Does a Subaru Outback have a third seat?
In short: no — the Outback is a two-row, five-seat vehicle with a rear bench that seats three across, but there is no separate third-row seat. This distinction matters for families and long trips when extra seating would be useful.
The question often centers on whether “a third seat” means a true third row. The Outback’s design prioritizes cargo flexibility and all-weather capability in two rows. This article explains how the seating works, what “three across” means in practice, and how it compares to models that do offer a third row.
Seating layout and capacity
The Subaru Outback is built as a two-row vehicle with a rear bench that can accommodate up to three passengers in the back seat. The bench is typically a 60/40 split, allowing flexible cargo space when fewer rear passengers are needed.
- Two rows of seating, five total passenger seats: driver, front passenger, and three rear-seat passengers.
- The rear seat is a 60/40-split bench, enabling different cargo/load configurations.
- The middle rear position is a passenger seat with its own seat belt; it is not a separate third row.
In daily use, the middle rear seat is workable for children and shorter trips, but it can be less comfortable for adult passengers on long drives due to space constraints.
Middle-seat practicality
Because the Outback's back row is a single bench, the middle seat is smaller than the outer seats and lacks the same shoulder space as the sides. Families often use the middle seat for a child seat or a small child for longer journeys, while adults typically ride on the outer seats.
Is there a true third row?
No. The Outback does not offer a third-row seat. It remains a five-passenger vehicle with two rows. If you need a three-row Subaru, you would look to the larger Subaru Ascent, which offers seven or eight seats depending on configuration.
This distinction matters for buyers who require more passenger capacity for carpooling or family trips. The Outback prioritizes cargo flexibility and all-weather capability over a third-row seating option.
Practical considerations for buyers
When evaluating an Outback for family travel or daily driving, consider the following:
- Passenger count: Up to five passengers in two rows; the rear middle seat is best for children or shorter trips.
- Cargo space: Rear seats fold to expand cargo area, which helps when carrying luggage or gear for trips.
- Comfort vs. space: The middle rear seat is functional but not ideal for long-haul adult passengers; trunk space is a trade-off when fully occupied.
For buyers who specifically need more seating capacity, a model with a three-row configuration like the Subaru Ascent may be a better fit.
Summary
The Subaru Outback does not have a true third-row seat. It is designed as a two-row, five-passenger vehicle with a rear bench that can seat three across. This configuration provides a solid balance between passenger space and cargo versatility, but it is not suitable for situations requiring six or more full-time seats. For shoppers who need a three-row solution, the Subaru Ascent offers seven or eight seats depending on configuration.
