Model Year | 2006 | 2009 | |
Model | Ford Explorer | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 106.7 in | 7 in |
Length | 193.4 in | 188.0 in | 5.4 in |
Width | 73.7 in | 71.7 in | 2 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 59.7 in | 13.1 in |
Curb Weight | 4440 lb. | 3512 lb. | 928 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 38.3 in | 1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 55.7 in | 3.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 0.0 in | 55.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.4 in | 41.4 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 38.6 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 54.6 in | 4.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 37.7 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.4 in | 0.0 in | 37.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 53.1 in | 0.0 in | 53.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.3 in | 0.0 in | 45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.9 in | 0.0 in | 34.9 in |
Total Legroom | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 35.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.6 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -22.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.9 ft3 | 35.8 | 8.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | 22 ft3 |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |