is a bit different. While it has a higher starting price than the Forester, it offers more standard features and available upgrades. The Outback's more refined interior, more powerful engine options, and additional features like a larger touchscreen display and a Harman Kardon sound system can justify its higher price tag for some buyers. The Outback is a more premium vehicle that offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. If you're willing to spend a bit more for a more comfortable and well-equipped SUV, the Outback is a great choice. It's a great option for those who want a vehicle that can handle both everyday driving and weekend adventures in style and comfort.

Which One Should You Choose?

So, after all that, which one should you choose: the 2022 Subaru Forester or the 2022 Subaru Outback? Here's a quick recap to help you decide:

• Choose the Forester if: You prioritize practicality, affordability, and a traditional SUV look. You want a spacious and comfortable interior with excellent visibility. You value safety and reliability above all else.
• Choose the Outback if: You want a more versatile vehicle that can handle both on-road and off-road adventures. You appreciate a more refined interior and more powerful engine options. You're willing to spend a bit more for a more premium driving experience.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both vehicles and see which one feels right for you. Consider your individual needs, priorities, and budget, and choose the SUV that best fits your lifestyle. Happy driving!