Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2016 Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2013

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Subaru Outback (2016) vs. Toyota Highlander (2013) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2016 Subaru Outback and 2013 Toyota Highlander specs.

2016 Subaru Outback and 2013 Toyota Highlander Specifications

Model Year 2016 2013  
Model Subaru Outback Toyota Highlander  
Engine 3.6L H6
DOHC-4v
256 hp@6000
247 lb-ft@4400
3.5L V6
DOHC-4v
270 hp@6200
248 lb-ft@4700
 
Transmission 6-speed shiftable CVT 5-speed shiftable automatic  
Drivetrain AWD AWD  
Body 4dr Wagon 4dr SUV  
      Difference
Wheelbase 108.1 in 109.8 in -1.7 in
Length 189.6 in 188.4 in 1.2 in
Width 72.4 in 75.2 in -2.8 in
Height 66.1 in 68.1 in -2 in
Curb Weight 3810 lb. 4266 lb. -456 lb.
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal. 19.2 gal. -0.7 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 40.8 in 40.6 in 0.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 58.1 in 59.7 in -1.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1 55.5 in 56.7 in -1.2 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.9 in 43.2 in -0.3 in
Headroom, Row 2 38.9 in 40.1 in -1.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 57.3 in 59.5 in -2.2 in
Hip Room, Row 2 55.0 in 56.5 in -1.5 in
Legroom, Row 2 38.1 in 38.3 in -0.2 in
Headroom, Row 3 0.0 in 36.3 in -36.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 3 0.0 in 55.0 in -55 in
Hip Room, Row 3 0.0 in 42.3 in -42.3 in
Legroom, Row 3 0.0 in 29.2 in -29.2 in
Total Legroom 81 in (over 2 rows) 110.7 in (over 3 rows) -29.7 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 35.5 ft3 10.3 ft3 25.2 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 35.5 42.3 ft3 -6.8
Cargo Volume, Maximum 73.3 ft3 95.4 ft3 -22.1 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2016 Subaru Outback

2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearComment
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
YearComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2016 Subaru Outback

2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2013 Toyota Highlander

2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
Toyota replaced the 2013 Highlander's rear struts with control arms to enable a three-inch-wider third-row seat, and then used the extra space to cram in a third seating position. So if you need seats for eight people, only the Highlander will do in this threesome. A top-of-the-line Santa Fe only seats six. Other eight-pass options include the Honda Pilot and GM's large crossovers. But those three people best be small, as the Highlander doesn't have nearly as much rear legroom as the Pathfinder or the Santa Fe. To fit children of even middling size in the third row it's necessary to slide the second row well forward. The second row seat cushion is mounted too low for adult comfort. The Nissan's second row suffers from a similar shortcoming, but the Hyundai's does not. see full Toyota Highlander review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2013 Toyota Highlander

2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Perfect for two car seats. Really neat trick - the middle seat for the 2nd row rolls up into the center console. I did not remove it nor attempt to sit in it but that does make the 3rd row more likely to be used for those with car seats. I did not attempt to sit in the 3rd row (looked at it before folding into the floor for cargo space for the entire trip) so cannot opine on it. Use at your own risk. see full Toyota Highlander review
2012 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review
2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review
 
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