

Model Year | 2020 | 2006 | |
Model | Subaru Legacy | Ford Explorer | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.4L H4 DOHC-4v 260 hp@5600 277 lb-ft@2000 |
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950 |
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Transmission | 8-speed shiftable CVT | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD w/low range | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 113.7 in | -5.4 in |
Length | 190.6 in | 193.4 in | -2.8 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 73.7 in | -1.3 in |
Height | 59.1 in | 72.8 in | -13.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3779 lb. | 4706 lb. | -927 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 22.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 39.8 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.1 in | 59.0 in | -0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.4 in | -55.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.8 in | 42.4 in | 0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 38.7 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.4 in | 58.9 in | -1.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 55.5 in | -55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 36.9 in | 2.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.4 in | -37.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.1 in | -53.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.3 in | -45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 34.9 in | -34.9 in |
Total Legroom | 82.3 in (over 2 rows) | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | -31.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | 1.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.1 | 43.9 ft3 | -28.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 83.7 ft3 | -68.6 ft3 |
2020 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Front seats are softly padded in a way that is uncommon in modern vehicles. Driver's seat adjustments are above average, as there is an adjustable thigh support. Passenger seats lack lumbar adjustment and thigh support extensions, but have full 8-way power including seat-bottom tilt and height adjustment.
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Some drivers complain the lumbar support is intrusive, while others complain it's too subtle. Remember to sit in a seat and get a feel for yourself, as it is very subjective.
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The driver's seat has the option of a facial recognition system that is fairly reliable if used correctly and a useful feature that is not common in other cars. Memory buttons remain on the door for those that prefer them.
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The details that count: According to the owner's manual, the facial recognition system's software is open-source and data remains in the vehicle.
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2020 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
The Mazda6 has a smaller rear seat, no way around it. That being said, I find it to be more richly appointed than the Legacy's with the same great materials as up-front and cool touches: the USB ports are in the center armrest with a covered storage cubby, and the rear seat heaters are 3-level with controls in the armrest. These touches are reminiscent of very high-end luxury cars and are more convenient locations in general. The Mazda's heated rear seats also seem to be stronger than the Legacy's. --- The seats follow the same theme as the front in both cars- softer/plusher in the Legacy, firmer but well shaped in the Mazda. --- The front seat-backs are more upscale in the Mazda, and the rear seat of the Mazda has ambient lighting in the door pockets (unlike the Legacy). Overall, the rear cabin of the Mazda is snugger but remains comfortable while carrying on the quality and elegance of the front. For space though, the Legacy still grabs a Win here. see full Subaru Legacy review |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |