A comparative guide to Subaru’s three largest SUVs

Are you shopping for a new SUV and wondering which vehicle in Subaru’s lineup is best for you? Use this comprehensive Subaru SUV comparison to determine which SUV best suits your specific lifestyle and budget.
How do the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Ascent Compare?

Pictured left to right the 2021 Subaru Ascent, 2021 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Outback

All three of these vehicles come with standard AWD, a 3 year / 36,000 mile basic warranty, 5 year / 60,000 power train warranty, and a standard suite of safety technology to keep you and your passengers safe!
Subaru SUV Cargo and Interiors at a Glance
Passenger and Cargo Space:
The Subaru Forester, Outback, & Ascent Compared
Subaru Model | Standard Cargo Space | Maximum Cargo Space | Passenger Headroom | Passenger Legroom |
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2021 Subaru Forester | 28.9-31.1 Cubic Ft. | 70.9-76.1 Cubic Ft. |
Front: 40.2-41.2 in. Rear: 37.7-39.1 in. |
Front: 43.3 in. Rear: 39.4 in. |
2021 Subaru Outback | 32.5 Cubic Ft. | 75.7 Cubic Ft. |
Front: 40.1 in. Rear: 37.7-39.1 in. |
Front: 42.8 in. Rear: 39.5 in. |
2021 Subaru Ascent | 47-47.5 Cubic Ft. (Behind 2nd Row) 17.1 Cubic Ft. (Behind 3rd Row) |
86-86.5 Cubic Ft. |
Front: 40.1-41.3 in. Mid: 38.7-40 in. Rear: 36.3 in. |
Front: 42.2 in. Mid: 38.6 in. Rear: 31.7 in. |
How do the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Ascent Compare on Safety?

The 2020 Subaru Forester, 2020 Subaru Outback, and 2021 Subaru Ascent all earned 2020 Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Top Safety Pick+ is the highest designation award given by the IIHS. To read the full reviews, click the links below:

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is the culmination of everything Subaru engineers know about safety, and Subaru has sold over 1 million EyeSight-equipped vehicles. Subaru EyeSight comes standard on every 2021 Forester, Outback, and Ascent. Adding condence to every trip, EyeSight monitors trac movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane. EyeSight has been found to reduce the rate of rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%
What trim levels are available in each body style?
Trim Level | Standard | Premium | Sport | Limited | Touring | And More... |
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2021 Subaru Forester | ![]() |
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2021 Subaru Outback | ![]() |
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Onyx Edition XT, 2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT, Touring XT | |
2021 Subaru Ascent | ![]() |
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