Subaru Outback (2016) vs. BMW 2-Series (2015) Specs

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2016 Subaru Outback and 2015 BMW 2-Series Specifications

Model Year	2016	2015
Model	Subaru Outback	BMW 2-Series
Engine	3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400	turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 320 hp@5800 330 lb-ft@1400
Transmission	6-speed shiftable CVT	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Body	4dr Wagon	2dr Convertible
			Difference
Wheelbase	108.1 in	105.9 in	2.2 in
Length	189.6 in	174.9 in	14.7 in
Width	72.4 in	69.4 in	3 in
Height	66.1 in	55.6 in	10.5 in
Curb Weight	3810 lb.	4020 lb.	-210 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	13.7 gal.	4.8 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	40.8 in	40.5 in	0.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.1 in	54.4 in	3.7 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.5 in	0.0 in	55.5 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.9 in	41.5 in	1.4 in
Headroom, Row 2	38.9 in	37.0 in	1.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.3 in	42.2 in	15.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2	55.0 in	0.0 in	55 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	31.8 in	6.3 in
Total Legroom	81 in (over 2 rows)	73.3 in (over 2 rows)	7.7 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	35.5 ft³	11.8 ft³	23.7 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	73.3 ft³	11.8 ft³	61.5 ft³

2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2015	Through the 2009 model year, the Outback (and the related Legacy sedan) had a tight back seat. Though marketed as a midsize car, it was actually a compact. The 2010 redesign dramatically expanded the Outback's interior, especially in the back seat. The 2015 redesign added another inch of shoulder room, such that the Outback (and Legacy) are now not only truly midsize, but rank among the roomiest midsize cars. Rear air vents are offered--in Outbacks with leather. So the tested car lacked them. Some compact crossovers, including the Cherokee, are about as roomy, but they achieve their specs through a more upright seating position. People in the back seat are closer to the front seats, so they don't feel like they have as much room even though they have just as much space for their legs. But they get rear air vents even in the lower trim levels. see full Subaru Outback review

2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Comment
	The front seats have an unusually high bulge just below my shoulder blades. This feels more odd than uncomfortable, at least to me. The driver's lumbar adjusts, but this affects the area below said bulge. Partly depending on your height your experience might vary. These seats also provide very little lateral support, which admittedly isn't much of an issue given the non-sporting character (and non-sporting tires) of the Outback. I had no such qualms with the armrest on the door. It's wide and cushy. In the front seats' favor, for 2015 Subaru has added fore-aft adjustability to the headrests, a rarity in recent moderately priced cars. The Jeep's cloth seats are too squishy, but they're more form-fittting than the Subaru's, and I find them more comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review

2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2016	4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD	see full Subaru Outback review
2016	4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD	see full Subaru Outback review

2015 BMW 2-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	2dr Coupe turbocharged 320hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD	The driving position feels natural. Buttons and dials are easily accessible, and everything's adjustable if you need to. After a few-hour drive down highway 1, I noticed that my back didn't hurt like it does on most other cars. The seats aren't that soft to the touch, and are quite supportive in cornering, but they are very well-sculpted. Who knew a congenital back defect could be so useful in car evaluation? see full BMW 2-Series review

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