Escaping the dense grid of the city for a quick weekend getaway is a time-honored tradition for local drivers. When Friday afternoon arrives, having a vehicle that transitions seamlessly from tight city streets to open interstate highways makes all the difference. Popular weekend road trip destinations from Chicago include Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for a quick lakeside retreat, or the scenic dunes of South Haven, Michigan. For those willing to drive roughly four hours, the scenic 245-mile journey to Door County, Wisconsin, offers pristine shorelines and quiet orchard roads.

Preparing for these midwestern excursions requires a vehicle built for both comfort and unpredictable weather. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides consistent traction when sudden lake-effect rainstorms sweep across the interstate. Having ample cargo space allows you to pack hiking gear, coolers, and luggage without crowding your passengers.

Before you pack your bags and head out on I-94, ensuring your vehicle is in peak mechanical condition is the most important step of your preparation. Our team at Berman Subaru of Chicago is ready to help you prepare your vehicle for the highway. If you need to map out your visit to our showroom, you can easily find our physical location on Irving Park Road. For quick questions about seasonal maintenance or to speak with an advisor about your vehicle's road-trip readiness, you can also give our service team a quick call at (708) 943-9726 today.

Table of Contents

• Subaru Forester vs Outback: Choosing the Right Model for Family Highway Travel
• Engine Power and Capability: Comparing Forester Performance to Outback Capabilities
• Ground Clearance and Standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive on Tougher Trails
• How Subaru EyeSight Technology Protects Your Family on Long Interstate Drives
• Road Trip Readiness: Tire Pressure Maintenance and Preventing Common Mechanical Issues
• Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing Your Subaru for Long Distance Travel
• Ready to Begin Your Next Adventure?

Subaru Forester vs Outback: Choosing the Right Model for Family Highway Travel

Selecting the ideal vehicle for family road trips often comes down to comparing two of the most popular models on our showroom floor. While both vehicles are designed with active lifestyles in mind, they serve different passenger and cargo priorities. The 2026 Subaru Forester features a taller cabin design that prioritizes upright headroom and panoramic visibility. This vertical layout makes it exceptionally easy to load child safety seats and offers an airy, open feel for passengers in both rows.

The 2026 Subaru Outback, by contrast, is built on a longer wheelbase that delivers a distinctly smooth, car-like ride on long stretches of highway. The longer cargo floor of the Outback is highly advantageous when laying down flat items like camping tables, golf clubs, or large suitcases. While the Forester offers 29 cubic feet of rear cargo space, the Outback provides 34 cubic feet behind the second row, making the Outback a slightly better fit for families who pack heavily for extended stays.

Your choice between these two capable vehicles will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the easy cabin entry and high seating position of the Forester or the highway cruising comfort and lengthier cargo hold of the Outback. To find the right fit for your family, you can explore our current new Subaru inventory online. We also carry an extensive selection of pre-owned models, which you can view by browsing our pre-owned vehicle selection. If you want to see our latest inventory information, be sure to check our current new vehicle offers before making your decision.

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Engine Power and Capability: Comparing Forester Performance to Outback Capabilities

When navigating rolling highway hills or passing slow-moving traffic on the interstate, engine performance becomes a major factor in driving comfort. The 2026 Subaru Forester is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER engine producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartronic CVT. This powertrain provides reliable, highly efficient performance for daily commuting and steady highway cruising, though it is engineered more for fuel conservation than rapid acceleration.

For drivers seeking more muscle, the 2026 Subaru Outback offers a significant power advantage. While its lower trims utilize the same 180-hp naturally aspirated engine, the XT trims—including the Limited XT and Touring XT—are equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. This turbocharged powerplant delivers a robust 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This extra power is especially noticeable when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and gear, or when towing a small camper.

The difference in engine options also directly impacts towing capacity. The Forester is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is suitable for a small utility trailer or a hitch-mounted bike rack. The standard Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds, while the turbocharged XT models increase that capacity to 3,500 pounds. If you are looking for a highly maintained vehicle with low mileage for your next trip, you can also look into our dealer courtesy vehicles to find excellent options that fit your performance needs.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

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Ground Clearance and Standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive on Tougher Trails

Reaching the best trailheads, state parks, and lakeside campsites often requires driving over unpaved roads, deep ruts, and gravel paths. This is where Subaru's engineering shines, thanks to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Unlike part-time systems that only engage after a wheel slips, this system continuously sends power to all four wheels, providing immediate traction on loose dirt, wet grass, or muddy terrain. For 2026, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is included on the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, and Solterra.

Ground clearance is equally important when traversing uneven terrain. The standard 2026 Subaru Outback features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing you to clear rocks, fallen branches, and deep ruts that would scrape the undercarriage of a standard sedan or crossover. For those who want to venture even further off the beaten path, the rugged Outback Wilderness trim increases this clearance to 9.5 inches and adds heavy-duty skid plates to protect vital mechanical components.

This combination of standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance ensures that your weekend plans are never limited by the road conditions. To help you transition into a highly capable vehicle that is ready for any trail, our team can help you value your trade-in online. Getting an accurate estimate on your current vehicle makes it simple to plan your upgrade.

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How Subaru EyeSight Technology Protects Your Family on Long Interstate Drives

Long hours on the highway can lead to driver fatigue, making advanced safety systems a vital co-pilot for long-distance travel. Every 2026 Subaru model comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system acts as an extra set of eyes on the road, utilizing dual color cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to continuously monitor traffic flow, identify lane markings, and detect potential hazards ahead of you.

On long interstate drives, the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering feature significantly reduces driving stress. It automatically maintains a safe, pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing down and accelerating naturally with the flow of traffic while keeping your vehicle centered in its lane. Additional integrated features include:

• Pre-Collision Braking: Can alert you to slow-moving or stopped vehicles and apply full braking force if necessary to help avoid a collision.
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning: Alerts you with visual and audible cues if you begin to drift across lane markings without signaling.
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Reduces engine power if the system detects an obstacle immediately ahead, giving you more time to react.

To ensure your vehicle's safety systems and utility accessories are fully integrated, we recommend using only factory-authorized components. If you need to equip your vehicle with roof racks, cargo carriers, or replacement wiper blades, you can easily order genuine Subaru parts through our dedicated parts department.

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Road Trip Readiness: Tire Pressure Maintenance and Preventing Common Mechanical Issues

A successful road trip relies on proactive preventative maintenance. Before embarking on a long drive, checking your tire pressure is one of the simplest yet most critical tasks. Correct tire inflation directly impacts your vehicle's handling, braking performance, and fuel economy. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and always before a long trip, using the recommended pressures listed on the placard inside the driver's door jamb.

While modern Subaru vehicles are exceptionally reliable, keeping up with routine maintenance is key to preventing common mechanical issues. Over time, components like the Lineartronic CVT fluid, suspension bushings, and brake pads require inspection to ensure they can handle the heat and stress of sustained highway driving. For example, driving a three-row SUV like the 2026 Subaru Ascent—which features a 260-hp engine and an EPA-rated 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined MPG—requires properly maintained mechanical systems to preserve its 5,000-pound towing capacity.

Our factory-trained technicians are here to perform comprehensive multi-point inspections to ensure your vehicle is completely road-ready. You can quickly schedule your service online to book an appointment that fits your calendar. If you are planning to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle for your upcoming travels, you can also streamline the buying process by prequalifying for financing online before your visit.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

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Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing Your Subaru for Long Distance Travel

Q: What is the driving time from Chicago to Door County?

The drive from the north side of the city to Door County typically takes between four and four and a half hours, covering approximately 245 miles. Taking I-94 North into Wisconsin is the most direct route, and having a comfortable vehicle with adaptive cruise control makes this scenic drive highly enjoyable.

Q: Is the Subaru Outback highly reliable for cross-country driving?

Yes, the Outback is highly reliable for long-distance travel. Subaru vehicles are engineered for longevity, with over 97% of models sold in the last 10 years still on the road today. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks are all that is typically required to keep your vehicle performing optimally on long trips.

Q: How often should I check the tire pressure on my Subaru?

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and prior to any long road trip. Changes in ambient outdoor temperatures can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate. Always adjust your tires to the recommended PSI listed on the door jamb placard rather than the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall itself.

Q: Can I use regular unleaded gasoline in a turbocharged Subaru model?

Yes, both the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the Subaru lineup are engineered to run on standard regular unleaded gasoline ( 87 octane). This helps support efficient fueling during long-distance road trips.

Q: Where can I get my Subaru inspected before a long road trip?

You can have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by factory-trained technicians at Berman Subaru of Chicago. Our team will check your fluids, brakes, battery health, and tire tread to ensure your vehicle is ready for the highway. You can view our current service information online to find seasonal maintenance offers before you visit us.

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Ready to Begin Your Next Adventure?

Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer journey across state lines, having a safe, capable, and well-maintained vehicle is the key to a stress-free trip. From the versatile cargo space of the Outback to the commanding view of the road in the Forester, the Subaru lineup is built to handle whatever the road throws your way.

Our team at Berman Subaru of Chicago is dedicated to helping you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and keeping it running beautifully for years to come. If you are ready to experience standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight technology firsthand, we invite you to visit our showroom. You can easily get directions to our dealership or speak with our sales and service teams by calling (708) 943-9726 today. Let us help you prepare for your next great escape.

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