Subaru Outback vs Subaru Forester
The 2022 Subaru Outback and Forester are perennial cross-shop rivals — both offer AWD, solid reliability, and practical cargo space at similar price points. Shoppers often struggle to choose because on the surface they seem nearly identical, yet subtle differences in size, fuel economy, and long-term costs can meaningfully impact your wallet over five years. This deep-dive breaks down every ownership dollar so you can buy with confidence.
The 2022 Forester edges out the Outback on five-year cost primarily due to its lower purchase price, slightly better fuel economy, and marginally cheaper insurance premiums, saving a typical buyer roughly $1,800–$2,200 over five years.
2022 Subaru Outback
- Strong resale value — Outback retains roughly 52% after 5 years limiting net depreciation
- Turbocharged XT trim commands premium resale keeping base trim competitive
- Longer wheelbase and higher tow rating (3,500 lbs) adds utility per dollar
- Higher sticker price adds ~$1,000 more in financed interest over a 60-month loan
- CVT-related repair costs slightly higher than Forester on average per RepairPal data
- Premium fuel recommended on XT trim inflates fuel costs for buyers who upgrade
2022 Subaru Forester
Winner- Lower purchase price reduces loan interest and upfront depreciation hit
- EPA-rated 33 mpg highway vs Outback's 33 — city rating of 29 vs 26 favors Forester daily
- Slightly lower average insurance premium due to smaller vehicle classification
- Lower tow rating (1,500 lbs) limits utility for buyers who occasionally haul trailers
- Resale value slightly trails Outback in absolute dollar terms due to lower starting MSRP
- Interior feel perceived as a step below Outback, potentially hurting trade-in negotiations
Category by category
The verdict
Both vehicles are excellent used buys in 2024, but the Forester's lower purchase price and better city fuel economy produce a measurable five-year savings of roughly $2,160. If your driving is mostly urban or suburban, the Forester is the smarter financial choice; only choose the Outback if the towing capacity, longer cabin, or highway road-trip comfort is a genuine need rather than a nice-to-have.
Subaru Outback: The 2022 Outback is best for drivers who regularly road-trip, need to tow a small trailer or boat, or prioritize a more car-like highway ride with added cargo flexibility.
Subaru Forester: The 2022 Forester is best for urban and suburban commuters who want lower day-to-day running costs, easier city parking, and the best bang-for-buck on a tight five-year budget.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the 2022 Subaru Outback or Forester?
Both share the same 2.5L Boxer engine and CVT and earn identical 3.5/5 RepairPal reliability scores, so neither has a meaningful edge — routine maintenance is the biggest reliability factor for both.
How much cheaper is the Forester to insure than the Outback?
Nationally the Forester averages about $60–$80 less per year to insure, adding up to roughly $300–$400 in savings over five years — a real but modest difference.
Does the 2022 Outback hold its value better than the Forester?
Yes, the Outback retains slightly more absolute dollar value at the 5-year mark (~$13,000 vs ~$12,100), but as a percentage of purchase price the gap is minimal at around 1–2%.
What is the real mpg difference between the 2022 Outback and 2022 Forester?
In city driving the Forester gets 29 mpg vs the Outback's 26 mpg — a meaningful difference for commuters — while highway ratings are identical at 33 mpg for both base 2.5L models.
Can the 2022 Subaru Outback tow more than the Forester?
Yes, significantly — the Outback tows up to 3,500 lbs with the proper hitch package, while the Forester is rated for just 1,500 lbs, making the Outback the clear choice for anyone towing a small boat or camper.