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Can you fit 6 people in a Subaru Outback?


The Subaru Outback is a popular choice for families and adventurers alike, thanks to its spacious interior, reliability, and versatility. But when it comes to seating capacity, many potential buyers or current owners wonder: can it comfortably accommodate six people? Let’s dive into the details to answer this question and explore your options.


Seating Capacity of the Subaru Outback


The Subaru Outback is designed as a two-row SUV with a standard seating capacity of five people. This includes two seats in the front and a three-person bench seat in the rear. Unfortunately, the Outback does not come with a third row, which means it is not built to seat six passengers.


Why the Subaru Outback Seats Only Five


The five-passenger design of the Subaru Outback is intentional and aligns with its focus on comfort, safety, and cargo space. Here are some reasons why the Outback is limited to five seats:



  • Comfort: The two-row configuration ensures ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, making long drives more enjoyable.

  • Safety: Subaru prioritizes safety, and the five-seat design allows for proper seatbelt and airbag coverage for all passengers.

  • Storage Space: By limiting seating to five, the Outback offers generous cargo space, which is a key selling point for families and outdoor enthusiasts.


Alternatives for Larger Groups


If you frequently need to transport six or more people, the Subaru Outback might not be the best fit for your needs. Here are some alternatives to consider:



  • Subaru Ascent: This is Subaru’s three-row SUV, capable of seating up to eight passengers. It’s a great option for larger families or groups.

  • Minivans: Vehicles like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna are designed to accommodate seven to eight passengers comfortably.

  • Full-Size SUVs: Models such as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition offer ample seating and cargo space for larger groups.


Creative Solutions for Occasional Needs


If you only occasionally need to transport six people, you might consider these options:



  • Carpooling: Use a second vehicle to split the group when needed.

  • Roof or Hitch Cargo Carriers: Free up interior space by storing luggage or gear externally, allowing for more passenger room.

  • Ride-Sharing Services: For one-off trips, consider using a ride-sharing service to accommodate the extra passengers.


Conclusion


While the Subaru Outback is a fantastic vehicle for many purposes, it is not designed to seat six people. If you regularly need to transport more than five passengers, exploring larger vehicles like the Subaru Ascent or other three-row SUVs is a better option. However, for those who prioritize comfort, safety, and cargo space for up to five passengers, the Outback remains an excellent choice.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subaru Outback a 7 seater?


The 3-row Ascent gives you a choice between fitting seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs or eight passengers with second-row bench seating, while the Outback seats up to five passengers. Passenger space dimensions in the Subaru Ascent measure to 153.2 cubic feet (on trims without a moonroof).



What Subaru fits 7 people?


the Ascent
With its seven-seater and eight-seater options and third-row passenger capability, the Ascent is packed with advanced convenient features and built for long-term durability, making it a huge value for big families.



What is the best Subaru for a large person?


Ascent. The Subaru Ascent provides many of the same features and advantages as the Outback, but in an even more spacious 3-row SUV frame. The Ascent offers an unparalleled combination of headroom, shoulder room, and legroom, with impressive cargo space.



Do any Subaru Outbacks have 3rd row seating?


If you're looking to bring along plenty of passengers, the Ascent has you covered with 3-row seating that can fit seven or eight passengers (dependent upon your configuration). The Outback, by comparison, has two passenger rows.



Which Subaru has most room?


2024 Subaru Ascent
As the largest Subaru SUV, the 2024 Subaru Ascent boasts impressive legroom. In all eight trim levels, legroom is 42.2 inches in the front, 38.6 inches in the middle row, and 31.7 inches in the back row.



How roomy is a Subaru Outback?


The Subaru Outback offers 40.1 inches of headroom, 42.8 inches of legroom, and 58.1 inches of shoulder room in the front.



How many car seats can a Subaru Outback hold?


The New 2021 Subaru Outback is just as practical an family friendly as the previous model… Phew!! Three child seats fit nicely in the back of the new Subaru Outback. There are ISOFix points in both the outer seats and top tether anchorages in the backs of all three seat backs.



How many people can a Subaru Outback fit?


five people
Two rows of seats allow you to have up to five people inside the Outback; generous legroom, including 42.8 inches in the front and 39.5 inches in the back, ensures even long road trips are comfortable journeys.



Do tall people fit in a Subaru Outback?


If you're tall or short, it can be difficult to find vehicles that meet both criteria. Fortunately, Subaru has three models, the Forester, Legacy and Outback, that are perfect for short and tall drivers alike.



What Subaru has more than 5 seats?


The family-sized 2023 Subaru Ascent offers 3rd-row seating with room for seven or eight passengers and comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.