What are the most comfortable Subaru seats?

Across Subaru’s current lineup, the front seats in the Outback, Legacy, and Forester are generally considered the most comfortable, especially in higher trims that add power adjustments, lumbar support, and heated surfaces.

Seat comfort is subjective and can vary by body type and model year. This report surveys contemporary Subaru models (through 2025) and explains which seats tend to feel best on long drives, what features contribute to comfort, and how to shop for the most supportive setup.

Top Subaru seats by model

These entries highlight the models most frequently praised for seating comfort, focusing on cushion support, lumbar areas, adjustability, and climate features that users notice during extended trips.

• Outback: The front seats are widely praised for supportive cushions and good thigh support, with a power‑adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar adjustment available on mid‑to‑high trims, plus heated options for cold climates.


• Legacy: As a midsize sedan, the Legacy offers roomy, comfortable front seats with solid support and easy‑to‑find adjustments; heated seats and, on some trims, ventilated options add to comfort on hot days.


• Forester: Known for a comfortable, upright seating position with ample legroom; higher trims add power‑adjustable driver’s seat options and heated seats, which enhance long‑drive comfort.


• Ascent: A roomy three‑row SUV with generous front‑seat space and supportive cushions; higher trims provide adjustable driver seating and thermal comfort features that help with longer trips.


• Crosstrek: Smaller SUV but the front seats offer good comfort and support; newer trims add heated seats and improved materials, making short‑to‑mid‑length drives pleasant.

In practice, seat comfort tends to be strongest in Subaru’s mid‑to‑high trims across Outback, Legacy, Forester, and Ascent, where you gain additional adjustability and climate features that reduce fatigue on long drives.

Seat features that boost comfort

Which seat design elements make a difference? The following features consistently correlate with better comfort and support in Subaru models today.

• Power‑adjustable driver seat with lumbar support: Enables tailored lower‑back support for different body shapes and long trips.


• Multi‑way adjustability: Forward/backward, recline, seat height, and tilt help find an optimal driving position.


• Long‑seat cushion and appropriate padding: Cushions that are too short or too firm can cause fatigue; good padding supports thighs without pinching.


• Quality materials and stitching: Leather or premium cloth with dense foam tends to hold shape and feel less mushy over time.


• Heated seats (and ventilated seats on hot days): Thermal comfort improves perceived cushioning and reduces stiffness in cold weather.


• Seat design alignment with steering wheel and pedals: Natural alignment reduces knee and hip strain during longer drives.


• Memory function in higher trims (less common in Subarus): Some trims offer memory seating to return to a preferred position, which can aid comfort for drivers who share the vehicle.

When evaluating seats, prioritize a configuration that offers adjustable lumbar support, consistent cushion depth, and climate‑control options to ensure comfort across seasons.

How to test seat comfort during a test drive

Because seat feel is personal, the best way to gauge comfort is a thorough test drive. Use the following steps to assess an SUV’s seating over real‑world conditions.

• Take a drive of 15–30 minutes or longer on roads similar to your daily routes to assess leg support, back support, and fatigue.


• Adjust the seat through its full range: height, tilt, lumbar, and recline; ensure you can reach the pedals and view important gauges without strain.


• Check for pressure points: test long‑duration sits to identify any numbness, pinch points, or gaps that cause discomfort.


• Assess climate comfort: test heating or ventilation and its impact on comfort in extreme temperatures.


• Consider family needs: if you frequently ride with others, try different seating positions to ensure comfort for multiple drivers or passengers.

If possible, repeat the test drive in a different trim within the same model to compare how seat adjustments and materials affect comfort.

Shopping tips for the most comfortable Subaru seats

These tips help buyers prioritize features that contribute to seat comfort across Subaru models.

• Prioritize top trims that include power driver’s seat, lumbar support, and heated seats; some trims add ventilation as well.


• Test both cloth and leather/vinyl options; some find cloth to be cooler and more breathable while leather can trap heat.


• Ask about seat foam and cushion materials; look for thicker cushions and well‑padded bolsters.


• Check for seat memory and quick adjustment features if you share the vehicle with others or need to revert to a preferred position.

Bottom line: For most buyers seeking long‑haul comfort, aim for a Subaru model with a well‑padded, adjustable driver seat, lumbar support, and climate control features in a trim you enjoy driving daily.

Summary

In today’s Subaru lineup, the seats most observers consider the most comfortable are typically found in the Outback, Legacy, and Forester, especially in mid‑to‑high trims that offer power adjustment, lumbar support, and heated surfaces. When shopping, prioritize seat adjustability, cushion quality, and climate features, and take a thorough test drive to verify comfort for your body and typical routes.

Which Subaru has the smoothest ride?

The Subaru with the smoothest ride is generally considered to be the Legacy sedan, followed closely by the Outback and Ascent, which offer smooth rides but with a focus on different driving experiences. The Legacy excels on paved roads due to its longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity, while the Outback and Ascent are smooth over rougher terrain, with the Ascent often cited as the most refined ride of all Subaru models. 
Subaru models ranked by ride smoothness 

• Legacy: This midsize sedan is widely acknowledged for its refined and smooth ride, especially on paved roads. Its longer wheelbase helps it absorb bumps and minimize road noise, making it ideal for highway driving and city cruising. 
• Ascent: Often cited as the quietest and smoothest model available, the Ascent's larger size and longer wheelbase contribute to its comfortable ride. It also handles bumps very well and provides a quiet cabin. 
• Outback: The Outback provides a smooth and comfortable ride, particularly over rough roads or light trails, due to its suspension tuning. It is often compared favorably to the Legacy in terms of comfort, though the Legacy's sedan design may provide a slightly more refined experience on pavement. 
• Forester: The Forester offers a competent and comfortable ride, but its shorter wheelbase can lead to a slightly less smooth experience over bumps compared to the Legacy, Outback, or Ascent. 
• Crosstrek: While it provides good ride quality for its segment, the Crosstrek is generally considered to be less smooth than the other larger models on this list. 
• Impreza and BRZ: These models are not typically prioritized for their smooth ride. The Impreza is a more compact and less refined ride than the Legacy, while the rear-wheel-drive BRZ is a sports car with a firm suspension. 

Ultimately, the best Subaru for you depends on your priorities. If you prioritize on-road refinement and a quiet cabin, the Legacy is the top choice. If you need more ground clearance and versatility for light off-roading, the Outback and Ascent offer very smooth rides. 
For a more detailed comparison of specific models and trims, it's recommended to test drive them to see which one best fits your personal preferences.

Which Subaru is best for seniors?

The best Subaru for seniors is often considered to be the Forester due to its excellent safety ratings, comfortable and elevated seating, great visibility, and simple, user-friendly controls. Other top recommendations include the Outback, which offers easy entry and exit with standard all-wheel drive, and the Legacy sedan, which provides a quiet and comfortable cabin for those who prefer a traditional car.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the safest SUVs for seniors, including the Subaru Forester: 57sAuto WheelsYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Subaru Forester

• Safety: Consistently earns high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. 
• Visibility: Provides excellent front and rear visibility, making it easier to navigate. 
• Ease of Access: The elevated seating position makes getting in and out easier. 
• Controls: Features intuitive and easy-to-use controls. 
• Features: Comes standard with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, with higher trims adding blind-spot monitoring. 

Subaru Outback 

• Comfort: Offers a comfortable ride with standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
• Accessibility: Is easy to get in and out of, with a lower tailgate than many other SUVs.
• Practicality: Provides SUV-like utility and ample space. 

Subaru Legacy

• Comfort: The sedan is known for its quiet cabin. 
• Safety: Achieves high safety ratings and comes with many of the same safety features as the SUVs. 
• Accessibility: Offers a traditional car experience with a quiet ride and easy-to-use controls. 

Other models to consider

• Subaru Crosstrek: A good option for those with an active lifestyle, offering all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance in a smaller package. 

You can also watch this video to learn more about the Subaru Legacy: 1mCarLandTVYouTube · Apr 16, 2025

What car brand has the most comfortable seats?

Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan are frequently cited for having the most comfortable car seats. Volvo is praised for its ergonomic design and supportive seats, particularly in models like the XC60 and XC90. Mercedes-Benz offers exceptional comfort in models like the S-Class, which feature supportive seats with advanced adjustments and smooth rides over bumps. Nissan is known for its "Zero Gravity" seats, which are designed to reduce pressure points and fatigue on long drives, found in models like the Altima and Infiniti luxury models. 
Volvo

• Why they're comfortable: Volvo seats are consistently praised for their ergonomic design, which is built to support posture and reduce pressure on joints. Many models feature adjustable lumbar support, heating, and ventilation. 
• Key models: XC60, XC90, and XC40 are noted for their comfortable seats, though the XC40's seats are sometimes considered less comfortable in certain trims. 
• Good for: People with back issues or those who want seats that are supportive rather than overly soft. 

Mercedes-Benz

• Why they're comfortable: Luxury models like the S-Class offer an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, with seats that can be equipped with advanced features like massage functions, heating, and ventilation. 
• Key models: The S-Class is famous for its comfortable seats, with even the rear seats offering a high degree of comfort. 
• Good for: Luxury-oriented comfort and a supremely quiet and smooth ride. 

Nissan

• Why they're comfortable: Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats are scientifically designed to mimic the posture of zero gravity, using 14 pressure points to keep the body in a neutral position and reduce fatigue on long drives. 
• Key models: The Altima is one example that features these seats, which are also found in Infiniti luxury models. 
• Good for: Drivers who experience fatigue on long road trips and want seats that actively reduce physical strain. 

Other brands to consider

• Lexus: Some drivers find Lexus seats very comfortable, though opinions can vary between models and sometimes receive mixed reviews. 
• Subaru: Higher-trim versions of the Subaru Legacy, particularly the Touring XT, are praised for comfort with Nappa leather and a cushy ride. 
• BMW: The BMW X5 is mentioned for its comfortable seating, especially in higher trims. 
• Tesla: Some drivers find Tesla Model 3 and Y seats to be very comfortable for long-term sitting, despite their minimalist design. 

Which Subaru has the most comfortable seats?

The Subaru with the most comfortable seats is often the Outback or Legacy on the top-tier Touring trims, which feature luxurious Napa leather with heating, ventilation, and leg extensions. For recent models, the Outback and Legacy have been specifically highlighted by publications like Consumer Reports for having the most comfortable front seats. 
Top choices for seat comfort

• Outback/Legacy Touring trims: These are consistently praised for their high-end features. The Napa leather, adjustable lumbar support, heated/vented functions, and thigh support make them excellent for long drives. 
• Outback (Limited trims): The Limited trim, even without the highest-end leather, also receives praise for its comfortable seats, adjustable lumbar support, and thigh lift, making it a great option for those with back pain. 
• Legacy (all trims): The Legacy is noted for its comfortable, well-cushioned ride and is often compared favorably to the Outback in terms of seat comfort, especially in recent model years. 

Other models with comfortable seats 

• Forester: The Forester's seats are designed with durability and comfort in mind, providing good ergonomics for a comfortable ride. 
• Crosstrek/Impreza (2024+ models): Recent redesigns of the front seats in the Crosstrek and Impreza have made them more supportive, reducing driver and passenger fatigue. 

What to consider

• Trim level: The trim level often determines the quality of the seats. Higher trims like "Touring" will typically have more luxurious materials and features like heating and ventilation. 
• Test drive: Because seat comfort is subjective, it is always recommended to test drive both models to see which one feels best for your body type and driving preferences.