2020 Subaru Forester vs Honda Civic Dimensions: Which One Fits You Best?

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, size matters. For many, it’s not just about how fast a car can go or how much fuel it uses but how it fits into your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the 2020 Subaru Forester and the 2020 Honda Civic in terms of dimensions and space. These two vehicles represent two very different classes—one an SUV, the other a compact sedan. Both have their strengths, but which one suits you better? Let’s dive into the details.

Exterior Dimensions Comparison

One of the most crucial things to look at when comparing cars is their exterior dimensions. The 2020 Subaru Forester and the Honda Civic are worlds apart here since one is an SUV and the other is a compact car. Here's how they compare:

2020 Subaru Forester

Length: 182.1 inches
Width: 71.5 inches
Height: 67.5 inches
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches (higher than many in its class)

2020 Honda Civic (Sedan Model)

Length: 182.7 inches
Width: 70.9 inches
Height: 55.7 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Ground Clearance: 5.5 inches

The first thing you’ll notice is that the Forester is significantly taller and has better ground clearance, making it a better option if you’re looking for an off-road-capable vehicle. Meanwhile, the Civic is more compact and lower to the ground, which might be more convenient for city driving and parking in tighter spaces.

Wheelbase Length Matters

The wheelbase is a good measure of how stable a vehicle feels on the road. Interestingly, while the Civic is smaller in every other way, it has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Forester. This typically translates to a smoother ride, but in the case of an SUV like the Forester, the higher ground clearance and taller stance often mean you won’t feel the difference much on rougher terrain.

Interior Space and Comfort

When it comes to interior space, both cars offer different advantages depending on your needs.

Subaru Forester: Spacious and Practical

The Subaru Forester is known for offering an abundance of space inside. Here are some key interior dimensions:

Front Headroom: 41.2 inches
Rear Headroom: 39.6 inches
Front Legroom: 43.3 inches
Rear Legroom: 39.4 inches
Cargo Capacity: 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 76.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded down

As you can see, the Forester offers impressive interior space for a vehicle of its size. That cargo area is particularly generous, making it a great choice for families or anyone who needs to haul a lot of stuff.

Honda Civic: Compact and Efficient Use of Space

The Civic may not be as spacious as the Forester, but it makes efficient use of the space it does have. Key interior dimensions include:

Front Headroom: 39.3 inches
Rear Headroom: 37.1 inches
Front Legroom: 42.3 inches
Rear Legroom: 37.4 inches
Cargo Capacity: 15.1 cubic feet

Clearly, the Civic doesn’t offer the same level of space as the Forester, particularly when it comes to cargo room. However, for a compact sedan, it’s still very roomy inside, especially in the front seats. The rear seats might feel a bit cramped for taller passengers on long trips, but for everyday driving and commuting, it’s more than adequate.

Alex Collantes on Interior Space

“I’ve driven both vehicles,” says Alex Collantes, a long-time car reviewer. “If you’re looking for something practical for road trips or hauling large items, the Forester is a no-brainer. But the Civic has a surprisingly airy cabin for a compact car. It feels cozy in a good way, not cramped.”

Driving Experience and Handling

When it comes to driving, the 2020 Subaru Forester and the Honda Civic offer very different experiences, largely due to their dimensions and design purposes.

Subaru Forester: Built for Adventure

Thanks to its higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, the Forester excels in off-road conditions and bad weather. Whether you're heading out for a camping trip or dealing with snow-covered roads in the winter, the Forester gives you confidence. However, that extra height and weight also mean the Forester doesn’t handle as sharply on paved roads, especially when compared to the Civic.

Pros:

Excellent ground clearance and AWD for off-road capability
Spacious interior and cargo room
Smooth ride on rough terrain

Cons:

Not as nimble in tight city streets or parking
Higher center of gravity means it’s prone to more body roll in corners

Honda Civic: Smooth City Driving

On the flip side, the Civic is designed for the urban environment. It’s lower to the ground, making it more aerodynamic and easier to maneuver. You’ll notice that the Civic feels much more agile, especially when navigating tight spaces or winding roads. It’s fun to drive, especially with its available turbocharged engine that gives it a little extra zip.

Pros:

Agile handling, easy to park in tight spots
Smooth and comfortable ride on highways and city streets
More fuel-efficient compared to the Forester

Cons:

Not suited for off-road adventures
Limited cargo space and rear-seat comfort for taller passengers

Fuel Economy Comparison

Fuel economy is another area where these two vehicles differ significantly. The Civic, being a smaller car, has the clear edge here.