Model Year | 2016 | 2020 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Lexus ES | |
Engine | 3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 302 hp@6600 267 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable CVT | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 113.0 in | -4.9 in |
Length | 189.6 in | 195.9 in | -6.3 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 73.4 in | -1 in |
Height | 66.1 in | 56.9 in | 9.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3810 lb. | 3649 lb. | 161 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 37.5 in | 3.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.1 in | 55.9 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 55.0 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.9 in | 42.4 in | 0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 37.8 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.3 in | 54.3 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.0 in | 54.3 in | 0.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 39.2 in | -1.1 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 81.6 in (over 2 rows) | -0.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 35.5 ft3 | 16.7 ft3 | 18.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.3 ft3 | 16.7 ft3 | 56.6 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 |
2020 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2019 | From 2014 on Mazdas have had their front wheels located farther from the passenger compartment than the typical front-wheel-drive car. This opens up space for larger exhaust manifolds behind the engine, for improved performance and efficiency. It also gives the cars more attractive, rear-wheel-drive-like proportions. But it has a price: reduced rear legroom. The Lexus ES provides rear seat passengers with much more room to stretch their legs. Sitting in the rear seat, I can barely reach the front seatback with an outstretched arm. While the first few generations of the Lexus ES were related to the Toyota Camry, the 2013 and 2019 are related to the larger Toyota Avalon. This said, I should also note that the rear seat cushion is the Lexus is mounted somehwat low to the floor, so rear seat passengers also have more need to stretch out if they desire under-thigh support. The new Lexus ES is the sleekest and sportiest to date, and sporty rear roof line's also have a price. see full Lexus ES review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2020 Lexus ES.