How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2019 Subaru Outback?
Editor’s note: This Car Seat Check was written in November 2017 about the 2018 Subaru Outback. Little of substance has changed with this year’s model. See what’s new for 2019 or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.
The verdict: The Outback is Subaru’s most popular vehicle, so it makes sense that many families gravitate to the tall five-passenger wagon. For 2018, the Outback gets an update, with a few key new details that make it more likable, like more upscale interior materials and a more modern multimedia system. The backseat’s dimensions are unchanged for 2018, and two car seats fit comfortably in back during our Car Seat Check.
Does it fit three car seats? No
Take a look at how the Latch system and each car seat scored below in our Car Seat Check of the 2019 Subaru Outback.
Related: Search Car Seat Checks
A Grade
- Latch: Two sets of lower anchors sit under leather flaps; access and connection are easy. Three top tether anchors sit halfway down the seatbacks. They’re clearly marked and easy to use.
- Rear-facing convertible: Installation was easy, and we were able to move the front passenger seat back for more legroom than when we installed the infant seat.
- Forward-facing convertible: Installation was easy, and the seat fit well; we did not need to raise the head restraint.
- Booster: The booster fit well, and the reclining seatback helped nestle it into the seat. The buckles are on solid bases, so kids should not have trouble grasping them.
B Grade
- Infant seat: Installation was easy, but we moved the front passenger seat up; our 5-foot, 6-inch front passenger had just enough legroom, but taller passengers will need more.
C Grade
- None
About Cars.com’s Car Seat Checks
Editors Jennifer Geiger, Jennifer Newman and Matt Schmitz are certified child safety seat installation technicians.
For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 infant-safety seat, a Britax Marathon convertible seat and Graco TurboBooster seat. The front seats are adjusted for a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger. The three child seats are installed in the second row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant and convertible seats are installed behind the front passenger seat.
We also install the forward-facing convertible in the second row’s middle seat with the booster and infant seat in the outboard seats to see if three car seats will fit; a child sitting in the booster seat must be able to reach the seat belt buckle. If there’s a third row, we install the booster seat and a forward-facing convertible. Learn more about how we conduct our Car Seat Checks.
Parents should also remember that they can use the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat, and that Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, including the weight of the child and the weight of the seat itself.
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