Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.9 in | 112.3 in | -4.4 in |
Length | 189.0 in | 191.8 in | -2.8 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 70.3 in | 1.4 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 57.1 in | 8.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3613 lb. | 3680 lb. | -67 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.0 gal. | 2.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 39.4 in | 1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.3 in | 55.9 in | 0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.0 in | -53 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 42.2 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.3 in | 37.2 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.1 in | 53.9 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.1 in | -52.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.6 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.3 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 19.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 71.3 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 56.2 ft3 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
The front seats are very comfy, and the seat heaters are powerful and warm up quickly. We compared the car to a 2014 Forrester, and we think the OB seats are more comfy-- they have more thigh support. see full Subaru Outback review |
2014 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
The rear seats are much more comfy than in the old Outback. They took a couple of inches out of the cargo area to give the rear seat more room. The reclining seatback for the rear seats is a nice comfort as well. see full Subaru Outback review |
2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
Minor complaint-- like every other Japanese car I've ever owned, this one also doesn't seem to understand that feet get cold. The heater is great- it provides lots of heat, and quickly. But when you you set it to floor, the hot air hits you in the lower calf, and then rises. The heat never makes it to your feet! see full Subaru Outback review |
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The rear legroom and seat comfort are suitable for two adults on extended trips. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
during a six hour drive felt no fatigue see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The Malibu seats have the comfort of a Lexus and the supportive nature of an Accord. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving this car for a half hour, my back was in pain. How absolutely useless on a roadtrip. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The front passenger seat is like sitting in a hole. It can be difficult to get out of. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I tried the LS cloth, LT2 Ultralux, and LTZ leather seats...all of them were uncomfortable. Too little padding. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I like the seating for the front seats. it fits me very good. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |