Can you fit people in the back of a BRZ?

The BRZ can physically accommodate passengers in the rear seats, but it’s not designed for comfortable, long-distance riding there. It’s a two-door, 2+2 sports coupe with notably compact rear seating that works best for children or very short trips for adults.

Understanding how the back seats actually perform helps decide when you should rely on them and when you should avoid them. Here’s what you need to know about space, comfort, and safety when considering back-seat occupancy in a BRZ.

Understanding the layout and space

The BRZ uses a traditional 2+2 arrangement: two up front and two smaller rear seats behind the occupants. The rear bench is narrow and offers limited legroom and headroom. Access is via the two doors, which makes getting in and out awkward for many adults. Because the front seats dominate the cabin’s space, rear passengers often feel cramped, especially on longer drives. The trunk remains small, so carrying people and cargo simultaneously can be a squeeze.

Here are the key space considerations to keep in mind as you assess whether to put someone in the back.

• Rear seating is compact and best suited for children or very short trips for adults.


• Legroom and knee clearance depend heavily on how far forward you position the front seats.


• Rear headroom is tight for taller passengers, even with the front seats adjusted forward.


• Access to the back is through two small doors, which makes entry and exit more challenging.


• There is no middle rear seat; the back row typically consists of two individual seats or a split configuration depending on trim.

In practice, the back seats are generally reserved for kids, shorter journeys, or when you need a passenger in back for a brief period rather than a full-sized adult for an extended ride.

Who should sit back there

For daily use, two adults in the back are usually not ideal. If you must use the rear seats, plan for short trips and prioritize smaller passengers who will fit more comfortably. Always account for driver and front passenger comfort first—the BRZ emphasizes a sporty seating feel that can squeeze rear passengers out of proportion to the front seats.

If you need to carry passengers in the back, follow these practical guidelines to maximize safety and comfort on brief trips.



1. Limit rear-seat occupancy to short hops; the space is best for brief rides rather than long journeys.


2. Ensure rear-seat passengers buckle up with the three-point belts and avoid bulky clothing that can interfere with belt fit.


3. Adjust the front seats to create enough entry/exit space for rear passengers, then readjust for optimal safety once seated.


4. Avoid tall or bulky passengers in the rear on long trips; consider alternative seating arrangements if comfort or safety is compromised.

These guidelines reflect common-sense use and safety considerations. Always assess each passenger’s comfort and safety on a case-by-case basis.

Safety, legality, and comfort

From a safety standpoint, the BRZ rear seats come equipped with standard three-point seat belts and are intended for occasional use by passengers. Laws in most places require rear-seat occupants to wear seat belts, and children must be secured in appropriate toddler or booster seats when riding in the back. Taller adults and those who prize comfort should generally avoid long-distance travel in the rear, reserving it for shorter trips or for younger passengers who fit more naturally in the space.

Summary

The BRZ’s rear seats are a useful feature for brief, two-person rides or occasional use, but they are not designed for adult comfort over long distances. The car remains best as a two-seat configuration for daily driving, with the rear seats reserved for kids, small adults on short trips, or for carrying extra people only when necessary. For safety and comfort, prioritize front seating and use the rear only when needed, ensuring proper belt use and age-appropriate seating for younger passengers.

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

What year to avoid 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 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.