Is a Subaru Crosstrek big enough to sleep in?

The Crosstrek can accommodate sleeping for a single person with the rear seats folded and a thin sleeping pad, though it’s a snug setup and not ideal for two adults. Space varies by model year and how you configure the seats, trunk floor, and bedding.

Space and dimensions for sleeping

Below are the typical space considerations you’ll encounter when turning a Crosstrek into a temporary sleeper. These figures are rough estimates for current-generation models (roughly 2018 to present) and can vary slightly by year and trim.

• Bed length with rear seats folded: approximately 60 inches (about 5 feet) of flat cargo surface behind the front seats.


• Width across the cargo area (between wheel wells): around 40 inches.


• Potential diagonal sleeping length: up to roughly 72 inches (about 6 feet) if you sleep diagonally, which helps a taller sleeper fit better.


• Vertical clearance at the center of the cargo: generally on the order of 36–40 inches, with side areas affected by roof curvature and seat contours.

In practical terms, these dimensions mean a single person can lie down with a sleeping pad and cover, using the diagonal space to maximize length. It becomes much tighter for two people, especially if you want any gear or a bag nearby.

How to sleep comfortably in a Crosstrek

To improve comfort and usability, plan your setup with the following considerations in mind. The list below outlines practical steps campers and road-trippers commonly use to maximize a Crosstrek’s sleeping utility.

• Use a thin but supportive sleeping pad (about 2–3 inches thick) to even out the folded rear seat area and insulate from cold flooring.


• Fold the rear seats flat and align them with the trunk floor to create as continuous a surface as possible.


• Choose compact bedding: a fitted sheet, a light sleeping bag, and perhaps a small blanket to manage temperature without adding bulk.


• Limit gear on the sleeping surface by utilizing underfloor storage or keeping essential items in accessible bags at the foot of the bed.


• Use window shades or a sunshade to maintain privacy and help with temperature control; crack a window slightly for ventilation if safe to do so.

With careful packing and a suitable pad, a Crosstrek can serve as a modest overnight sleeping setup for a solo traveler on a road trip or camping run. For two people, space becomes a significant constraint unless you’re willing to compromise on comfort or use alternate arrangements (e.g., a larger vehicle or a roof-top tent).

Summary

Bottom line: A Subaru Crosstrek can be slept in, primarily for one person, when the rear seats are folded and a slim sleeping pad is used. It’s a compact solution that works for short trips or emergency overnight stays, but it’s not ideal for two adults or extended, comfortable sleep. If you frequently need to sleep in a car, you may want to consider a larger vehicle or a dedicated camper setup.

Is there room to sleep in a Subaru Crosstrek?

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.

Do Subaru Crosstrek seats lay flat?

Yes, Subaru Crosstrek rear seats fold down to create a nearly flat load floor, but they don't form a perfectly level surface with the cargo area due to a slight angle or "step" in the newer models. This is a common feature across many years and is designed to maximize cargo space for items like camping gear, bikes, and luggage.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to fold down the rear seats in a Subaru Crosstrek: 59sCarnivautoYouTube · Apr 22, 2025

• Rear seats fold down: The rear seats are split-folding, usually with a 60/40 split, to allow you to carry passengers while also expanding cargo room. 
• Nearly flat floor: When folded down, the seats create a "nearly flat" load floor, though there can be a slight incline or "step" between the seatbacks and the rest of the cargo area. 
• How to maximize space: To make the most of the space, you can push the front passenger seat all the way forward. Some people use items like towels or blocks to level out the surface for camping or sleeping in the car. 
• Useful for gear: The almost-flat surface is useful for hauling larger items, but it's not always perfectly level, which is something to be aware of if you need a perfectly flat sleeping or cargo area. 

What are the downsides of a Subaru Crosstrek?

Downsides of the Subaru Crosstrek include poor acceleration in the base engine, potential issues with the CVT and electrical systems, and a lack of cabin sound insulation. Other concerns involve easily chipped paint, fragile windshields, and limited cargo and interior space compared to larger vehicles.
 
Performance and mechanical issues

• Underpowered engine: The base 2.0-liter engine can feel sluggish, especially when merging or passing on highways. 
• CVT concerns: Some owners have reported premature wear, shuddering, or delayed acceleration from the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 
• Excessive oil consumption: Older models have been noted for excessive oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs. 
• Steering and handling: Some earlier models have been criticized for handling issues, including fishtailing or pulling to one side. 

Electrical and technology problems 

• Infotainment glitches: Issues such as slow response times, screen freezing, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and unresponsiveness have been reported.
• Electrical malfunctions: Some models have experienced electrical problems with instrument panels affecting driver-assist features or infotainment systems. 

Body and interior complaints

• Poor sound insulation: The cabin is not well-insulated, leading to significant road, wind, and engine noise at various speeds. 
• Fragile paint and windshields: The paint can easily chip, and the windshields are prone to cracking from minor impacts. 
• Limited space: As a subcompact SUV, the cargo and interior space can feel cramped for families or those with a lot of gear. 

Other potential downsides

• High replacement costs: Issues like a cracked windshield with the EyeSight system require expensive recalibration upon replacement. 
• Overly sensitive driver-assist features: Some owners find the driver-assistance systems to be overly sensitive and disable them. 

What size mattress can fit in a Crosstrek?

Twin
In terms of standard mattress sizes, the closest mattress that will fit in the back of most Crosstrek models is a Twin.