Can you put a bed in the back of a Subaru Outback?
Yes. With the rear seats folded, the Outback’s cargo area can accommodate a twin-size bed or a sleeping pad, turning the space into a usable sleeping area for camping or road trips. A standard queen mattress is typically too long to fit without modifications.
This article explores how the Outback’s interior layout supports sleeping in the back, what bed sizes reliably fit, practical setup steps, and safety considerations for car camping.
What size bed fits in the Outback?
When the rear seats are folded flat, the cargo floor becomes a long, relatively even surface. The most reliable option for sleeping inside an Outback is a twin-size mattress or a foam sleeping pad. Width is the limiting factor—twin-width surfaces fit more comfortably than wider mattresses, which can span the wheel wells or be awkward to position.
Here are the typical options you’ll encounter:
- Twin-size mattress or foam pad (about 38 inches wide by 75 inches long) laid flat on a platform with the rear seats folded.
- Multiple thinner pads can be used to fill gaps, but a single twin-size layer generally offers the smoothest surface.
- A full-size (54 inches wide) mattress is usually too wide for the cargo area unless you sacrifice a portion of the surface or modify the setup; this is not commonly recommended for everyday use.
In practice, a twin mattress or a single large sleeping pad remains the most practical and comfortable option for most Outback configurations.
How to set up a bed in the Outback
To convert the Outback into a sleeping space, follow a straightforward setup that prioritizes a flat surface, stability, and comfort.
- Park on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Clear out bulky items from the cargo area.
- Fold the rear seats down to create a flat floor. In most Outback models, the 60/40 split rear seats fold to form a continuous surface with the cargo floor.
- Prepare a platform or support layer that sits on the flattened floor and bridges any wheel-well gaps. A simple plywood platform topped with a sleeping pad works well, or you can purchase a purpose-made camping bed platform kit.
- Lay a twin-size mattress or high-quality sleeping pad on the platform. Use a fitted sheet or breathable bedding to keep the surface clean and comfortable, and consider a thin memory-foam topper for extra support.
- Ventilate and manage moisture. Crack a window slightly or use a small portable fan when parked, and choose bedding suited to the climate to prevent condensation.
Following these steps helps create a stable, level sleeping surface inside the Outback without sacrificing too much cargo usefulness.
Safety and practicality notes
Sleeping safely and legally
Never sleep in a vehicle while it is in motion. Always ensure the vehicle is parked, with the parking brake engaged and doors secured. Avoid blocking vents or exhaust paths with bedding, and be mindful of fire and CO safety if you use any heating devices.
Storage, weight, and stability
Secure any gear so it cannot shift during transit, and distribute weight evenly to avoid affecting handling. If you add a permanent or semi-permanent bed platform, consider access to emergency gear and the spare tire, and plan for easy removal if you need full cargo capacity again.
Summary
In short, you can sleep in the back of a Subaru Outback by folding the rear seats and using a twin-size bed or sleeping pad on a flat platform. A queen or larger surface generally won’t fit neatly in the cargo space. With careful setup—flat surface, ventilation, and secure storage—the Outback can serve as a practical, budget-friendly sleeping space for road trips and car camping.
