Model Year | 2016 | 2013 | |
Model | Subaru Forester | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5600 258 lb-ft@2000 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@5200 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 107.8 in | -3.9 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 191.5 in | -10.6 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 73.0 in | -2.3 in |
Height | 66.4 in | 57.6 in | 8.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3624 lb. | 3635 lb. | -11 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 39.0 in | 2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.0 in | 57.5 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 42.1 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 37.5 in | 2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 57.1 in | -0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.3 in | -54.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 36.8 in | 1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 2.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.4 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | 18.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 74.7 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | 58.4 ft3 |
2016 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2015 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD |
I'm 6'3" and often don't fit comfortable in vehicles. I found this had a very nice amount of front seat room. The center console tends to stay out of the way as well, some newer designs have the center stack moving into where my right knee would be. It's a very noticeable improvement over my previous 2009 Escape. I actually found the Forester more comfortable for me than the Outback. I was expecting the opposite. see full Subaru Forester review |
2015 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD |
After looking at Explorer's, I was surprised how much more room the Forester had in the back seat. Granted it doesn't have a third row, but if you don't need a 3rd row, the Forester is hard to beat in this segment for rear seat room. We can put a forward facing child seat in the back, move the front seat up a about 2 inches from all the way back and there's still plenty of front passenger room and my 1.5 year old son can't kick the back of the seat. see full Subaru Forester review |
2016 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2017 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
- Terrible front seat support - The cushions are too short - It's not noticeable on a test drive right away. I would not have bought the car! Test drive extensively! - Surfaces where your elbows would lay are too hard - I purchased foam pads to make it feel better. - Tall drivers like myself will struggle with the telescoping wheel's short extension range. - It is hard to get into a fully comfortable driving position. The memory seats in the XT help somewhat by retaining your seat settings if moved. - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this twice - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this THREE times! Subaru are you listening? The front seat cushions are WAY TOO SHORT! see full Subaru Forester review |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |