VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
233hp
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
—
Towing
3500lbs
—
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
—
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Solterra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Subaru Solterra produces 233hp. Pricing starts at $38,385 for the Forester and $38,495 for the Solterra. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
233hp
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
1
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.9in
184.6in
Width (in)
72.4in
73.2in
Height (in)
69.3in
65in
Wheelbase (in)
104.9in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3675lbs
4395lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Solterra
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($38,385)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Solterra
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Forester or Solterra?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Solterra delivers 233hp. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Solterra?
The Forester starts from $38,385 and the Solterra from $38,495. The Forester is cheaper by $110 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or Solterra?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Solterra can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the Solterra?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.