Model Year | 2014 | 2013 | |
Model | Kia Forte | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 201 hp@6000 195 lb-ft@1750 |
3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 107.9 in | -1.6 in |
Length | 171.3 in | 189.0 in | -17.7 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 71.7 in | -1.6 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 65.7 in | -8.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3122 lb. | 3613 lb. | -491 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.8 in | -1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.1 in | 56.3 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 0.0 in | 53 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.0 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 39.3 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 56.1 in | -1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.1 in | 0.0 in | 53.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.9 in | 37.8 in | -1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | -2.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 23.2 ft3 | 34.3 ft3 | -11.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 56.4 ft3 | 71.3 ft3 | -14.9 ft3 |
2014 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | People who need a roomy rear seat don't often buy coupes. So with the Civic Si the coupe is an inch and a half shorter (in both height and length) than the sedan, which translates to nearly three inches less headroom and nearly five inches less legroom in back, making it a very tight fit for even modestly sized adults. Those who do want a roomy rear seat in their coupe will be much happier with the Forte. Compared to the sedan, Kia shaved the Koup's roofline an inch but kept the wheelbase the same. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had about an inch of clearance over my head and a hand's-width ahead of my knees. Switch to the four-door body styles, and both cars are about equally roomy in back. But only Forte rear seat passengers enjoy rear air vents--in every body style. see full Kia Forte review |
2014 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the best of his kind. Almost unbeatable for a car of this price. see full Kia Forte review |
2013 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
The front seats are very comfy, and the seat heaters are powerful and warm up quickly. We compared the car to a 2014 Forrester, and we think the OB seats are more comfy-- they have more thigh support. see full Subaru Outback review |
2014 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
The rear seats are much more comfy than in the old Outback. They took a couple of inches out of the cargo area to give the rear seat more room. The reclining seatback for the rear seats is a nice comfort as well. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I am a big guy. 5'10 and about 290 lbs. This car is very comfortable for me. I can reach the controls nicely, love the heated leather seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
0 see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I have found our 2012 Outback to be very comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment to accommodate my frame. Legroom is outstanding. My wife got so spoiled with the heated seats in our 99 Outback Limited that she balks at cars without. So our 2010 and now the 2012 have had the heated seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Rear seat comfort is excellent even for very tall teenagers and 20 somethings. The redesign of the Outback in 2010 noticeably improved rear seat space. One note when flipping down the back seats. Make sure your head is out of the way when you lift the release lever. The seat back springs forward quickly. The angle of the rear seat can also be reclined for additional comfort. The fold down center cup holder is a nice touch. The seating position is high so visibility is great. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Very comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review |
2013 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
Minor complaint-- like every other Japanese car I've ever owned, this one also doesn't seem to understand that feet get cold. The heater is great- it provides lots of heat, and quickly. But when you you set it to floor, the hot air hits you in the lower calf, and then rises. The heat never makes it to your feet! see full Subaru Outback review |