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We have both a Forester and an Outback. The Forester is a 2007, so more of a wagon than a small SUV. When we were looking to buy another Subaru in 2013, we disliked the newer Forester driving position (too high). The Outback drove more like a wagon which we preferred. We also felt it had a more upscale feel. Plus, the 3.6L flat six engine provides nice seamless power. To be honest, if they still sold the Legacy wagon in the US, we would have bought that.
The Outbacks is bigger, a hair wider and quite a bit longer wheelbase, so they drive better on the highway and much more trunk space. The fuel tank is bigger so you can go 400+ miles without refueling.
The Forester 2.5i and 2.5i Premium are available in a manual transmission which is great.
I guess it depends on what year's your talking about.
Our 2000 Forester's sunroof if wider then our 07 Outback's is. To me I would say that the car is wider of course I haven't looked up the specs but it seems wider overall then the Outback is.
If you trade every few years, the XT Forester is the one to get for mountainous travels. As was previously stated, the turbo is minimally effected by altitude changes. The Outback 3.6 is a smoother, more refined power, but not as confidence inspiring in the mountains.
If I were keeping the car for 75-100K I would choose the Outback 3.6 for it's timing chain alone.
The Outback 3.6 or Forester XT are on my short list, but will not be buying for another couple of years. Prices for used are really too high for Subaru vehicles to justify buying at this point. When prices were much lower around 2011, I picked up an excellent one owner 2004 Forester XS.
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