Can you fit 3 car seats in a Subaru Impreza?
Typically not. The Subaru Impreza’s rear seat is narrow for three car seats side by side, and safety guidelines generally call for two across in most compact cars. If you need three seats, you should consider two across and alternative seating arrangements or a larger vehicle.
What to know about the Impreza’s rear seat
The Impreza is a compact five‑passenger car with a rear bench designed to accommodate three passengers in theory. In practice, outboard positions usually provide the vehicle’s LATCH anchors, while the center position often relies on a traditional seat belt for installation. Because of the limited width of the rear seat in most Impreza configurations, fitting three car seats across is uncommon and can be unsafe if not installed perfectly. Always consult the seat manufacturer’s instructions and the Subaru owner’s manual to confirm anchor locations and weight limits for your specific year and trim.
Is three-across possible in practice?
In real-world use, three car seats across the back seat of an Impreza is rare and typically not recommended by safety professionals. Some very narrow infant seats or specific combinations may fit in rare cases, but you should verify each installation carefully. If a third seat is essential, a larger vehicle with a wider rear bench—such as a mid-size sedan, a crossover, or an SUV—often provides safer, more straightforward options.
- Two car seats in the outboard positions (left and right) using LATCH or seat belts, plus a narrow third seat or booster in the center only if the center belt and buckle allow a secure installation and the seat width fits without pressing against the door or the other seats.
- Use infant seats or boosters from manufacturers who publish three-across compatibility charts, and only if all three seats can be installed securely without excessive movement or compromised belt routing.
- Be prepared to test multiple seat combinations and be ready to stop if any installation feels unstable or if straps twist or create gaps around the child’s body.
Before attempting three-across configurations, understand that results vary by model year, seat type, and exact vehicle dimensions. If you still want to explore possible configurations, consider these approaches with caution:
Concluding, while there are a few fringe setups that might technically allow three seats in rare conditions, the safest and most common solution for a Subaru Impreza is two across the rear seat. If your family requires three seats regularly, a vehicle with a wider rear bench is the prudent choice.
Practical steps to check fit
If you’re determined to assess whether three seats can fit in your specific Impreza, follow these steps and document the results for future reference:
- Consult the car seat manuals and the Subaru owner’s manual for exact LATCH anchor locations, weight limits, and center seat belt configuration for your model year.
- Measure the available rear-seat width and compare it to the total width of the three car seats you intend to use, including any armrests or contoured seating areas.
- Install the outboard seats first, ensuring a solid, rock‑solid connection and minimal movement at the belt path or LATCH anchors.
- Attempt a center-seat installation with the third seat, verifying that the belt routing is correct and that there is no interference with the door or seat backs.
- Check each seat for proper tightness by attempting to move it more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path; if movement remains, reconsider the configuration.
- Consider a hands‑on fit check with a certified car seat technician at a local clinic or dealership to confirm safety and compatibility.
Ultimately, the safest option is to prioritize correct installation and ease of use for two car seats, or to switch to a larger vehicle if three seats across are a frequent necessity.
Summary
Three car seats across in a Subaru Impreza is generally not feasible due to the rear bench’s width and seating geometry. The safest and most common approach is two car seats across in the rear; if you must accommodate three seats, you should consult seat manufacturers, verify anchor availability, and test installations carefully. For ongoing need, consider a larger vehicle with a wider rear seating area and compatible three-across configurations. Always prioritize secure installations and professional guidance when in doubt.
