When it comes to sports cars, the Subaru BRZ stands out for its balance of agility, affordability, and driving fun. However, one question that frequently arises among car shoppers, parents, and enthusiasts alike is: Can you fit people in the back of a BRZ? This article dives deep into that question, exploring design, space, seating comfort, and legal considerations, while also providing insight into whether the BRZ is suitable for families or occasional carpoolers.
Understanding the Subaru BRZ Interior Layout
Before evaluating whether people can fit in the rear seats of a BRZ, it’s important to understand the vehicle’s interior configuration. The Subaru BRZ is a compact 2+2 sports car, meaning it features two front seats and two smaller rear seats intended for occasional use. This layout is common among coupes such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Honda S2000.
Is the BRZ a Four-Seater?
Yes, the BRZ is technically a four-seater. The car manufacturer includes a pair of rear seats, which can accommodate passengers in a pinch. However, the term “accommodate” might be a stretch depending on the size of the passengers. These rear seats are not designed for regular or long-term use and are best suited for children or the occasional adult.
Design Intent and Target Audience
Subaru designed the BRZ with performance in mind. Handling and responsiveness trump passenger capacity. As such, the rear seats are a secondary consideration, included primarily for added flexibility rather than practical family transportation. The BRZ’s target audience includes car enthusiasts, young professionals, and weekend drivers who want a fun, rear-wheel-drive experience.
Evaluating Back Seat Space in the Subaru BRZ
To give a realistic assessment, it’s essential to break down actual dimensions, ergonomics, and driver and passenger feedback.
Rear Seat Dimensions
Here are the approximate rear seat measurements for a 2022-2024 Subaru BRZ:
| Measurement | Rear Seat Value |
|---|---|
| Headroom | 35.6 inches (904 mm) |
| Legroom | 27.7 inches (704 mm) |
| Shoulder Room | 49.6 inches (1,260 mm) |
Despite these figures, these numbers are on the low side, especially legroom, which is crucial for comfort.
Height Considerations for Passengers
While space varies based on individual height, the rear seats truly only accommodate people comfortably up to around 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Even for those who fall within that range, getting into the back can be a challenge due to the low roofline and limited door opening.
Storage and Access Restrictions
Access to the rear seats is made more complicated by the BRZ’s sloping roof and short doors. Unlike a sedan or hatchback, the door opening is narrower, and front seat occupants must slide forward and tilt the seat to allow rear access. Some owners describe the process as cumbersome, especially in a hurry.
Comfort and Real-World Usability
Now that we’ve covered the dimensional data, let’s explore how actual people feel when sitting in the back of the BRZ.
Child Passengers
For children under the age of 12 or so (especially those shorter than 50 inches), the rear seats are perfectly acceptable. Parents have reported that their children are content in the BRZ for trips under 45 minutes. Still, car seats can be awkward to install due to the restricted space near the LATCH anchors.
Teenagers and Smaller Adults
Teens or adults with smaller statures might manage to sit in the BRZ’s back for short distances, particularly if the front passengers move their seats forward. However, riding in the rear of the BRZ isn’t ideal for anyone taller than 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), as leg and head clearance diminishes.
Longer Trips? Probably Not
For day trips, commutes, or even a ride to a local event, rear passengers may endure the tight confines. However, comfort plummets for extended drives, especially highway trips where sitting in a cramped position for several hours becomes impractical and uncomfortable.
How Practical Is the Back Seat for Daily Use?
Let’s break down common use-case scenarios to determine how useful the BRZ’s rear seats are in real life.
Family-Oriented Scenarios
If you’re considering the BRZ as a family car or second vehicle, the rear seating may prove limiting. The BRZ works best for families with small children who don’t need to be transported regularly. For siblings or small friends, the BRZ is doable. But for anything involving teenage passengers or road trips, the car will fall short of expectations.
Friends and Occasional Carpooling
For daily carpooling to and from work or weekend gatherings, the rear seats are usable for one or two passengers — again, as long as they’re small or short in stature. However, if carpooling involves regular adult passengers, the BRZ may not be the best fit, particularly in terms of accessibility and comfort.
Transporting Groceries or Luggage
If you’re not using the rear seats for passengers, how much can you fit back there? Unfortunately, not much. The rear bench can be folded down in a 50/50 split to expand cargo capacity, adding some flexibility for small trips or items like groceries, duffle bags, or camping gadgets. Still, trunk capacity remains modest, averaging around 6.9 cubic feet (195 liters). The folded rear seats offer an extra bit more, but don’t expect to haul large camping gear or home improvement supplies.
What Do Owners Really Say About the BRZ’s Back Seats?
While charts and measurements are helpful, nothing speaks more plainly than real-world experience. Across forums, Reddit, and review sites, current BRZ owners have shared opinions that reveal consistent themes.
Back Seat Testimonials
- “Even as an average-height adult, I couldn’t sit comfortably in the back for more than 15 minutes. It felt like sitting in a trunk,” shared one Reddit user.
- A parent noted, “Great for my twins, as long as we’re not driving too far. Car seats are tough to install, though.”
- Another commenter joked, “The BRZ’s back seats are basically for groceries and little else.”
These quotes show that while some find the rear seats usable, the consensus leans toward their limited utility.
Criticism from Safety and Comfort Standpoints
Despite modern safety ratings, many BRZ owners point out that the back seats have no air vents, no seatbelts that adjust much in height, and no entertainment systems (which wouldn’t be expected in a sports car anyway). The seats are tight and flat, not contoured or bolstered like the front seats, which contribute to the lack of comfort.
Who Should Consider the Subaru BRZ?
The BRZ is not an ideal fit for growing families, carpoolers, or those needing significant rear passenger space. But for specific buyers, the BRZ might still be a dream car worth owning.
Target Audience for the BRZ
- Car enthusiasts who prioritize driving dynamics.
- Urban or suburban commuters with solo or dual occupancy needs.
- Individuals (often in their 20s and 30s) who want an affordable sports car.
- Parents with small children who only need occasional extra seating.
Alternatives for More Family-Friendly Functionality
If rear passenger space is important, alternatives to consider:
– Mazda MX-5 Miata (also a 2+2 but more cramped)
– Toyota 86 (similar layout to BRZ)
– Volkswagen Golf GTI (practical hatchback with more legroom)
– Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback (more rear legroom and trunk space)
Legal Regulations and Child Safety Concerns
Even if you can fit someone in the back seat, there are legal considerations you need to be aware of.
Can You Legally Transport Children in the BRZ’s Rear Seat?
Yes, in most jurisdictions, you can. However, it’s subject to specific height, weight, and legal seating laws. For example, in many U.S. states, rear-facing car seats must go in the back, and children are typically required to sit in the rear until age 12 or 13.
Child Seat Installation Tips
Installing a child seat can be awkward due to:
– Limited door opening for rear access.
– Limited spacing between the seat bottom and the roof for child installers.
– LATCH anchors that can be difficult to reach from the front.
Those considering this should try test installing seats before purchasing the car.
Comparison with Other Coupes
How does the BRZ stack up when compared to other coupes of similar segment?
BRZ vs. Toyota GR86
The BRZ’s sibling model from Toyota — the GR86 — is nearly identical. Rear space is mirror to the BRZ, since they share the same platform and design.
BRZ vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The MX-5 drops to 23 inches of rear legroom — significantly less than the BRZ’s 27.7 inches. So while still not practical, the BRZ technically wins in terms of passenger space in the back.
BRZ vs. Honda Civic Si Coupe
The Civic Si Coupe offers over 31 inches of rear legroom, significantly better than the BRZ. Although not quite in the realm of a sedan, the Civic Si provides better utility.
Conclusion: Can You Actually Fit People in the Back of a BRZ?
In short, yes — you can fit people in the back of a BRZ, but there are important caveats. The rear seats are compact, best suited for small children or occasional adult passengers during short trips. The driving experience is rewarding, the car is versatile in performance, but it’s not a vehicle for families or those needing consistent rear passenger room.
Who Should Not Buy a BRZ
- Those needing regular transport of multiple adults.
- Parents with larger or teenage children.
- Drivers expecting practical daily comfort for rear passengers.
Who Will Benefit from BRZ Ownership
- Car enthusiasts who prioritize handling and fun.
- Urban drivers with small children or occasional passengers.
- Those seeking a pure driving experience over utility.
If practicality is your primary goal, it’s best to steer clear. However, if you’re chasing the thrill of a rear-wheel-drive engine, a flat-four heartbeat beneath your palms, and a lean interior that keeps your focus on the road ahead — the BRZ might still be just right for your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Subaru BRZ is a car built for drivers, by drivers. The rear seats were never intended to be a focal point; they’re a nod to flexibility rather than a standard configuration. While technically speaking, yes, you can fit people in the back of a BRZ, the real limit is not just in space but in comfort, convenience, and practical use. So think carefully — do you need a car that puts driving first, or do you need one that puts families, friends, and cargo first?
Understanding these nuances before you fall in love with the BRZ’s iconic silhouette might help you decide if this beautiful rear-wheel-drive machine is a realistic match for your personal needs.
Can you fit adults in the back seat of a Subaru BRZ?
Yes, adults can technically fit in the back seat of a Subaru BRZ, but comfort levels may vary depending on the individual’s height and build. The BRZ is a compact sports car with a focus on performance and driver engagement, which means that rear seating is relatively tight. Taller adults may find the legroom and headroom restrictive, especially on longer journeys, though it can work for shorter trips or for children.
The BRZ’s rear seats are best suited for occasional use rather than regular daily transportation of adults. While the seat itself is supportive and offers reasonable padding, the lack of significant legroom makes it unsuitable for extended periods. If you need to carry adults in the back, it’s advisable to do so only for short distances and ensure that passengers are comfortable with the limited space.
How much legroom is available in the back of a Subaru BRZ?
The Subaru BRZ offers approximately 28.5 inches of rear legroom, which is modest compared to most sedans or SUVs. This measurement puts it in line with other sports coupes but still on the tighter side, especially for taller individuals. Drivers and front passengers will enjoy more spacious accommodations, but rear seat passengers should expect a snug environment.
This limited rear legroom makes the BRZ better suited for shorter trips or for carrying children in the back. If you’re considering the BRZ and expect to frequently transport adults, it’s worth checking out the rear space in person to determine whether it meets your comfort expectations. Otherwise, it’s ideal for those who prioritize performance and driving enjoyment over rear passenger space.
Is it possible to install a child car seat in the back of the BRZ?
Yes, it is possible to install a child car seat in the back seat of the Subaru BRZ using the LATCH system available in the vehicle. While the rear seat is compact, the width allows for the installation of at least one child seat. However, due to the vehicle’s design, installing multiple car seats may be challenging depending on their size and type.
Parents considering the BRZ should test the installation process before committing, especially if they also need to transport older children or adults up front. Folding down the front passenger seat can help ease access and installation in some models, though this varies by year and trim. Overall, the BRZ can work for families with young children, but the process requires planning and may not accommodate bulky or wide car seats with ease.
Can the rear seats of a BRZ fold down for additional cargo space?
Yes, the rear seats of the Subaru BRZ can fold down to provide additional cargo capacity, which enhances the car’s practicality for carrying larger items. Folding the rear seats allows longer or bulkier objects to fit through the rear cabin and into the trunk area. However, the opening created when folding the seats is not particularly large, so very tall or wide items may still pose a challenge.
This feature makes the BRZ a bit more versatile than other sports coupes that have fixed rear seating. Whether you’re transporting luggage for a road trip, camping gear, or other items, utilizing the folding rear seats can help optimize the car’s storage options. It’s still a sports car at heart, though, so significant cargo capacity shouldn’t be expected beyond what’s offered by this fold-down feature.
What is the trunk space like in the Subaru BRZ?
The trunk space in the Subaru BRZ is modest, offering around 6.9 cubic feet of storage capacity. This is on the lower end compared to other coupes and sports cars in its class. The trunk is shallow and not particularly wide, so it works best for small bags and compact items rather than bulky luggage or large equipment.
However, thanks to the option to fold down the rear seats, the BRZ’s cargo versatility improves significantly. When the rear seats are folded, owners can carry longer items like skis, bicycles, or larger storage boxes. While the BRZ should not be considered a family hauler, it does offer just enough trunk space for daily use and weekend adventures when combined with its fold-down rear seat functionality.
Is the Subaru BRZ a good choice for daily commuting with passenger needs?
The Subaru BRZ can be a good option for daily commuting, particularly for solo drivers or those who occasionally carry one front passenger. However, it may not be the best fit if your daily routine includes transporting passengers in the back on a regular basis. The rear seating is limited in space and best reserved for children or short-term adult passengers who don’t mind a snug fit.
That said, the BRZ offers comfort, fuel efficiency, and engaging driving dynamics that make it enjoyable for everyday driving. Its reliability and ease of parking also contribute to its practicality for city commutes. For those who occasionally need to carry rear passengers or cargo, the folding rear seats and decent trunk access provide a reasonable degree of flexibility for a sports car.
How does the BRZ compare to other sports cars in terms of back seat practicality?
The Subaru BRZ fares moderately well compared to other sports cars in terms of rear seat practicality, especially in its segment. Many two-door coupes either omit rear seats entirely or make them unusable for any adult passengers. In contrast, the BRZ does include usable—albeit small—rear seats that can accommodate children or small adults for brief trips.
However, when compared to more family-oriented coupes or even some compact hatchbacks, the BRZ’s rear seats fall short in overall space, comfort, and accessibility. Those looking for a sports car with realistic space for four adults should consider alternatives like the Honda Civic Coupe or Volkswagen Golf. For enthusiasts seeking a pure driver’s car with occasional rear seating, the BRZ strikes a reasonable balance between function and fun.