Can I fit 3 car seats in a Subaru Forester?
Yes, in some setups you can, but it isn’t guaranteed and depends on the seat widths and how you install them. Many families manage with two car seats across and a booster in the middle, while three across may be possible in certain slim infant seats or narrow convertibles.
In more detail, the feasibility hinges on the Forester’s rear bench layout, the presence of LATCH anchors, and whether you can securely install each seat without compromising safety. This article walks through what to check, practical installation tips, and how model-year differences might affect fit.
Understanding the Forester’s rear seating
The Subaru Forester’s rear bench is typically designed to accommodate up to three occupants, but three-across car seats depends on the interior width and the seats you choose. Most recent models feature a 60/40 split bench, with lower anchors (LATCH) available for outer positions and, in many cases, a belt-install option for the middle seat. Because every car seat—infant, convertible, and booster—has a different footprint, the key factor is the combined width and how the buckles and straps lay against the seat cushions.
Best practices for maximizing three-across compatibility
To evaluate whether three seats will fit, plan a test with your actual seats and child ages. The following steps describe a cautious approach that emphasizes safety and fit.
- Measure the widths of each car seat you plan to use and compare them to the Forester’s rear width. Narrow or slim infant seats and compact convertibles are more forgiving than wide adult-size seats.
- Install two seats in the outer positions first, using LATCH where the seat manuals allow. This helps you gauge available space for a third seat in the middle.
- Try a belt-install center seat if the middle position is accessible. Many centers rely on the vehicle’s locking seat belt; ensure you lock the belt correctly and follow the car seat manual for a secure center installation.
- Check for top tether anchors, especially for forward-facing seats. If the center seat has a tether anchor, use it according to the car seat’s instructions; if not, plan accordingly to keep the seat secure.
- Verify harness heights, buckle clearance, and recline angles for each seat. Ensure nothing interferes with the child’s safe positioning and that the seats don’t push against the front seats or each other.
- Enlist a helper to buckle and unbuckle seats and to check for any movement. After installation, gently move each seat to confirm it stays securely fastened.
Three-across configurations are feasible in some Forester setups, but not universal. If you’re unsure after testing at home, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can assess the arrangement in person.
Model year nuances and real-world scenarios
Foresters across multiple generations share a relatively consistent rear width, but interior contours and seat padding can alter fit. In practice, newer models with to-the-edge seat cushions can slightly narrow the usable space in the middle, while older models with bulkier seat shapes may reduce the likelihood of three-across installations. Families often find that two seats across plus a booster is the most reliable everyday setup, while three-across works only with particularly slim seats and careful placement.
Common layouts that have worked for families
Below are typical three-across layouts that parents report, depending on the seats involved. Use this as a starting point and confirm with a hands-on test in your vehicle.
- Two narrow outer seats (such as compact convertibles) with a slim infant seat or small booster in the center.
- Two outer seats using belt-installed seats, with a narrow booster in the center that uses the vehicle belt for positioning.
- Two rear-facing infant seats on the outsides and a small forward-facing seat in the middle, installed with a belt (if the middle seat allows a secure belt install).
Always verify that each seat remains securely installed after you place all children in the vehicle and never compromise safety for the sake of space.
Bottom line
Three-across in a Subaru Forester is possible in select configurations, but it’s not guaranteed for every family. The key is careful seat selection, precise measurements, and proper installation according to each seat’s manual and the Forester’s owner’s manual. If you can’t achieve a safe three-across setup, consider alternatives such as using two seats across with a booster or exploring a larger vehicle for three-child seating needs, and consult a CPS technician for personalized guidance.
Summary
In short, a Subaru Forester can accommodate three car seats in some cases, but success depends on the specific seats and installation method. Plan ahead by measuring seat widths, trying outer and center positions, and seeking professional help if needed. Prioritize safety and proper harnessing over forcing a fit.
