If you need a car with the toughness and extra space of the SUV at a super low price, Subaru vehicles from the '90s naturally come to mind. Launched around the middle of the '90s, the Subaru Outback and the Forester come with incredible price tags today, still offering the same things they did back in the day.

Solid performance? Checked. Roomy interior? Checked. Add reliability and comfort, and one easily sees why these two Subarus can be a great choice even in 2021. The question is, are you ready to choose between them? While we may understand the benefits of the Outback and the Forester, how do we know which one to choose?

Although these two vehicles are very much alike and offer similar specs, they are still very different. If you're looking to buy one or another, our Subaru Outback vs. Forester review will help you make your pick with confidence.

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The Battle Of Two Subbarus: Things You Should Know

Are you ready for the quick overviews? Let's first take a look at each vehicle specs and then make a final verdict on whether the Outback or the Forester is the best choice for you.

1999 Subaru Forester

The 1999 Subaru Forester.
Via: Cars For Sale

The Subaru Forester was built off the Impreza wagon and first launched in 1997. Since its introduction, the Forester proved to be a great utility vehicle for those who need more free space without jeopardizing riding agility. Two years afterward, it was further developed to be even more practical with the all-wheel drive.

In essence, the Forester is solid in power and performance. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 165-hp for swift rides. An all-wheel drive also helps, allowing for an enjoyable experience even in medium off-road conditions. Moreover, the Forester is available in a basic trim, L, and S. The other two are equipped with some additional features such as fog lights, roof racks, reclining front bucket seats, and more.

With a cargo capacity of 64.6 cubic feet, the 1999 Subaru Forester is also roomy enough to satisfy most families. However, the Forester doesn't provide that much space and may feel a little confined compared to the Outback. We'll get to that part in the following section. For now, it's important to note the 1999 Subaru Forester is highly affordable, coming below $5,000 in a quite good condition. You'll be enjoying a stable performance, decent fuel economy, and extra cargo space without breaking the bank.

1999 Subaru Outback

The 1999 Subaru Outback.
Via: Wikimedia Commons

In the Subaru Outback vs. Forester battle, both perform similarly. That's good news but may make things more difficult for you when planning the purchase. The 1999 Subaru Outback has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes 165-hp at 5,600 rpm, the same as its sibling. It's also paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive, which makes it easy to handle on different terrains, including the less even ones.

Unlike the sporty Forester, however, the 1999 Subaru Outback features a wagon body. With 69.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the Outback offers even more room and comfort than the Forester. It's also a longer, wider, and heavier vehicle with extra luggage space. All things considered, it's a perfect choice for big families that don't want to sacrifice the much-needed passenger and cargo space.

In terms of price, the Outback from the 90s may turn out to be even more affordable than the Forester but harder to find. While scanning the market, we found a few more Foresters than the Outbacks. Still, this is not a rule, and you may have more luck than we did.

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Which One Takes The Lead?

1999 Subaru Forester
Via: Pinterest

To start with the price, you can't go wrong no matter which one of these vehicles you choose. Both come at pretty similar prices, offering you just the performance and space you need for regular commutes with your family. Still, if the extra passenger and cargo room is highly important to you, the Outback may be a better choice for you. Compared to it, the Forester may feel a little cramped at times.

On the other hand, the Forester proves to be more agile, providing easier parking than its large and sometimes awkward sibling. The interior of the former can also be more appealing, although these days, it all depends on how the previous owner took care of a particular model. You'd be surprised with some after-market touchups owners did to improve their loved vehicles.

Finally, in the Subaru Outback vs. Forester battle, there's not a clear winner. Both vehicles perform their purpose pretty well. One is smaller and more agile, while the other is larger and more comfortable. In the end, it all depends on what you need.