Can an adult fit in the back of a BRZ?

An adult can technically sit back there, but space is extremely tight and not intended for regular passengers.

The Subaru BRZ is a two-door sports coupe with a compact rear bench. While it technically accommodates a second passenger in the back, the overall space is meant for short trips or smaller occupants, not for comfortable, everyday seating. The latest BRZ, which received a 2.4-liter engine update in 2022, keeps this rear seating arrangement, making comfort for adult passengers a notable limitation.

Space and design of the BRZ rear seats

The back seat is designed to prioritize sportiness over practicality. Access is hindered by the two-door layout and a relatively narrow opening; the rear bench is compact, with limited knee and headroom. These factors combine to make the space usable mainly for small adults or children on short hops.

Access and practicality

Getting into the back of a BRZ requires squeezing past the C-pillar and sliding past the front seat. Even when seated, legroom is tight, and the rear passengers have to contend with a short seat cushion and a roofline that slopes toward the rear, limiting headroom.

Access is a real constraint. The two-door configuration and tight rear opening mean that even average-height adults will find entering and exiting awkward, especially if the front-seat occupant is seated close to the rear.

Before listing the key constraints, note that space varies by model year and seat adjustment, but the core layout remains the same: two doors, a compact rear bench, and emphasis on front-seat comfort up front.

• Knee and legroom: Most adult riders will have knees pressed against the front seat or lack sufficient space to fully extend their legs.


• Headroom: The sloping roof reduces clearance for taller passengers.


• Shoulder and hip width: The rear opening and seat width are narrow, making shoulder room tight for larger adults.


• Entry/exit: Access is awkward via the two doors, especially for adults with limited mobility.


• Seating position: The rear seat is higher and firmer, which can feel rigid and uncomfortable over longer trips.

Conclusion: For most adults, the back seat is best reserved for short trips, kids, or adults who are compact in build. Long trips with a rear passenger are generally not feasible in comfort.

Practical use cases and guidance

To help prospective passengers decide, here are common scenarios and what to expect based on height, build, and trip length.

• Small adults or teenagers may sit behind the driver or front passenger with some knee room, but still be cramped on longer rides.


• Average-height adults (roughly under 5'8" or 173 cm) will likely experience noticeable crowding, especially if the front seats are adjusted forward.


• Taller adults (over 5'9" or 175 cm) will encounter pronounced knee contact and headroom limits, making even short errands uncomfortable.

Conclusion: If you anticipate more than brief, city errands with an adult passenger in back, consider a vehicle with more rear legroom and headroom.

Alternatives and tips

If rear seating is a priority, you might look at alternatives or strategies to maximize comfort in the BRZ's back seat.

• Choose a similar rear-seat arrangement: A two-door coupe with a longer wheelbase or a four-seat hatchback that offers more rear legroom.


• Place the front seat further forward if needed, while balancing driver comfort and visibility.


• Car seat considerations: The BRZ rear seats can accommodate smaller child seats with appropriate latching and belt configuration, but always follow safety guidelines.

Conclusion: The BRZ excels as a driver-focused sports car; for regular rear-seat passengers, a different model is generally a better fit.

Summary

The BRZ’s back seat is compact by design, providing a very limited space for adults. It can accommodate small adults or children for short trips, but it's not a practical option for most adults on longer journeys. If rear seating matters, consider a sedan, four-door coupe, or a larger sports car with more rear legroom.

Endnote: The BRZ remains a value-driven sport coupe, prioritizing performance and front-seat enjoyment over rear passenger space. Always test sit in the back with your own height and seating configuration to determine comfort for your needs.

What year to avoid Subaru BRZ?

The Subaru BRZ years to avoid are 2013 and early 2014 due to significant engine issues like valve spring recall problems and potential oil consumption. While there were other recalls and issues in later years (such as a 2018 fuel pump recall), the 2013-early 2014 models are the ones most commonly cited as years to be particularly wary of. 
This video discusses the major problems in early models of BRZ/FRS/86: 58sShifting LanesYouTube · Apr 25, 2018
Years to generally avoid

• 2013 and early 2014: These model years had recalls and reports of significant problems, including:
  • Valve spring recall: An issue where valve springs could fracture, leading to engine failure.
  • Oil issues: Some models, particularly those produced before a certain date, had a tendency for oiling problems.
  • Engine tuning and ECU calibration: Early models had a less optimal engine calibration.
  • Other issues: Users report issues with power windows freezing, water leaks, and interior rattles. 

Other years to be cautious of

• 2018: This year had a fuel pump recall and a recall for the rearview camera not displaying properly.
• 2019: Some 2019 models were included in the 2018 fuel pump recall. 

What to do if buying a used BRZ

• Check for recalls: Before purchasing, use the VIN to check if any recalls have been performed. 
• Be prepared for oil consumption: The BRZ can burn oil, so check the oil level regularly regardless of the model year. 
• Consider newer models: Later model years, such as the 2017 and later, generally have fewer reported issues. 

Can you fit four people in a BRZ?

So, you can imagine their surprise when I pulled up in the BRZ that I am testing and told them to get in. At first they didn't believe me that it was a four seater, but no matter. They got in. That was the easy part.

How many people can fit in a Subaru BRZ?

The Subaru BRZ has two rows of seats with a total capacity of four people, but the rear seats are very small and not suitable for adults on longer trips. The rear seats are best used for children or for folding down to expand cargo space.
 

• Front seats: There are two seats in the front. While the base models have cloth seats, higher trims may offer leather and Ultrasuede with heating. 
• Rear seats: The two rear seats are extremely compact and are only truly practical for small children or very short trips with adults. 
• Cargo space: The rear seats can be folded down to significantly increase the trunk's cargo capacity, which makes the BRZ more practical for carrying luggage for two people. 

This video demonstrates the trunk space of the Subaru BRZ, including how to fold the rear seats down: 30sAutoNetworkYouTube · Feb 17, 2025

Can tall people fit in a BRZ?

Tall drivers will want to choose something else for a long road trip. But for local routes and canyon carving, there's enough capacity for tall drivers to enjoy the GR86's and BRZ's peppy engine and lively handling. If you plan to track your car, though, you might not have enough room to wear a helmet.