Is Subaru Outback 5 or 7 seater?
The Subaru Outback is a five-seat vehicle. It does not offer a third row. This article explains the seating layout, why it remains a five-seater, and what alternatives exist if you need seven seats; as of 2024–2025, Subaru's three-row option is the Ascent.
Seat count and layout in the Outback
Key facts about how Subaru outfits the Outback with passengers are outlined below.
- Two rows of seating (front row seats 2, rear row seats up to 3) for a total of five passengers.
- Rear seats are a 60/40-split bench to help with cargo and passenger arrangement.
- No factory option for a third row; the interior is optimized for cargo and comfort in two rows.
- When configured for people rather than cargo, the Outback remains a roomy five-seater with ample rear legroom and headroom.
In short, Subaru's Outback sticks to a five-passenger layout across current generations, focusing on cargo flexibility and driver-focused space rather than a third row.
Alternatives for seven seats
If seven or eight seats are a priority, Subaru does offer a three-row model designed to accommodate more passengers.
Subaru Ascent: the three-row SUV
The Ascent is Subaru’s three-row option and can be configured to seat seven or eight people, depending on the seating arrangement chosen by the buyer.
- Three rows of seating with capacity for seven or eight passengers depending on second-row configuration.
- Second row can be two captain’s chairs (2) or a three-passenger bench (3), with the third row typically providing three seats.
- Overall cargo space is smaller than the Outback when all three rows are in use, but remains practical for families and long trips.
For buyers needing three rows, the Ascent provides a genuine seven-or-eight-seat option, bridging the gap left by the Outback’s five-seat design.
Summary
Bottom line: The Subaru Outback is a five-seat vehicle, with no third row option. For seven or eight seats, consider the Subaru Ascent, which offers genuine three-row seating and flexible configurations. Always check the latest model year details as seat configurations can change with trims and updates.
