Model Year | 2016 | 2012 | |
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 | 6-speed shiftable CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 112.3 in | -4.2 in |
Length | 189.6 in | 191.8 in | -2.2 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 70.3 in | 2.1 in |
Height | 66.1 in | 57.1 in | 9 in |
Curb Weight | 3810 lb. | 3645 lb. | 165 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 | 58.1 in | 55.9 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 53.0 in | 2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.9 in | 42.2 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 37.2 in | 1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.3 in | 53.9 in | 3.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.0 in | 52.1 in | 2.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 37.6 in | 0.5 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 1.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 35.5 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 20.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.3 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 58.2 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |