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Which has more headroom, Forester or Outback?


When choosing between the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback, one of the key factors to consider is interior space, particularly headroom. Both vehicles are popular choices for families and adventurers alike, but they cater to slightly different needs. In this article, we’ll dive into the headroom specifications of these two models to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your comfort and lifestyle.


Understanding Headroom: Why It Matters


Headroom refers to the vertical space between the seat and the roof of the vehicle. It’s an important measurement for taller drivers and passengers, as it determines how comfortably you can sit without feeling cramped. Adequate headroom can make a significant difference on long drives, ensuring a more enjoyable and less fatiguing experience.


Subaru Forester: A Roomy Compact SUV


The Subaru Forester is known for its spacious interior, especially for a compact SUV. It offers generous headroom, making it a favorite among taller individuals. Here are the headroom measurements for the Forester:



  • Front Headroom: Approximately 41.2 inches

  • Rear Headroom: Approximately 39.6 inches


These dimensions make the Forester one of the most accommodating vehicles in its class, providing ample space for both the driver and passengers.


Subaru Outback: A Versatile Crossover


The Subaru Outback, a crossover SUV, is designed for versatility and comfort. While it offers slightly less headroom than the Forester, it still provides a comfortable experience for most passengers. Here are the headroom measurements for the Outback:



  • Front Headroom: Approximately 40.1 inches

  • Rear Headroom: Approximately 39.1 inches


Although the Outback’s headroom is slightly less than the Forester’s, it compensates with a more car-like ride and additional cargo space, making it a great option for road trips and outdoor adventures.


Which Vehicle Has More Headroom?


When comparing the two, the Subaru Forester has the edge in headroom, offering about 1 inch more in the front and 0.5 inches more in the rear. This difference might not seem significant on paper, but for taller individuals, every inch counts. If headroom is a top priority, the Forester is the better choice.


Final Thoughts


Both the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are excellent vehicles, each with its own strengths. The Forester is ideal for those who prioritize interior space and headroom, while the Outback offers a balance of comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re still unsure, visit your local Subaru dealership to test drive both models and experience the difference firsthand.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subaru Outback good for tall people?


Now in the back row. I was surprised to actually have Headroom back here and even though behind my own driver's seat setting I'm kind of wedged in behind someone shorter than me I fit very easily



What is the headroom of the Subaru Outback?


Take a look at the new Subaru Outback dimensions below: Legroom (front/rear): 42.8/39.5 inches. Headroom (front/rear): 40.1/39.1 inches (39.1/39.1 inches w/ moonroof)



Can a tall person fit in a Subaru Forester?


The Subaru Forester is designed with both short and tall drivers in mind. It has plenty of headroom and legroom for taller individuals, while its low seat height makes it easy to get into the car even if you're shorter than average.



Which Subaru SUV has the most room?


2025 Ascent
3-Row SUV Family Versatility and Adventure
The 2025 Ascent is the largest Subaru SUV ever, with flexible 3-row seating and premium comfort available in seven-seater or eight-seater models. With up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger space, the Ascent has more room than the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90 .



What is the best Subaru for a large person?


Ascent. The largest of all Subaru models, the Ascent is built with families in mind. From three rows of seating with configurations for seven or eight passengers to plenty of charging ports conveniently located throughout the cabin, the Subaru Ascent considers all passengers' needs.



Which Subaru has the most headroom?


the Ascent
As Subaru's largest SUV, the Ascent delivers scads of legroom and impressive headroom. Moreover, it boasts standard all-wheel-drive, solid resale value, and 28 mpg on the highway. Oh, and it can seat up to eight in its three rows of seats or seven with its available second-row captain's chairs.



What is the headroom of a Subaru Forester?


Headroom and Shoulder Room
- Front Headroom: With a headroom of 41.2 inches, tall drivers and passengers will find ample space above. - Rear Headroom: Rear passengers also benefit from a spacious 39.6 inches of headroom.



What is the best Subaru SUV for tall people?


The Subaru Forester is designed with both short and tall drivers in mind. It has plenty of headroom and legroom for taller individuals, while its low seat height makes it easy to get into the car even if you're shorter than average.



Does a Forester have more room than an Outback?


The Forester gives you slightly more interior space with up to 110.8 cubic feet of passenger room and up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo room with the standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks folded down. But when it comes to cargo and passenger volume, you can't choose solely based on numbers.



What are the weaknesses of a Subaru Forester?


A list of some of the most common issues Forester owners have to deal with.

  • CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery.
  • Unintended Acceleration.
  • Brake Light Switch Defect.
  • Cracked Windshields.
  • Lineartronic CVT Reliability.
  • Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires.
  • Subaru EyeSight Problems.
  • Subaru Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.