Can you put a bed in a Subaru Outback?
Yes. The Outback’s rear cargo area can accommodate a twin-size bed or a thick sleeping pad once the rear seats are folded flat.
In practice, most model years offer roughly 75 inches of straight cargo length with the seats down and about 40 inches in width between the wheel wells. Exact measurements vary by year and trim, so it’s wise to measure your specific vehicle before investing in a sleeping solution or platform.
Assessing fit and key dimensions
Understanding the vehicle’s dimensions helps you choose the right sleeping surface. The two critical figures are cargo length with the rear seats folded and the width across the floor between the wheel wells. Height is less of a constraint for most sleeping setups, but it can matter if you plan to build a taller bed platform.
Ways to configure a bed in the Outback
These practical setups are popular with car campers who want to sleep inside an Outback without giving up too much storage.
- Fold the rear seats flat and place a sleeping pad or a twin-size mattress (38" wide × 75" long) on the cargo floor. This simple setup is lightweight and easy to customize with blankets or a fitted sheet to prevent shifting.
- Build a lightweight bed platform that sits on the folded seatbacks and creates a level surface with storage underneath. Use plywood or slats and consider a hinged or removable design to keep weight manageable.
- Use an inflatable SUV mattress or an air mattress designed for cars. These are typically 60–72 inches long and provide a comfortable, push-button setup that scales to the available space.
- Fill minor gaps with foam blocks or a custom-cut memory-foam topper to create a continuous surface from tailgate to front seatbacks, smoothing over wheel-well contours.
Each approach balances comfort, storage access, and weight. Your choice will depend on how much you value a flat sleeping surface versus under-bed storage and setup simplicity.
Practical tips for a safe and comfortable night
Weatherproofing, privacy, and ventilation are important for a good night’s sleep in a vehicle. Here are guidelines to improve comfort and safety while sleeping in an Outback:
- Use window covers or curtains to maintain privacy and help with insulation, especially in cold or windy conditions.
- Choose breathable bedding and a moisture-wicking sleeping surface to reduce condensation inside the cabin.
- Ventilate overnight by leaving a small gap for airflow or using a breathable top layer to prevent sweating or dampness.
- Keep essential gear (water, flashlight, phone, first aid) within arm’s reach, and store bulkier items in the cargo area under the bed platform if possible.
- Test your setup on a short overnight or nap to ensure fit, stability, and comfort before committing to a longer trip.
With thoughtful planning, sleeping in an Outback can be a reliable option for weekend camping or emergency rests, provided you prioritize measurement, surface quality, and climate readiness.
Summary
For most Subaru Outback models, folding the rear seats creates a sleeping area long enough for a twin-size bed or a thick sleeping pad. The interior width between the wheel wells generally accommodates a standard twin mattress (about 38 inches wide). The best configuration depends on your model year, personal comfort, and storage needs, so measure your specific vehicle and tailor your setup accordingly. Weatherproofing, privacy, and ventilation are essential for a comfortable night outdoors.
What year to avoid a Subaru Outback?
Years to generally avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010-2014, 2017-2020, and older models 2005-2009. Common issues in these years include CV/transmission problems, engine oil consumption, electrical failures, and early models were known for head gasket and cooling system issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2005-2009: Known for head gasket failures, coolant leaks, and oil leaks.
- 2010-2014: Experienced significant transmission issues, oil consumption problems, and electrical and steering column defects.
- 2017-2020: These years often suffered from frequent windshield cracks, electrical issues like faulty alternators and battery drains, and problems with the infotainment system.
- The first year of the sixth generation, 2020, had early adopter problems, particularly with the infotainment system and CVT.
- 2013-2014: Specifically had issues with the CVT transmission and the 2.5L engine, leading to oil consumption.
- 2015-2016: The 2.5L engine developed leaks from the valve covers and cam carriers.
What to look for instead
- Post-2014: These models are generally more reliable, but specific years like 2015 and 2018 have been singled out by some sources.
- Post-2021: Many recent models have improved reliability, although some 2023 models had issues with the infotainment system and electrical accessories.
- 2019 3.6R: This is often recommended as a good model to track down due to high mileage customer vehicles and a history of good reliability.
Can you fit a bed in a Subaru Outback?
Q: Can I sleep on a mattress in my Subaru Outback? Yes, your Subaru Outback has space for a mattress!
Can I sleep in the back of my Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can sleep in the back of a Subaru Outback, which is popular for car camping because of its spacious and adaptable cargo area. Folding the rear seats creates a nearly flat surface, and you can maximize comfort and space by using sleeping pads or air mattresses and by adjusting the front seats.
This video demonstrates how to set up a sleeping area in the back of a Subaru Outback: 1mMadison ClysdaleYouTube · Aug 21, 2023
Tips for sleeping in a Subaru Outback
- Fold the seats: The rear seats fold down, creating a long and wide sleeping area, especially when combined with the front seats. For taller people, adjust the front seats to add more legroom.
- Create a flat surface: While the seats fold down, they may not be perfectly level. Use a sleeping pad or inflatable mattress to create a more comfortable and even surface. Some people build a platform to create a more level bed, especially for longer-term camping.
- Maximize space: You can stuff bags into the footwell area to extend the sleeping platform. Consider leaving one of the front seats up to use as a seat or a place for gear.
- Ensure comfort: Use blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows to make the space more comfortable. Many people use window covers for privacy and to block light.
- Consider airflow: If weather permits, leave the windows slightly cracked or open to allow for airflow. You can also use window covers to maintain privacy while allowing for ventilation.
- Stay safe: Lock all doors before sleeping and keep emergency items like a flashlight and car jumper nearby.
Can a Subaru Outback fit a queen mattress?
No, a standard queen mattress will not fit inside a Subaru Outback, but it can be transported on the roof by properly securing it with ratchet straps. While a twin mattress can fit inside with the front seats moved forward, a queen is too wide and long to fit inside, even with the seats down.
Transporting a queen mattress with a Subaru Outback
- Method: Place the mattress on the roof of the Outback and secure it tightly with ratchet straps.
- Securing the mattress:
- Use a minimum of two or three ratchet straps.
- Run the straps over the mattress and through the open doors, connecting them to the other side of the car.
- Consider using the roof rails if available to help hold the mattress in place.
- Important considerations:
- The mattress will extend past the front and back of the car, so it's crucial to flag it with a red flag to alert other drivers of the overhang.
- Drive slowly and avoid highways to prevent the mattress from shifting or becoming a hazard.
- Be mindful of the Outback's roof rack weight limit and do not exceed it.
- For the safest and easiest transport, consider renting a truck or van instead.
