Model Year | 2016 | 2008 | |
Model | Subaru Forester | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5600 258 lb-ft@2000 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.7 in | -2.8 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 188.0 in | -7.1 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 71.7 in | -1 in |
Height | 66.4 in | 59.7 in | 6.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3624 lb. | 3997 lb. | -373 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 38.3 in | 3.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.0 in | 55.7 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 41.4 in | 1.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 38.6 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 54.6 in | 1.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 37.7 in | 0.3 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 1.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.4 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -1.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 74.7 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | 13 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 |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 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 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 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 |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 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 |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |