| Model Year | 2006 | 2006 | |
| Model | Subaru Outback | Ford Five Hundred | |
| Engine | |||
| Transmission | |||
| Drivetrain | |||
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 112.9 in | -7.8 in |
| Length | 186.2 in | 200.7 in | -14.5 in |
| Width | 69.7 in | 74.5 in | -4.8 in |
| Height | 59.1 in | 60.1 in | -1 in |
| Curb Weight | 3350 lb. | 3643 lb. | -293 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -3.1 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 37.6 in | 39.4 in | -1.8 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.4 in | 57.8 in | -3.4 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 51.0 in | 53.7 in | -2.7 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 44.1 in | 41.2 in | 2.9 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 36.5 in | 38.6 in | -2.1 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.7 in | 57.6 in | -3.9 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.6 in | 53.6 in | -1 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 33.9 in | 41.9 in | -8 in |
| Total Legroom | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 83.1 in (over 2 rows) | -5.1 in |
| Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 21.2 ft3 | -9.8 ft3 |
| 2006 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Too small for kids see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too short! I am 6ft tall and the front passenger seat leaves me feeling very cramped. Drivers position is better. Seats also too narrow. Maybe plenty of room for skinny folks, but not for us folks that are large boned :-) see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
The Outback is much smaller (but not cheaper) than the XC70. see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very tight and narrow rear seat room. feels much bumpier in the rear seat than the front seat. see full Subaru Outback review |
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
very comfortable on long trips see full Ford Five Hundred review |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
REally comfortable see full Ford Five Hundred review |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
The Limited interior is very confy and I hear that the 2008 taurus is even better. see full Ford Five Hundred review |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
sits high, plenty of room see full Ford Five Hundred review |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
large seats and sits high see full Ford Five Hundred review |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
Ample room for 6+ see full Ford Five Hundred review |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
6 foot + individuals will love the leg room front and back and the command level seating (sits up higher than a regular car) see full Ford Five Hundred review |