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TL;DR
- The 2026 Outback is 8.4 inches longer with more cargo space (34.6 vs 27.5–29.6 cu ft behind the seats); the Forester is shorter and slightly taller.
- Standard clearance ties at 8.7 inches; Wilderness trims are 9.5 (Outback) and 9.3 (Forester).
- The Forester Wilderness has the better approach and departure angles (23.5° and 25.5° vs 20.0° and 22.5°).
- Only the Outback offers a turbo (260 hp); only the Forester offers a hybrid, including a 2027 Wilderness Hybrid.
- Towing: 3,500 lb for both Wilderness models; 1,500 lb for other Foresters and 2,700 lb for the 2.5-liter Outback.
Forester vs Outback: Key Specs
| Spec | 2026 Forester | 2026 Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3 in. (Wilderness 182.9) | 191.7 in. |
| Width | 72.0 in. (Wilderness 72.4) | 74.0 in. |
| Height | 68.1 in. (Wilderness 69.3) | 67.5 in. with roof rails (Wilderness 68.3) |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in. (Wilderness 104.9) | 108.1 in. |
| Ground clearance, standard | 8.7 in. | 8.7 in. |
| Ground clearance, Wilderness | 9.3 in. | 9.5 in. |
| Engines | 2.5L, 180 hp; hybrid 194 hp | 2.5L, 180 hp; 2.4L turbo, 260 hp |
| Towing, standard | 1,500 lb | 2,700 lb (2.5L); 3,500 lb (XT) |
| Towing, Wilderness | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| Cargo, seats up / folded | 27.5–29.6 / 69.1–74.4 cu ft | 34.6 / 80.5 cu ft |
| Approach / breakover / departure, Wilderness | 23.5° / 21.0° / 25.5° | 20.0° / 21.2° / 22.5° |
| Wilderness final drive | 4.111 (others 3.700) | 4.444 (2025 spec sheet) |
| Roof rails, dynamic / static | Wilderness: 176 / 800 lb | 220 / 800 lb |
Subaru redesigned the Outback for 2026 as its seventh generation, with a roofline about 2 inches taller than before and 2 cubic feet more cargo space behind the rear seat, according to its launch release. The Forester is in its sixth generation, and the 2026 Forester Wilderness moved to 9.3 inches of clearance from 9.2 on the 2025 version.
Size and Packaging
The two models are packaged differently. The 2026 Outback is 8.4 inches longer than the Forester, with a 3-inch-longer wheelbase. That gives it a long cargo floor that owners like for sleeping in the back and for skis or fly rods; Subaru quotes 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 80.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Forester's taller, more upright body gives it a boxier cargo area in a shorter footprint. Its 2026 spec sheet lists 29.6 cubic feet behind the seats and 74.4 folded on the base model, 27.5 and 69.1 on trims with the panoramic moonroof, a 32.2-inch rear gate opening height (the 2025 Outback sheet lists 29.5 inches) and a 35.4-foot turning circle, 34.5 feet on the Wilderness.
Off-Pavement Capability
On standard trims, neither has a clearance advantage: Subaru lists 8.7 inches for both. The Wilderness versions pull apart in different ways. The Outback Wilderness has more clearance (9.5 against 9.3 inches) and its turbo engine. The 2026 Forester Wilderness has the better approach angle, 23.5 degrees against the 2026 Outback Wilderness's 20, and a better departure angle, 25.5 against 22.5. On paper, that makes the Forester Wilderness better on steep entries and exits. The Outback Wilderness's extra clearance and power suit long gravel stretches and loaded touring. Our Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness reviews go deeper.
Powertrain
This is the clearest difference between them. The 2026 Forester comes with the 180-horsepower 2.5-liter or a hybrid system rated at 194 horsepower combined, and Subaru's 2027 lineup adds a Forester Wilderness Hybrid. The Outback offers the 180-horsepower 2.5-liter or a turbocharged 2.4-liter rated at 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. The turbo is standard on the Wilderness and XT trims. Gearing differs as well: the Forester Wilderness uses a 4.111 final drive against 3.700 on other Foresters, and Subaru's 2025 Outback sheet lists 4.444 for the Wilderness, 4.111 for the XT and 3.900 for the 2.5-liter.
Towing and Roof Loads
Both Wilderness models are rated at 3,500 pounds. Standard trims differ: 1,500 pounds for the 2026 Forester and 2,700 pounds for the 2026 2.5-liter Outback, while the turbo Outback XT trims match the Wilderness at 3,500. Subaru credits an uprated transmission cooler for the Forester Wilderness figure. On the roof, the 2026 Outback's standard rails carry an 800-pound static and 220-pound dynamic load. The 2026 Forester Wilderness rails carry 800 pounds static and 176 pounds dynamic; that 44-pound difference in dynamic rating decides which rooftop tents each can carry, as our roof load guide works through. See Forester Wilderness towing for more.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Forester if you want a shorter vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver, a taller cargo opening, or a hybrid. Choose the Outback if you want a longer cargo floor, the option of turbo power, and slightly more clearance in Wilderness form. Neither has a low-range transfer case, so both are best suited to gravel, snow and moderate trails. Our are Subarus good off-road guide explains that ceiling.
How We Cover This
This comparison uses Subaru of America's official 2026 Forester and Outback specification pages, the 2026 Forester and 2025 Outback specification sheets, and its 2026 and 2027 press releases, plus aggregated owner reports for the practical notes. We do not drive or test vehicles. See how we rank and the Subaru fitment hub.
Subaru, Forester and Outback are trademarks of their respective owners. 4x4 & Overlanding is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by any vehicle manufacturer.
Recommended gear
Core recovery gear
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Best for a complete strap, shackle and glove kit in one bag.
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- 3/4 in D-ring shackles, 41,850 lb listed break strength (2-pack).
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We research products from manufacturer specs and owner feedback; we don't test them ourselves. How we choose.
Sources
- Subaru — 2026 Outback Specs & Trims — 2026 Outback 191.7 × 74.0 × 67.5 in. (Wilderness 68.3 in.), 108.1-in. wheelbase, 8.7/9.5-in. clearance, 34.6/80.5 cu ft cargo, towing 2,700 lb (2.5L) and 3,500 lb (XT and Wilderness).
- Subaru — 2026 Forester Specs & Trims — 2026 Forester towing 1,500 lb standard and 3,500 lb Wilderness; wheelbase 105.1 in. (Wilderness 104.9).
- Subaru U.S. Media Center — 2026 Forester Specifications — 2026 Forester length, width, height, wheelbase, clearance, approach/breakover/departure angles, cargo volumes, rear gate opening height, turning circle, 180-hp engine, 4.111 Wilderness final drive vs 3.700.
- Subaru of America — 2025 Outback Specifications (official PDF) — Outback final drives 3.900 / 4.111 / 4.444 and 29.5-in. rear gate opening height.
- Subaru U.S. Media Center — All-New 2026 Outback — Seventh-generation 2026 Outback; 180-hp 2.5L and 260-hp, 277 lb-ft 2.4L turbo; 2-in. taller roofline; 34.6 cu ft cargo; roof rails 800 lb static, 220 lb dynamic.
- Subaru U.S. Media Center — All-New 2026 Outback Wilderness — Outback Wilderness 9.5-in. clearance, turbo engine, approach 20.0°, breakover 21.2°, departure 22.5°, 3,500-lb towing.
- Subaru U.S. Media Center — 2026 Forester Wilderness — Forester Wilderness 9.3 in. (up from 9.2), approach 23.5°, departure 25.5°, uprated transmission cooler for 3,500 lb, roof rails 800 lb static and 176 lb dynamic; sixth-generation Forester.
- Subaru U.S. Media Center — 2027 Forester Pricing and Forester Wilderness Hybrid — New 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid; 194-hp combined hybrid and 180-hp 2.5L.