​​How Well Do Car Seats Fit In a 2026 Outback​ 

There is no single type of “family car”. From econo-hatchbacks to full-size pickups, many vehicles serve family needs, but today, a typical family car is probably a compact or mid-size crossover. The Outback fits in the latter category. Vehicles for young families must often hold child seats. Manufacturers have attempted to create back seats that convert into child seats, but have largely failed, as they often compromise comfort or coverage. Parents know children’s seats need frequent replacement as kids outgrow them quickly. Some models handle car seats better than others, and this post on cars.com, from Twin Falls Subaru, shows where the redesigned Outback stands. 

Who Tests Child Seat Installation? 

Cars.com regularly tests new models to assess how well child seats fit and how easily they install. Editors Jennifer Geiger and Jennifer Newman, both certified in child safety seat installation, conduct these tests. Because testing every child seat model would be impractical, they select one representative car seat from each stage that best reflects the majority of models in that category, and they use the same seats for all tests. These seats are: 

• Chicco KeyFit 30 infant-safety seat 

• Graco Contender Extend2Fit 2-in-1 convertible seat (front-facing and rear-facing) 

• Graco TurboBooster seat 

The seats are tested in the second row because of issues with airbag deployment. Placing child seats in the front row is not recommended when an alternative exists. Even without airbags, the second row has consistently been shown to be safer for children. Infant and convertible seats are placed behind the front passenger seat, while booster seats are placed behind the driver. The driver’s seat is adjusted to fit an average 6-foot-tall adult, while the front passenger seat is set for someone shorter.  

They also test the convertible seat in the forward-facing position in the middle of the second row to check if three child seats can fit side by side. They assess the ease and accessibility of the child seat latches. Each test is graded from A to F, with these specific definitions of each grade: 

A: Plenty of room for the car seat and the child; doesn’t impact driver or front passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors. No fit issues involving head restraint or seat contouring.  

B: One room, fit, or connection issue.  

C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue.  

D: Insufficient room, plus multiple fit or connection issues. 

F: Does not fit or is unsafe. 

The Outback Had Almost Perfect Results 

Of the five primary tests, the Outback earned four A grades and one B. The B involved the booster seat, which is the last seat needed before children can sit in the seat itself. The following are verbatim of their results: 

Latch: Grade A 

“The two sets of lower anchors sit under a large Velcro flap; they’re easy to find and use. There’s also an extra anchor in the middle spot for added flexibility. Three top tether anchors sit halfway down the seatbacks and are clearly marked for easy connection.” 

Infant Seat: Grade A 

“This seat was easy to install, and our 5-foot-6-inch front passenger had ample legroom.” 

 Rear-Facing Convertible: Grade A 

“Again, installing this seat was easy, and the front passenger was comfortable in front of it. We used the Level 2 recline angle for the rear-facing convertible.” 

Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade A 

“Installation was easy and the convertible fit well. We removed the head restraint to situate the convertible flush against the seatback. We installed this car seat with the seat belt, for caregivers interested in that method. We had no trouble connecting to the top tether anchor behind the seat. Note that if the convertible is installed in the middle position, the seat belt comes down from the ceiling, blocking the driver’s view when in use.” 

Booster: Grade B 

“After removing the head restraint, the booster fit well, but the Outback has short buckles that sit flush with the seat bottom cushions; these could be tough for kids to grasp and use independently. Also note that if the booster is installed in the middle position, the seat belt comes down from the ceiling, blocking the driver’s view when in use.” 

Will the 2nd row fit three seats? 

No. “The middle seat is narrow, and the buckle comes down from the ceiling, complicating connection and spacing.” 

Overall, the Outback proved itself quite adept at accommodating multiple types of child seats. The only consideration is that a booster seat is best positioned on either outboard seat, and you may still need to assist your child in buckling and unbuckling. 

If you are looking for a new car for your family, the Outback is a great choice for many reasons. If you have child seats you plan to use, bring them with you to Twin Falls Subaru so you can test how well the Outback or any other of our Subaru models work with your specific seats.