Model Year | 2016 | 2011 | |
Model | Subaru Forester | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 101.5 in | 2.4 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 165.4 in | 15.5 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 70.3 in | 0.4 in |
Height | 66.4 in | 58.3 in | 8.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3296 lb. | 2968 lb. | 328 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 39.3 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.0 in | 54.7 in | 2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 41.2 in | 1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 38.5 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 52.8 in | 3.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 35.5 in | 2.5 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 4.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.4 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | 19.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 74.7 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | 28.7 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 |
2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
They are supportive with good leg support. The seat side bolsters hold driver in place. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good room for a small car. Four adults can ride comfortably. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
A lot of rear leg rrom when compared to the Mazda3 and A3 which I also looked at. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |