Model Year | 2016 | 2012 | |
Model | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5600 258 lb-ft@2000 |
3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable CVT | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 107.9 in | -4 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 188.2 in | -7.3 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 71.7 in | -1 in |
Height | 66.4 in | 65.7 in | 0.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3624 lb. | 3597 lb. | 27 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 40.8 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.0 in | 56.3 in | 0.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 43.0 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 39.3 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 56.1 in | 0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 37.8 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | 0.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.4 ft3 | 34.3 ft3 | 0.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 74.7 ft3 | 71.3 ft3 | 3.4 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 |
2012 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review |