Can 3 car seats fit in a Subaru Outback?
Yes, three car seats can fit across a Subaru Outback in some configurations, but it’s not guaranteed and depends on the model year and the specific seats you use. For many families, the answer comes down to choosing narrow seats and carefully testing fit in their own vehicle.
What the Outback offers for rear-seat space
The Outback’s rear bench is designed to accommodate up to three passengers, but the practical ability to install three car seats across it varies. Outer seating positions often provide LATCH anchors for easier installation, while the center position usually relies on a seat belt. Because seat widths differ by brand and type, the three-across possibility depends on the exact seats you choose and how they sit on the bench. Always consult your vehicle’s manual and the car seat manuals, and test-fit in your own car before traveling with three kids in the rear.
Center-seat belt and anchor considerations
In many Outback models, the center position uses a seat belt rather than LATCH for a car seat, which means you’ll be using the belt path and possibly a locking mechanism to secure a seat in that middle spot. The outer positions typically offer LATCH anchors, but you’ll still need to verify the belt path and recline limits for each seat. This mix of anchors can complicate three-across setups, making careful fitting essential.
Common configurations that may work
Here are configurations families often try, with the understanding that fit depends on year, trim, and the exact seats involved.
- Two narrow outer seats (for example, two infant seats or compact convertibles) with a center seat secured by the seat belt (often a booster or slim convertible in the middle).
- Two outer seats with belt-secured seats and a slim booster in the center, using the center belt path for the third seat.
- Two narrow boosters on the outer positions and a slim convertible or infant seat in the center (belt-secured), if the belt path allows.
Test-fitting all three seats together in your specific Outback is essential, because even small differences in seat brand, model, and installation technique can change the outcome.
Model-year considerations
Three-across feasibility can change by model year as Subaru refreshed interior dimensions and as car-seat designs evolved. In practice, many families report workable three-across arrangements in recent Outbacks when using two outer seats that are relatively slim and a center seat that can share the belt path. Some older or bulkier seats may block access to the LATCH anchors or leave insufficient room for a proper installation. Always verify with your owner’s manual and the car seat manuals for the exact year of your Outback, and consider contacting a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for an in-person check.
Why model-year differences matter
Even small changes to seat padding, upholstery, or the position of the belt anchors can affect whether three seats fit. The angle of the rear seats and the presence of any center armrest or cupholders can also influence available room. If you’re planning trips with three young passengers, it’s worth double-checking in your exact vehicle year and trim level.
Safety-first: installation tips and best practices
Three-across installations demand meticulous attention to car-seat manuals and vehicle instructions. Here are practical steps to maximize safety and fit.
- Choose seats with slimmer profiles when possible, especially for outer positions.
- Check each seat’s installation method (LATCH vs. seat belt) and ensure you are using the correct belt path and anchors.
- For any belt-secured center seat, verify that the seat belt locks properly and that the seat does not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back when installed.
- Use top tether anchors for forward-facing seats and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on tether placement.
- Have a CPST (Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician) check your three-across setup to confirm correct installation and safety margins.
Even with a workable three-across setup, the safest choice is the configuration that minimizes movement and ensures each seat is securely installed. If you cannot get three seats to fit securely, do not force it. Consider alternate travel plans or a larger vehicle if three kids require three seats on the road together.
Summary
Three car seats can fit across a Subaru Outback in some configurations, especially with two slim outer seats and a compact center seat secured by the seat belt. The feasibility depends on model year, seat brands, and the exact belt-anchor setup in your vehicle. Always test-fit with your own seats, follow each seat’s installation instructions, and seek a professional CPST evaluation to confirm a safe, secure arrangement. If three across isn’t possible, consider alternate travel arrangements or a larger vehicle for trips with three young passengers.
