AWD wagons & SUVs
Used Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
Same Subaru AWD DNA, different shape. The Forester is taller with better visibility and easier entry; the Outback is longer, rides better on the highway, and offers more cargo room. Check the same Subaru watch-items on both and pick by body style, not by reliability.
Model years
2011–2024
Mileage outlook
200,000 miles is attainable, but Subarus punish neglect more than Toyotas. An oil-fed, CVT-serviced Forester at 120,000 miles beats a vague-history one at 70,000.
Model years
2010–2024
Mileage outlook
200,000-mile Outbacks are common in Subaru country. Oil consumption history and CVT service matter more than mileage.
Subaru Forester
A used Subaru Forester is a capable all-weather buy with two documented soft spots: oil consumption on 2011–2015 FB25 engines (subject of a class action — check for top-off habits) and CVT reliability on 2014–2018 cars, for which Subaru extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles. 2019+ models mostly trade those for minor annoyances like windshield cracking and battery drain. Verify head gasket history on anything older you're cross-shopping.
Known issues to check
- 2011–2015: FB25 oil consumption — check the dipstick now and ask how often oil is added between changes
- 2014–2018: CVT failures led Subaru to extend coverage to 100,000 miles — confirm whether the CVT was serviced or replaced
- 2019+: windshield stress cracking and parasitic battery drain complaints — ask about replacements
- AWD system needs four matched tires — mismatched tread depths cause drivetrain wear
What to verify
- Current oil level and consumption history (2011–2015)
- CVT service or replacement records (2014–2018)
- All four tires same brand/model with even wear
- No head gasket seepage on high-mileage examples
Subaru Outback
On a used Subaru Outback, the era determines the check: 2010–2012 2.5L engines carry the classic head-gasket and oil-consumption risks, 2013–2015 had piston-ring oil consumption (class action and extended coverage), and CVT cars should have fluid service plus Subaru's extended CVT warranty history verified. AWD also means four matched tires — uneven tread is a real cost.
Known issues to check
- 2013–2015 FB25: oil consumption — extended warranty applied; check for the oil-consumption test paperwork
- 2010–2012 EJ25: head gasket seepage — look for oil/coolant residue on the block edges
- CVT (2010+): service-dependent; Subaru extended CVT coverage on many years
- AWD requires matched tires — measure tread depth on all four
What to verify
- Oil consumption test/repair records (2013–2015)
- Head gasket edges for seepage (2010–2012)
- CVT fluid service and warranty status
- Four tires of matching brand and tread depth
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Subaru Forester can be a smarter buy than a neglected Subaru Outback, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Forester or Outback listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingSubaru Forester vs Subaru Outback: FAQ
Is the used Subaru Forester or Subaru Outback more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Subaru Forester watch-items and the Subaru Outback watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Subaru Forester or the Subaru Outback?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Subaru Forester or Subaru Outback?
Same Subaru AWD DNA, different shape. The Forester is taller with better visibility and easier entry; the Outback is longer, rides better on the highway, and offers more cargo room. Check the same Subaru watch-items on both and pick by body style, not by reliability.