

Model Year | 2015 | 2007 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Ford Focus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 102.9 in | 5.2 in |
Length | 189.6 in | 178.4 in | 11.2 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 66.7 in | 5.7 in |
Height | 66.1 in | 59.5 in | 6.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3593 lb. | 2783 lb. | 810 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. | 4.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 39.1 in | 1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.1 in | 53.5 in | 4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 49.4 in | 6.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.9 in | 40.7 in | 2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 39.8 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.3 in | 53.6 in | 3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.0 in | 50.9 in | 4.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 37.6 in | 0.5 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 78.3 in (over 2 rows) | 2.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 35.5 ft3 | 35.2 ft3 | 0.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.3 ft3 | 73.1 ft3 | 0.2 ft3 |
2015 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 |
2015 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 |
2015 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 |
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 |
2015 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 |
2007 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It was a pleasant surprise when we discovered how comfortable the front seats were for long road trips. They are contoured enough so I can lay the seat back, with a small pillow and take a nice long nap. This is probably highly subjective, but for us, the car seats have been just what we wanted. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The front seat has more room than one would expect. I have yet to encounter someone who has not fit inside comfortably, despite their size. Being over 6ft tall, I drive daily without feeling cramped or enclosed. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The first-generation Focus has great seats -- cushy, well-bolstered, and high off the floor. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Lots of room for a big guy like me. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Can drive for long distances without succuming to fatigue. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Ample room. see full Ford Focus review |
2006 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Regular sized adults can fit in the back seat without too many problems. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 151-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Another two inches of legroom sure would be nice. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 151-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very average for its class. Not a place for grownups for long. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Not the best, but ok for a 2 door hatch. see full Ford Focus review |
2006 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Short seat track makes it tight for tall drivers and there is no "dead pedal" to rest your left foot on. see full Ford Focus review |