Can You Fit 3 Car Seats In A Subaru Forester? | Family Ride Reality

Fitting three car seats in a Subaru Forester is often a tight squeeze, but it’s achievable with careful planning and the right car seat choices.

Hey there, fellow gearheads and parents! I’ve been under the hood and around the block enough times to know that family logistics often trump horsepower figures. When you’re welcoming another little one, the question of fitting everyone safely becomes a top priority, especially in a popular crossover like the Subaru Forester.

The Forester is a solid machine, known for its all-wheel drive and reliable performance. It’s a fantastic choice for many families. Yet, its compact SUV classification means interior space, particularly the rear seat width, presents a unique challenge for a three-across car seat setup.

Understanding the Forester’s Rear Seat Dimensions

The key to fitting three car seats is understanding the available space. The Forester offers good passenger room for its class, but the rear bench is designed for two primary seating positions with a narrower middle spot.

The width of the rear seat is the most critical measurement. This dimension determines how much wiggle room you have for three individual car seats side-by-side. Different generations of the Forester have slightly different measurements, but they generally fall within a similar range.

Here are some typical rear seat dimensions for recent Forester models:

Measurement	Approximate Dimension
Rear Hip Room	54.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room	57.2 inches
Usable Seat Width	~50-52 inches

The “usable seat width” is what truly matters for car seats. This accounts for the actual flat space before the seat cushions curve upwards or door panels intrude. That middle seat position often lacks dedicated LATCH anchors, making installation more complex.

LATCH vs. Seatbelt: Your Installation Options

Installing car seats correctly is paramount for child safety. You generally have two primary methods: the LATCH system or the vehicle’s seatbelts.

The LATCH System

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It provides dedicated attachment points in your vehicle for car seat installation. Most modern vehicles have LATCH anchors.

• Lower Anchors: These are metal bars located in the seat bight, where the seat back and cushion meet. They are designed for rigid car seat attachment.
• Tether Anchors: These are found on the back of the vehicle seat, on the rear deck, or on the floor. They secure the top of forward-facing car seats, reducing head excursion in a crash.

The Forester typically has two full sets of LATCH anchors, one for each outboard rear seating position. The middle seat usually does not have its own dedicated lower anchors, though some models allow “LATCH borrowing” from an outboard set, which requires careful checking of your vehicle and car seat manuals.

Seatbelt Installation

Vehicle seatbelts provide a secure alternative for car seat installation. This method is often necessary when installing three car seats across, especially for the middle position.

Proper seatbelt installation requires a tight fit, with less than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back at the car seat’s belt path. Always refer to your car seat and vehicle manuals for specific instructions. NHTSA guidelines consistently emphasize that a properly installed car seat using a seatbelt is just as safe as one installed with LATCH.

Can You Fit 3 Car Seats In A Subaru Forester? Strategies for Success

The short answer is yes, fitting three car seats in a Subaru Forester is often possible, but it demands careful planning and specific car seat choices. It’s less about the Forester’s overall size and more about the exact dimensions of its rear bench and the car seats themselves.

The main hurdle is the width of the car seats. Many standard car seats, especially convertible models, are simply too wide to fit three across in a Forester’s rear seat.

Key Strategies for a Three-Across Setup:

1. Measure Everything: Before buying, measure the actual width of the Forester’s rear seat at its narrowest points. Measure the width of any existing car seats you plan to reuse.
2. Prioritize Narrow Car Seats: Seek out car seats specifically designed to be narrow. Some manufacturers specialize in compact designs for multi-car seat setups.
3. Mix and Match Car Seat Types: A combination of infant, convertible, and booster seats often works best. Each type has different width profiles.
4. Utilize Seatbelt Installation: Be prepared to install one or more car seats using the vehicle’s seatbelts. This is often the only way to get three to fit side-by-side, especially in the middle.
5. Trial and Error: Test fitting is essential. Install the car seats in different configurations to find the best fit. Ensure each seat is secure and doesn’t interfere with buckle access for adjacent seats.

The Best Car Seat Types for a Three-Across Setup

Choosing the right car seats is the most impactful decision when aiming for a three-across setup. Some car seat models are specifically engineered with a narrower profile to accommodate tighter spaces.

Consider these car seat types and features:

• Infant Car Seats: Some infant seats, particularly those without overly wide bases, can work. However, their bases can sometimes be wider than the seat itself.
• Convertible Car Seats: This is where careful selection is critical. Look for models known for their slim design. Brands like Diono and Clek are often recommended for their narrower profiles.
• Booster Seats: For older children, backless booster seats are typically the narrowest option. High-back boosters can also be slim, but always check their base width.

Here’s a general idea of car seat widths to look for:

Car Seat Type	Typical Width Range	Ideal for 3-Across
Infant Car Seat	17-20 inches	Some models
Convertible Car Seat	17-22 inches	Narrowest models (17-18″)
High-Back Booster	17-20 inches	Narrowest models
Backless Booster	15-18 inches	Most adaptable

Remember, the goal is for the combined width of your three chosen seats to be less than the Forester’s usable rear seat width. Every inch counts in this scenario.

Real-World Considerations and Safety Checks

Beyond simply getting three seats to fit, there are practical and safety considerations. It’s not just about space; it’s about functionality and safety for every passenger.

Practical Challenges:

• Buckle Access: Ensure that children, especially those in booster seats, can easily reach and buckle their seatbelts without significant difficulty.
• Shoulder Room: Even if the bases fit, shoulder room for older children can become cramped. This affects comfort on longer drives.
• Headrests: Check if the car seat’s headrest interferes with the vehicle’s headrest. Sometimes removing the vehicle’s headrest is an option, but consult your owner’s manual first.
• Door Panels: Some car seats might push against the door panels, making it harder to close doors or causing wear over time.

Crucial Safety Checks:

After installing any car seat, always perform the “inch test.” Grasp the car seat at the belt path and try to move it side-to-side and front-to-back. It should not move more than one inch in any direction. This ensures a tight, secure installation.

For peace of mind, consider having your car seat installations checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). These experts can provide invaluable guidance and confirm proper installation. Many local fire departments, hospitals, or police departments offer this service by appointment.

A properly installed car seat is the safest car seat, regardless of the method used. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure every little passenger is secured correctly.Can You Fit 3 Car Seats In A Subaru Forester? — FAQs

What are the common challenges when installing three car seats in a Forester?

The primary challenge is the Forester’s rear seat width, which can make it difficult to accommodate three wider car seats side-by-side. The middle seat often lacks dedicated LATCH lower anchors, requiring seatbelt installation there. Buckle access for children in adjacent seats can also become tight.

Are there specific car seat brands known for being narrower?

Yes, several brands offer car seats designed with slimmer profiles, making them better candidates for three-across setups. Diono Radian series, Clek Foonf/Fllo, and some Chicco models are frequently cited for their narrow designs. Always check the specific model’s published width before purchasing.

Can I use LATCH for all three car seats in a Subaru Forester?

Typically, no. Most Subaru Forester models only provide two full sets of LATCH lower anchors, one for each outboard rear seat. The middle seat usually requires installation using the vehicle’s seatbelt. Always consult your Forester’s owner’s manual for specific LATCH configurations and rules regarding “LATCH borrowing.”

What is the “inch test” for car seat installation?

The “inch test” is a simple method to check for proper car seat installation. After securing the car seat, grasp it at the belt path (where the LATCH strap or seatbelt passes through) and attempt to move it. It should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back. This ensures a snug and secure fit.

Should I get professional help with car seat installation?

Absolutely, seeking professional help is a smart move, especially for a challenging three-across setup. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) can verify your installation, offer tips, and ensure every seat is secure. Many fire departments, hospitals, or police departments provide free car seat check services.