Join Us As We Review the 2025 Forester vs 2025 Outback vs 2025 Crosstrek. What Are the Differences?
You’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it. Drive through any New Jersey suburb, and it feels like a Subaru parade. Coffee runs? Subaru. Soccer practice? Subaru. Weekend getaway to the Catskills? You guessed it—Subaru. It’s like they’ve become part of the landscape, right next to the strip mall Starbucks. It's not a coincidence. Subaru is practically the official car in New Jersey. Why? Because they’re built for this place—rugged enough for the occasional snowstorm, spacious enough for a beach trip, and reliable enough to handle the chaos of daily life. Plus, there’s that unspoken bond among Subaru drivers—like a secret handshake.
You see another one in traffic, give a little wave, maybe with a dash of sarcasm, like, “Oh hey, another Subaru. What a surprise.”
Here’s the tricky part. If you’re shopping for one, do you go with the Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek? The Outback is the largest of the three, while the Forester falls right in the middle, and Crosstrek is the smallest. They’re all solid choices, but picking the right one can feel like choosing your favorite pizza topping—every option’s good, but one’s going to hit the spot just right. No matter which model you choose, each is compatible with Subaru genuine accessories, so you can customize your ride to fit your lifestyle perfectly.
Let’s Break It Down and See Which Subaru Belongs in Your Driveway
2025 Refresh: What's New?
Subaru keeps things fresh with each model year. Here’s what’s cooking for 2025:2025 Subaru Forester Features
A sleek exterior redesign and a new hands-free power tailgate make it even more practical. Plus, it borrows some steering tech from the sporty WRX, keeping those New Jersey turns sharp.2025 Subaru Outback Features
The new Limited trim is upgraded with a power sunroof and heated steering wheel. For power seekers, the 260-hp turbocharged engine is now available in more trims.2025 Subaru Crosstrek Features
Not a ton of changes after its 2024 redesign, but the 182-hp engine is now standard on most models, giving it that extra oomph for highways.Performance Powerhouses: The Heart of Subaru
When it comes to performance, each of these Subarus offers something unique while showcasing that classic Subaru spirit.2025 Subaru Forester
Engine: 2.5-liter flat-four engineHorsepower: 180 hp
Torque: 178 lb-ft
2025 Subaru Forester 0-60 MPH: 8.3 seconds
Driving Dynamics: Designed for comfort rather than sporty handling, the Forester offers a plush ride. Its steering may feel a bit soft, but it easily conquers everyday driving scenarios, making it perfect for the suburban landscape.
2025 Subaru Outback
Engine Options: Standard 2.5-liter flat-four (182 hp) or turbocharged 2.4-liter (260 hp)Torque: 174 lb-ft (standard) / 277 lb-ft (turbo)
2025 Subaru Outback 0-60 MPH: 5.8 seconds (turbo model)
Driving Dynamics: The Outback strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement. With standard all-wheel drive and an available turbocharged engine, it can handle light off-roading while providing a comfortable ride on city streets.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Engine Options: Standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder (152 hp) or 2.5-liter (182 hp)Torque: 145 lb-ft (standard) / 176 lb-ft (2.5L)
2025 Subaru Crosstreck 0-60 MPH: 9.5 seconds (with standard engine)
Driving Dynamics: Known for its off-road capability, the Crosstrek also excels in fuel efficiency. With a higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches, it’s ready to tackle urban streets and rugged trails easily. Ground Clearance Royalty - Rugged Meets Reality Living in New Jersey means you need a vehicle that’s ready for anything, from unpredictable weather to some off-road adventure. Subaru's famous for its standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance across the lineup, but which one suits your specific needs?
2025 Subaru Forester
When it comes to 2025 Subaru Forester reliability, you can count on its sturdy build and low maintenance costs. And with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it's great for navigating those pesky potholes and surprise snow days.
Six Forester Trim Levels Available:
- 2025 Subaru Forester Base
- 2025 Subaru Forester Premium
- 2025 Subaru Forester Sport
- 2025 Subaru Forester Limited
- 2025 Subaru Forester Touring
2025 Subaru Outback
The slightly larger sibling also sports 8.7 inches of clearance. The 2025 Subaru Outback reliability shines through its proven track record, ensuring peace of mind on every journey. The Outback Wilderness trim takes it up a notch with a whopping 9.5 inches.
Nine Outback Trim Levels Available:
- 2025 Subaru Outback Base
- 2025 Subaru Outback Premium
- 2025 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition
- 2025 Subaru Outback Limited
- 2025 Subaru Outback Touring
- 2025 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT
- 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness
- 2025 Subaru Outback Limited XT
- 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting with 8.7 inches the Wilderness model edges it to 9.3, making it a small car that’s mighty in tricky terrain. Its reputation for 2025 Subaru Crosstrek reliability ensures that it’s not just fun to drive but also dependable for all your adventures. When climbing that snowy incline in Ramsey or navigating flooded streets in Mahwah, you’ll be glad Subaru’s got your back.
Five Crosstrek Trim Levels Available:
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Limited
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Space & Power Liftgate: Practicality in Every Drive
The Forester strikes a balance with 75 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded, while the Outback offers up to 33 cubic feet of cargo room. The Crosstrek, the smallest of the bunch, still offers impressive storage—20 cubic feet with the seats up and 55 cubic feet with them down. However, if you're looking for extra convenience, remember that the power liftgate is only available on the Outback and Forester.Safety for All (and Everyone) - The Subaru Standard
New Jersey drivers need safety. Why? Well, we’ve all experienced the notorious jughandles and left-turn oddities. But the good news is that Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology, which comes standard, ensures you won’t have to worry about the unexpected.2025 Subaru Forester Safety Features
Features the top-rated safety system with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It even adds a new electric power steering rack in 2025 for better control.2025 Subaru Forester safety rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA)
IIHS Ratings: The Outback also holds a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, showcasing strong performance in crash tests and advanced safety features.
2025 Subaru Outback Safety Features
Matches the Forester’s tech but also brings in advanced driver monitoring systems to keep an eye on you (pun intended) during those long drives on the Garden State Parkway.2025 Subaru Outback safety rating: 5 Stars (NHSTA)
IIHS Ratings: The Outback also holds a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, showcasing strong performance in crash tests and advanced safety features.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Features
Don’t let its smaller size fool you—this one is stacked with safety features, too. Bonus points for being the go-to for first-time drivers, winning awards from Parents Magazine for being one of the safest options for teens.2025 Subaru Crosstrek safety rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA)
IIHS Ratings: The Crosstrek is recognized as a "Top Safety Pick," performing well in key safety categories and benefiting from Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technology. Regardless of which model you choose, you're investing in top-tier safety. And let’s be honest, that’s pretty important when navigating those chaotic school drop-offs or Wycoff’s highway antics.
Pick Your Pleasure - Size Matters
The Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek each have a unique vibe and dimensions. Whether you want something more compact for city driving or a larger vehicle for family getaways, Subaru has options.2025 Subaru Forester Specs
Right in the middle. Spacious for passengers and cargo with 75 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded. It’s the Goldilocks option—not too big, not too small. And with a variety of 2025 Subaru Forester colors available, you can customize your ride to match your personality.2025 Subaru Outback Specs
The largest of the bunch, with up to 33 cubic feet of cargo room and an option for a power liftgate. Perfect for those Costco hauls or when you’re packing up for a camping trip. Plus, with a selection of 2025 Subaru Outback colors, you can find the perfect shade to fit your style.2025 Subaru Crosstrek Specs
The smallest sibling, but don’t underestimate it. It’s agile and offers great storage—20 cubic feet with the seats up and 55 cubic feet with them down. It's perfect for first-time car owners or urbanites needing outdoor adventure. Plus, with a range of 2025 Subaru Crosstrek colors, you can choose a hue that reflects your adventurous spirit.Tall drivers take note: the Forester and Outback offer a thigh extender for the driver’s seat, keeping you comfy even on the longest commutes.
Bonus Point: Moonroof Options Across the Subaru Lineup
When it comes to soaking in the sun, the Forester stands out with its exclusive panoramic moonroof, offering an expansive view. The Crosstrek and Outback, while sporting standard-sized moonroofs, still provide that breezy, open-air experience.Fuel Economy That Won’t Break the Bank - Keep Your Wallet Happy
Let’s face it—gas prices in New Jersey, especially in Ridgewood, can be unpredictable. But Subaru’s keeping it thrifty with some solid MPG numbers across the board.- Forester: 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway—great for both stop-and-go traffic and long hauls down the Parkway.
- Outback: It's about the same, though the turbocharged version dips a bit lower at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
- Crosstrek: The eco-champion here, especially with the base engine, clocking in at up to 34 mpg highway.
Personalization: Model-Exclusive Colors
One of the fun parts of choosing a Subaru is the chance to express your personality through color. With 11 different hues to choose from, the 2025 Subaru Forester ensures there’s a perfect match for everyone. It features exciting new colors like Autumn Green Metallic and Cascade Blue, adding a fresh twist to the lineup. Meanwhile, the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek also come in their own stunning shades, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your style. Curious about what’s available? Check out our new Forester color post for a deep dive into all the options!
Final Verdict: What’s Your Subaru?
Whether you’re a die-hard Forester fan, love the Outback’s versatility, or find yourself leaning toward the nimble Crosstrek, one thing is clear—Subaru has a model that’s perfect for suburban New Jersey life. Your choice comes down to size, style, and how much cargo you plan on stuffing into it.So, what’ll it be? The just-right Forester, the beefed-up Outback, or the zippy Crosstrek? Whatever you choose, you’ll be in good company because, let’s face it, there's a Subaru in every driveway for a reason.
