Can you sleep in a Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes. You can sleep in a Subaru Crosstrek by folding the rear seats to create a flat sleeping surface, and with the right setup you can rest comfortably during road trips or camping trips. Safety, legality, and comfort considerations are all part of planning a night in the car.
Space and layout: What sleeping in a Crosstrek looks like
The Crosstrek’s 60/40-split rear seats fold down to provide a mostly flat cargo floor, which can accommodate a sleeping pad or small air mattress. While exact measurements vary by model year, most setups offer roughly the length of a standard sleeping pad and enough width for one person to lie down flat with some room for gear alongside. Taller sleepers may find legroom tight if they keep the front seats in their normal position, so you may optionally shift the front seats forward slightly to maximize the sleeping length. Laying the surface as flat as possible helps improve comfort and reduces pressure points.
How to set up for a comfortable night
To ensure a comfortable night in a Crosstrek, follow these setup steps:
- Use a sleeping pad or air mattress that fits the cargo floor and provides insulation from the cold deck.
- Choose a warm sleeping bag or layered blankets suitable for the expected nighttime temperature.
- Cover windows with shut curtains or reflective shades to boost privacy and minimize heat loss.
- Ventilate safely by cracking a window just enough for airflow while ensuring rain and debris won’t enter.
- Keep the space clear of loose items; store gear in the cargo area or outside the sleeping zone to maintain a flat bed.
- If needed, move the front seats slightly forward to extend the sleeping length, and adjust pillows for neck and spine alignment.
With thoughtful preparation, the Crosstrek can provide a surprisingly comfortable night’s rest, especially for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind sharing a compact space.
Safety and legality considerations
Sleeping in a vehicle involves safety and local regulations. Keep these points in mind to stay on the right side of safety and law enforcement while you rest:
- Avoid running the engine or heater for extended periods while sleeping to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. If you need climate control, run the engine in a well-ventilated, ventilated setup for short intervals and always with a working CO alarm present in the vehicle.
- Park only in permitted locations—designated campsites, rest areas that allow overnight parking, or privately owned spaces where overnight stays are allowed. Respect No Overnight or Blocking policies.
- Lock doors when you sleep, keep valuables out of sight, and have a plan for personal safety, including notifying someone of your location and estimated arrival time.
- Avoid obstructing driveways, fire lanes, or emergency access; follow local ordinances and campground rules to prevent fines or eviction.
Always verify local rules and venue policies before choosing a spot to sleep in your Crosstrek, and prioritize personal safety and responsible camping practices.
Optional gear and alternatives for extra space
If you need more room or longer nights, several gear options can expand your sleeping setup beyond the basic interior.
- Roof rack or crossbars with a lightweight roof-top tent designed for small SUVs, ensuring you don’t exceed the vehicle’s weight rating.
- A compact cargo platform with insulating layering to create a larger, insulated sleeping surface inside the cargo area.
- A small, portable cot or a larger sleeping pad that extends toward the front seats for extra headroom.
These options offer more headroom or insulation but require extra planning, equipment, and sometimes legal considerations for overnight parking.
Summary
In short, yes—the Subaru Crosstrek can function as a sleeping space with the rear seats folded down. A flat bed created by folding the seats, along with an appropriate sleeping pad, insulation, and ventilation, can support an overnight rest during road trips or camping. Always factor in safety, wind and temperature conditions, and local regulations when choosing to sleep in your vehicle, and consider additional gear if you anticipate needing more comfort or space.
What states is it legal to sleep in your car?
While sleeping in your car isn't universally legal, some states, like Nevada and Texas, allow it for 24 hours straight. Others, like California, permit rest stops for a few hours. Other states, like Arizona, Mississippi, Missouri, and Montana, allow overnight stays in the car.
What size mattress fits in a Subaru Crosstrek?
In terms of standard mattress sizes, the closest mattress that will fit in the back of most Crosstrek models is a Twin.
Do the seats fold flat in a Subaru Crosstrek?
Or Cross Track from 2011 to 2023. So first of all make sure you have enough space over here so push the front seats.
Is Crosstrek big enough to sleep in?
Yes, you can definitely sleep in a Subaru Crosstrek! When you fold down the back seats, you get about 51.9 cubic feet of space. This creates a sleeping area about 66 inches long and 41 inches wide.
