

Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Lexus ES | |
Engine | 3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 272 hp@6200 254 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.9 in | 109.3 in | -1.4 in |
Length | 188.2 in | 191.1 in | -2.9 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 71.1 in | 0.6 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 57.1 in | 8.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3544 lb. | 3580 lb. | -36 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 37.4 in | 3.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.3 in | 57.3 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.9 in | -55.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 42.2 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.3 in | 36.8 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.1 in | 56.3 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.8 in | -52.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 35.9 in | 1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 2.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.3 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 | 19.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 71.3 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 | 56.6 ft3 |
2011 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I am a big guy. 5'10 and about 290 lbs. This car is very comfortable for me. I can reach the controls nicely, love the heated leather seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I have found our 2012 Outback to be very comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment to accommodate my frame. Legroom is outstanding. My wife got so spoiled with the heated seats in our 99 Outback Limited that she balks at cars without. So our 2010 and now the 2012 have had the heated seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Rear seat comfort is excellent even for very tall teenagers and 20 somethings. The redesign of the Outback in 2010 noticeably improved rear seat space. One note when flipping down the back seats. Make sure your head is out of the way when you lift the release lever. The seat back springs forward quickly. The angle of the rear seat can also be reclined for additional comfort. The fold down center cup holder is a nice touch. The seating position is high so visibility is great. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Very comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
0 see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
It seems to have as much room as my Chevy Suburban. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
More then enough room for my children and their car seats. Much more room compared to my VW Passat Wagon I traded in. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
This is a big one for me since I'm 6'6". The seat is very comfortable, even with my long legs. With it all the way back, I can fit in the rear seat as well. Also, heated seats are a wonderful thing. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
One complaint is the hard, short driver's seat. I use a gel cushion. I had after market leather installed. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There are no adjustements for height, lumbar or tilt for the passenger in any of the available trim levels. We would have bought this car new from the dealer otherwise. see full Subaru Outback review |
2009 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Similar to the front seats, super comfortable and soft. A lot of leg room with an average-sized driver + passenger up front. Rear moonroof gives off the feel of a huge ceiling. see full Lexus ES review |
2009 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not very supportive. Felt like a hollowed out barrel. Only support was on the outside edges. see full Lexus ES review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
the seams in a seat should run front to rear vs. left to right this would make the seat more comfortable. the Toyota Camry leather seats are definitely more comparable... I think Lexis wanted a sportier looking seat but sacrificed comfort in doing see full Lexus ES review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
There is simply not enough legroom and three passengers will probably feel very cramped in the back as well. see full Lexus ES review |