How high do you sit in a Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback places you in a tall, commanding driving position typical of a mid-size crossover. While Subaru does not publish an exact seat-height figure in inches, most drivers report the seat sits roughly 18 to 21 inches above the floor, and the vehicle’s about 8.7 inches of ground clearance reinforces that elevated view of the road. In short: you sit higher than a sedan, and fairly high for a wagon-crossover blend.
What determines your sitting height in the Outback
Key adjustable features
Several design and configuration elements shape how high you sit behind the wheel. The most influential are the seat’s adjustability, the steering wheel position, and the cabin geometry.
- Seat height adjustability: The driver seat can be raised or lowered to suit height, posture, and leg length.
- Seat cushion dimensions and mounting: The thickness and mounting position of the seat cushion affect the distance from floor to hip and knee angle.
- Steering wheel adjustability: A tilt and telescoping steering wheel helps align reach with the seat height for comfortable control.
- Vehicle height and ground clearance: With about 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback sits high above the road, contributing to a pronounced upward view from the cockpit.
- Trim and option differences: Some trims may feature different seat materials or bolstering that can subtly influence perceived height and comfort.
In practice, the exact sitting height is not a fixed specification but a function of how you adjust the seat and steering wheel. The result is a driving position that is noticeably elevated relative to a typical sedan, yet still refined for long trips and daily driving.
Measuring your seat height in the Outback
A simple at-home method
If you want a precise number for your own setup, you can measure it yourself with a tape measure and a level surface. Here’s a straightforward approach.
- Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake to keep the car steady while you measure.
- Set the driver’s seat in your normal, comfortable driving position and ensure the steering wheel is at a reachable angle with your hands
- Place a straight edge or a ruler vertically from the floor to the top surface of the seat cushion (the part you sit on) at the center of the seat.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, noting the seat height with your preferred adjustments.
- If you experiment with different seat heights, repeat the measurement for each position to compare results.
- Optionally, measure again after adjusting the steering wheel or seat bolsters to see how they influence your effective height and visibility.
Keep in mind that model year, trim, and seat hardware can cause small differences in exact numbers. If you want a quick, practical sense of your height in the Outback, a dealer test drive or a quick measurement during a showroom visit can be helpful.
Why height matters for visibility and safety
The Outback’s elevated seating is designed to improve forward visibility and overall awareness of road conditions, weather, and traffic. A higher seat position helps you see over smaller vehicles and better anticipate lane changes and obstacles. At the same time, Subaru emphasizes ergonomic design so that controls are reachable, posture remains comfortable on long drives, and drivers maintain good situational awareness in varied terrain—an important consideration for a vehicle marketed as versatile for daily commuting and outdoor adventures.
Summary
In the Subaru Outback, you sit higher than in a typical sedan, thanks to an adjustable driver’s seat and the wagon’s higher ride height. While there isn’t a published seat-height number, most drivers estimate about 18–21 inches from floor to the seat, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance contributing to the overall elevated view. You can measure your exact sitting height at home by adjusting the seat and a few simple steps, then documenting the result. This combination aims to deliver a balance of visibility, comfort, and accessibility across years and trims.
