For a typical family of four, the Subaru Outback is the best overall choice. It offers the most second-row legroom (39.5 inches) in the lineup, making it incredibly easy to install bulky rear-facing car seats. It rides like a comfortable car on the highway but provides up to 75.6 cubic feet of SUV-level cargo space for strollers and luggage. If you frequently carpool or need seating for up to eight, the 3-row Subaru Ascent is the clear winner. For families navigating tight city streets who want maximum headroom and visibility, the compact Subaru Forester is an excellent daily driver.
Every family has different requirements for passenger volume, LATCH anchor accessibility, and cargo flexibility. While all three of these SUVs come standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology to keep your loved ones safe in bad weather, their interior proportions dictate how well they handle your specific daily routine.
| Model | Seating Capacity | 2nd-Row Legroom | Max Cargo Space | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent | 7 or 8 passengers | 38.6 inches | 75.6 cu. ft. | Large families, sports carpooling, towing |
| Subaru Outback | 5 passengers | 39.5 inches | 75.6 cu. ft. | Families of 4, long road trips, big car seats |
| Subaru Forester | 5 passengers | 39.4 inches | 74.2 cu. ft. | City living, excellent visibility, easy parking |
When transporting your most precious cargo, safety is non-negotiable. Standard on the Ascent, Outback, and Forester, Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology acts as an extra set of eyes on the road. The system uses dual cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic, optimize cruise control, and help keep you safe. Key features include:
Can automatically apply full braking force to bring the vehicle to a complete stop in emergency situations, helping mitigate or completely avoid frontal impacts.
Takes the stress out of family road trips by automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe, pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Monitors lane markings and can gently steer the vehicle back into the center of the lane if a distracted driver begins to drift.
Yes, the Outback offers 39.5 inches of second-row legroom, providing plenty of space for bulky rear-facing car seats without forcing the front passengers to slide their seats uncomfortably forward. Both the Outback and Forester feature wide-opening rear doors to make loading easier.
Yes, the Ascent is larger overall. It features three rows of seating and up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared to the Outback's two rows and approximately 109 cubic feet. Interestingly, both SUVs offer a nearly identical maximum cargo capacity (around 75.6 cubic feet) when all rear seats are folded flat.
All three SUVs—Ascent, Outback, and Forester—consistently earn top safety ratings from agencies like the IIHS. They all feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction in poor weather and Subaru's standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
Browse our current inventory of top-rated, safety-award-winning Subaru SUVs designed for families of all sizes.
Torn between two favorites? Compare the 3-row Ascent against the 2-row Outback to see which layout fits your lifestyle best.
Found the perfect family vehicle? Submit a secure finance application online to save time at the dealership with the kids.
