2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Subaru Forester
Side-by-side EPA, NHTSA, and recall data. Winners highlighted in green when one car clearly leads.
Car 1 2021 Subaru Outback | Car 2 2021 Subaru Forester | |
|---|---|---|
Engine & efficiency | ||
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Displacement | 2.5L | 2.5L |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel type | Regular Gasoline | Regular Gasoline |
EPA fuel economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 29 |
| Annual fuel cost (EPA) | $2350 | $2350 |
| CO2 tailpipe | 308g/mi | 309g/mi |
NHTSA safety ratings | ||
| Overall | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Frontal crash | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Side crash | 5/ 5 | 5/ 5 |
| Rollover | 4/ 5 | 4/ 5 |
| Stability control | Standard | Standard |
Recalls, complaints, investigations | ||
| Recalls (NHTSA) | 4 | 0 |
| Complaints filed | 289 | 202 |
| Open investigations | 0 | 0 |
- POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/RODSubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCHSubaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- + 1 more on file at NHTSA.
Sources: US DOT NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov) for safety ratings, recalls, and complaints. US EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov for engine, fuel economy, and emissions data. Both are free public datasets, updated by the federal agencies that own them.
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