Vehicle comparison
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side fuel and ownership cost comparison. Estimates use 12,000 mi/year at average US gas prices.
- Updated for 2026
- EPA-style MPG
- US avg fuel prices
- US units
- Transparent assumptions
Lowest running cost
Subaru Forester wins on fuel cost
At 12,000 miles per year, the Subaru Forester costs about $1428 per year, roughly $0 less than the Subaru Outback. Over 5 years, that's about $0 in fuel savings.
Spec & cost comparison
MPG/MPGe figures are estimates based on typical recent model years.
| Spec | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Type | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | Regular gas | Regular gas |
| City MPG/MPGe | 26 | 26 |
| Highway MPG/MPGe | 33 | 33 |
| Combined MPG/MPGe | 29 | 29 |
| Tank / Battery | 16.6 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Energy cost | $3.45/gal | $3.45/gal |
| Cost per mile | $0.119 | $0.119 |
Annual cost at 8k / 12k / 15k miles
Estimated yearly fuel spend at common US mileage levels.
| Miles/year | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | $952/yr · $79/mo | $952/yr · $79/mo | $0 (Tie) |
| 12,000 | $1428/yr · $119/mo | $1428/yr · $119/mo | $0 (Tie) |
| 15,000 | $1784/yr · $149/mo | $1784/yr · $149/mo | $0 (Tie) |
Estimates only. Real costs depend on driving style, terrain, local gas/electricity prices and weather.
Which one is best for…
Best for commuting
Subaru Forester
Highest combined MPG/MPGe and lowest cost per mile means cheaper daily driving.
See Subaru ForesterBest for road trips
Subaru Forester
Better highway efficiency, larger tank/battery and longer range between stops.
See Subaru ForesterBest for families
Subaru Forester
SUVs, minivans and three-row vehicles win on space and child-seat flexibility.
See Subaru ForesterBest for lowest running cost
Subaru Forester
Cheaper energy use and lower cost per mile at every common mileage tier.
See Subaru ForesterHow we compare these vehicles
- Annual mileage
- Modeled at 12,000 mi/yr unless a scenario specifies otherwise.
- Cost per mile
- $/gal ÷ MPG, or $/kWh ÷ (MPGe ÷ 33.7) for EVs.
- EV vs gas
- Compared at average US gas and residential electricity prices — fast-charging can be 2–3× higher.
- Maintenance
- Fuel cost only — EVs typically save another $400–$1,000/yr in service and brake wear.
Sources & assumptions
- EPA fuel economy data — City / highway / combined MPG and MPGe baselines.
- U.S. Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov) — Vehicle efficiency and EV range references.
- AAA gas price trends — Recent national and regional retail fuel averages.
- EIA electricity rates — Average residential per-kWh prices used for EV charging.
We summarize publicly available data — no scraping, no external API calls. Figures are calibrated periodically; use the calculators above for your exact inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to drive, the Subaru Forester or Subaru Outback?
At 12,000 miles per year, the Subaru Forester costs about $1428 per year vs $1428 for the Subaru Outback — roughly $0 less per year.
What's the MPG difference between the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Forester is rated around 29 combined MPG versus 29 MPG for the Subaru Outback. Highway figures are 33 vs 33.
How much will I spend on fuel over 5 years?
Driving 12,000 miles a year for five years, expect about $7138 for the Subaru Forester and $7138 for the Subaru Outback, a difference of roughly $0.
Is the Subaru Forester or Subaru Outback better for commuting?
For pure cost per mile, the Subaru Forester wins. EVs charged at home typically deliver the lowest commuting cost, followed by hybrids and efficient compacts.
Which one is better for road trips?
Subaru Forester is generally the better road-trip choice — gas and hybrid vehicles win on long highway routes thanks to faster refueling, while EVs work best when charging stops fit your route.
Are these fuel cost numbers accurate for my driving?
They're estimates based on EPA-style combined MPG and average US gas prices. Real-world cost depends on local fuel prices, driving style, terrain, weather and how much city vs highway driving you do.