Model Year | 2016 | 2008 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | 3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 212 hp@6000 197 lb-ft@5000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable CVT | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 105.3 in | 2.8 in |
Length | 189.6 in | 186.8 in | 2.8 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 70.1 in | 2.3 in |
Height | 66.1 in | 56.7 in | 9.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3810 lb. | 3395 lb. | 415 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. | 0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 38.7 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.1 in | 56.1 in | 2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 54.7 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.9 in | 42.3 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 36.7 in | 2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.3 in | 54.9 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.0 in | 54.1 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 36.5 in | 1.6 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 78.8 in (over 2 rows) | 2.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 35.5 ft3 | 22.0 ft3 | 13.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.3 ft3 | 58.7 ft3 | 14.6 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 |
2008 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good space for 2 six footers. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being older and larger, the seats are wide enough not to squeeze, or confine me while still supporting me in turns. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
If anybody has any doubts about what is realy the best mid-size family car, just have your teenagers en.joy a few hours in the new 6 see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Infinate seat positions see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The other big plus is space. I am 6'4" with two sons over six foot tall. Even with me driving, there is enough space behind the drivers seat, and plenty of headroom. For the first time people actually tell me the back seats are comfortable! see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2008 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
not enough to stretch your legs and spread out a bit see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
front seat is designed to short for taller people. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |