2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Subaru Outback: Which One Should I Buy?

When you need to get there in style and possibly by crossing a rocky creek or mountain path, the mid-size SUV/crossover is the vehicle of choice. These semi-large people-movers provide a lot of range and a lot of space, but without the super-high price tag of the larger SUVs. A good interim step between a large family sedan and a mid-size SUV or van, these vehicles are multi-purpose and can be a lot of fun to drive.

The Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback are very similar models, with the main difference being the few extra options that the Outback offers and a little bit of a different look. The Outback is slightly more expensive in the base model, but again – it’s nothing to make most consumers pause before taking an extra look.

subaru outback 2012
2012 Subaru Outback

Interior Options

Many people could be drawn to the heated front seats that come standard on the Outback as well as the heated seatback, and the slightly more generous rear seat bench split of 65/35 instead of 60/40 in the Forester, but these changes are small. Both vehicles offer cloth seats and a standard CD player, but the entertainment system in the Outback wins hands-down with the option for a 2nd row LCD screen and the installed DVD player to keep the kids quiet on long road trips.

Stay Safe and Secure

The Outback and the Forester could be the same vehicle if you’re looking strictly at the safety and security features: both come with curtain 1st and 2nd row airbags standard, ABS and driveline traction control, height adjustable seatbelts, halogen headlights, standard daytime running lights and standard rear child safety door locks – everything that you would expect in a higher-end vehicle.

Exterior Features

While many things are similar, when you compare the exterior options you will see where the Outback earns its extra dollars. The heated door mirrors, standard roof rack and rails make it a sportier option; the two vehicles both have 16” steel tires, mud flaps and fixed interval rear window wipers to keep the view clean.

Economical Driving

Both the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Outback provide reasonable fuel economy with 21 and 19 mpg respectively for city and the same 27 mpg highway driving. There is little difference in their ¼ mile time or speed and while the Outback has a slightly higher curb weight, the difference is minimal.

Either of these two options will provide a solid entry into the mid-size SUV class – with high-quality interiors, good safety features and basic entertainment options even in the base model.


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Jermaine

25 years of experience
382 reviews
Jermaine
25 years of experience
Dodge Durango V6-3.6L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Silver Spring, Maryland
Awesome mechanic! Very reliable !! Awesome personality! Explained everything and now I feel less stressed.
Hyundai Ioniq - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Chevy Chase, Maryland
Jermaine was very friendly, efficient and professional. He kindly explained to me those things that did not score well in the service report, so that it didn't come as a surprise, and I would know what to do about it.

Caz

18 years of experience
146 reviews
Caz
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz was extremely knowledgeable, personable and provided excellent service. He was on time for the appointment and answered and explained everything I asked concerning my vehicle. I will definitely use the company again and I would love to have Caz as my mechanic! Excellent!
Mercedes-Benz S550 - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Mableton, Georgia
Caz Arrived on time much earlier than scheduled. He was very professional in inspecting the car and made excellent recommendations.

Brian

19 years of experience
138 reviews
Brian
19 years of experience
Lexus RX350 V6-3.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Brian was very informational and knowledgeable about the Inspection. He throughly inform me what issues on vehicle. Great Mechanic !!!
Ford Transit-350 HD - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Great service. Honest , respectful and truly cares about making sure you get the best options possible at an affordable price. Finding a mechanic you can trust is rare. I highly recommend Brain.

Jay

24 years of experience
262 reviews
Jay
24 years of experience
Honda CR-V L4-2.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Glendale Heights, Illinois
Jay did a great job! Excellent at taking time to explain things about your car. And provided sound recommendation on repair. Courteous and responsive. I would definitely recommend Jay!
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