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Spacious showdown: subaru forester vs outback – who has more room for your adventures?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Outback has a higher ground clearance than the Forester, which gives it an advantage in off-road situations.
  • When comparing the two vehicles, the Outback has a slight edge in terms of space, while the Forester offers slightly more front seat headroom and a higher towing capacity.

When it comes to choosing between the Subaru Forester and Outback, one key consideration is space. Both vehicles offer ample room for passengers and cargo, but which one has more? To answer this question, let’s compare their interior and cargo dimensions.

Interior Dimensions

Front Seat

Both the Forester and Outback offer generous front seat space. The Forester provides 43.3 inches of legroom and 43.1 inches of headroom, while the Outback offers 42.4 inches of legroom and 43.3 inches of headroom. The difference is negligible, so both vehicles provide ample comfort for front seat occupants.

Back Seat

The Outback has a slight edge in rear seat space. It offers 39.5 inches of legroom compared to the Forester’s 39.4 inches. However, both vehicles provide ample legroom for adults. In terms of headroom, the Forester has a slight advantage with 40.2 inches compared to the Outback’s 39.4 inches.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is where the Outback truly shines. With the rear seats up, the Outback offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Forester offers 28.9 cubic feet. This difference is noticeable and makes the Outback a better choice for those who need to transport bulky items.

When the rear seats are folded down, the Outback’s cargo capacity expands to 75.7 cubic feet, while the Forester’s expands to 76.1 cubic feet. This difference is minimal and both vehicles provide ample space for large items.

Other Space Considerations

Ground Clearance

The Outback has a higher ground clearance than the Forester, which gives it an advantage in off-road situations. The Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Forester offers 8.2 inches. This difference may not be noticeable on paved roads, but it can be significant in rough terrain.

Towing Capacity

Both the Forester and Outback have similar towing capacities. The Forester can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds. This difference is significant if you plan on towing heavy loads.

Which Vehicle Has More Room?

Based on the interior and cargo dimensions, the Subaru Outback has more room than the Forester. It offers slightly more rear seat legroom, significantly more cargo space, and a higher ground clearance. However, the Forester offers slightly more front seat headroom and a slightly higher towing capacity.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the best vehicle for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a vehicle with ample cargo space and off-road capability, the Subaru Outback is a great choice. If you prioritize front seat headroom and towing capacity, the Subaru Forester may be a better option.

Wrapping Up

The Subaru Forester and Outback are excellent vehicles that offer a spacious interior and ample cargo capacity. When comparing the two vehicles, the Outback has a slight edge in terms of space, while the Forester offers slightly more front seat headroom and a higher towing capacity. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which vehicle is the best fit for you.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which vehicle has more front seat space?
A: Both vehicles offer similar front seat space, with the Forester having a slight advantage in headroom.

Q: Which vehicle has more rear seat space?
A: The Outback has slightly more rear seat legroom than the Forester.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Outback has significantly more cargo space than the Forester, both with the rear seats up and folded down.

Q: Which vehicle has higher ground clearance?
A: The Outback has a higher ground clearance than the Forester, which gives it an advantage in off-road situations.

Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Forester has a slightly higher towing capacity than the Outback.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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