Yes, the Subaru Outback can comfortably fit two car seats. Its spacious interior is one of its strongest family-friendly features. With 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a wide rear bench, the Outback provides ample room for even two bulky rear-facing infant seats. The key to a successful installation lies in the specific dimensions of your car seats and using the vehicle's lower LATCH anchors and top tether anchors correctly.
The Outback’s rear seat is 39.5 inches wide at the hip point, which is generous for its class. This width is crucial for preventing car seat bases from bumping into each other. For installation, the lower LATCH anchors are clearly marked in the rear seat crease, and the top tether anchors are located on the back of the rear seatbacks. Using these tethers is essential for maximizing safety with forward-facing seats, as it significantly reduces forward head movement in a crash.
If you have a tall front passenger or driver, you might need to adjust the front seats when using rear-facing seats. However, the Outback’s long wheelbase generally provides good legroom for both front and rear passengers. The 2023 model and newer also feature updated rear seat air vents, a boon for child comfort. Common configurations like a rear-facing seat behind the passenger seat and a forward-facing seat behind the driver typically work very well.
| Feature | Specification / Data | Benefit for Car Seats |
|---|
| Rear Hip Room | 39.5 inches | Provides ample width for two seats without contact |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats up) | 32.6 cu. ft. | Fits a large double stroller plus groceries |
| Lower LATCH Anchor Sets | 2 sets (outboard positions) | Standard for secure installation of two seats |
| Top Tether Anchors | 3 anchors (2 outboard, 1 center) | Allows flexible placement for forward-facing seats |
| Legroom (2nd Row) | 39.5 inches | Good space for a rear-facing seat in front |
Ultimately, the Subaru Outback is an excellent choice for families with two young children. Its combination of interior volume, standard safety features like the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and thoughtful anchor placement make it a practical and secure vehicle for daily car seat use.
