What is the best Subaru for a large person?
For a large person, the Subaru Ascent offers the most interior space, easy access, and overall comfort in Subaru’s lineup. It’s the brand’s biggest SUV with three rows, providing ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room to accommodate tall drivers and broader frames. If three rows aren’t needed, the Forester and Outback remain solid alternatives, but they don’t match the Ascent for sheer space.
Why space and fit matter in a Subaru
When judging a vehicle for size, the key factors are headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and how easily you can get in and out of the seat. A wide opening door, generous seat width, and adjustable seating position all contribute to comfort on short trips and long road journeys. Below is a comparison focused on how Subaru models deliver for larger drivers.
The best overall: Subaru Ascent
The three-row Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV, designed to maximize interior space and accessibility for bigger drivers. It offers the most legroom and headroom in the lineup and provides easier ingress/egress with tall doors and a higher ride height. If you need to carry passengers in back or want substantial cargo capacity, the Ascent stands out as the strongest option in Subaru’s family.
Before listing the key advantages, consider the following:
- Three-row seating with flexible configurations for adult-friendly second-row space
- Wide door openings and a tall seating position that help with entry and exit
- Supportive front seats with adjustable settings to tailor fit for taller drivers
- Standard all-wheel drive across trims for confident handling and ground clearance
- Good cargo flexibility when rear seats are folded, ideal for gear and luggage
These features collectively make the Ascent the most comfortable and practical choice for larger drivers who also need practical passenger and cargo capacity.
Two-row alternatives to consider
If you don’t need three rows, two-row Subaru models can still accommodate larger drivers with ample room and a more compact footprint.
Subaru Forester
The Forester is known for a spacious, airy cabin and excellent visibility, which many tall drivers find comfortable. The seating position is high, the seats are supportive, and the doors are wide enough to ease entry and exit. It’s a solid choice if you want more headroom and a simple two-row setup.
Before listing the Forester’s advantages, note:
- High seating position and generous headroom
- Wide doors and easy access for taller drivers
- roomy front seating with supportive, adjustable cushions
- Strong cargo space for a two-row compact SUV
In two-row form, the Forester delivers practical comfort for larger drivers, though it doesn’t match the Ascent’s overall space when a third row is needed.
Subaru Outback
The Outback blends wagon practicality with SUV-like interior space and a roomy cabin. It offers a comfortable ride and ample shoulder room, making it a good option for taller drivers who don’t require a third row but still want substantial cargo capability and a lower floor than many SUVs.
Before listing the Outback’s strengths, consider:
- Sturdy, wide cabin with comfortable front seats
- Generous cargo area for luggage, gear, and equipment
- Lower ride height relative to some SUVs, which can help some drivers
- Standard AWD for all-weather capability
For many large drivers, the Outback provides a compelling balance of space, comfort, and practicality, albeit with less total interior room than the three-row Ascent.
Practical tips for choosing and test-driving
Before you decide, use a structured test drive to verify fit. The following tips help ensure the model you pick accommodates your size in real-world driving.
- Sit behind the wheel with your normal driving position, and adjust the seat height, tilt, and lumbar support to judge long-term comfort
- Check legroom by placing a few inches of space between your knee and the dashboard while maintaining a natural foot position
- Assess headroom by raising your helmet or cap if you wear one, and confirming there’s no contact with the headliner
- Evaluate ingress/egress through both front and rear doors to ensure easy entry and exit
- Test cargo space with typical luggage or gear to confirm it meets your needs when seats are arranged for passengers or cargo
Taking the time to verify these aspects during a test drive helps ensure you choose a Subaru that truly fits a larger frame.
Summary
For the largest, most comfortable interior and flexible seating options, the Subaru Ascent is the best overall choice for a large person. It delivers the most space, easy access, and practical versatility in Subaru’s lineup. If a two-row configuration suffices, the Forester and Outback are strong alternatives—each offering generous cabin space, high seating positions, and solid comfort, though they don’t match the Ascent’s three-row capacity. The best approach is to test-drive all contenders with your typical seating position and cargo needs to determine which model fits best in daily life and long trips.
