Can You Fit a Queen Mattress in Your Subaru Outback

Yes, you can fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback, but it requires some smart planning and the right approach. The Outback offers generous cargo space, but a queen mattress measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, which pushes the limits of the trunk. Using the rear seats, folding them down, or adding a roof cargo carrier are your best options. This guide walks you through every method, measurement, and tip you need for a stress-free move.

So you just bought a queen mattress. Maybe you moved into a new place. Maybe you are upgrading your old one. Either way, you now face a very real question: can you fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback? It sounds simple, but anyone who has tried to stuff a large mattress into a car knows it is not always easy.

The Subaru Outback is one of the most popular SUVs on the road. It has a loyal fan base for good reason. The cargo space is generous. The design is practical. But a queen mattress is big. It measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. That is a lot of material to work with inside any vehicle.

In this article, we will answer your question once and for all. We will look at the exact dimensions of both the mattress and the Outback. We will explore every method you can use to get that mattress inside. We will share tips, mistakes to avoid, and expert advice. By the end, you will know exactly what to do.

Key Takeaways

• It fits with effort: A queen mattress can fit in a Subaru Outback using the cargo area, rear seats, or a roof carrier.
• Measure first: Always measure your mattress and the Outback’s cargo dimensions before attempting transport.
• Roof carriers work best: A roof cargo box or mattress carrier gives you the most secure and easiest option.
• Fold the seats down: Folding the rear seats creates a longer cargo floor for mattress loading.
• Secure it properly: Use straps and tie-downs to prevent shifting during driving.
• Avoid driving risks: An improperly secured mattress is dangerous on the road.

Understanding Queen Mattress Dimensions

Before we talk about the Subaru Outback, let us talk about the mattress itself. A standard queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. That is 5 feet across and about 6.7 feet long. It is one of the most popular mattress sizes. Most couples prefer it over a full or twin.

Queen Mattress Size Compared to Other Sizes

To put things in perspective, here is how a queen compares to other common mattress sizes:

• Twin: 39 inches wide, 75 inches long
• Full: 54 inches wide, 75 inches long
• Queen: 60 inches wide, 80 inches long
• King: 76 inches wide, 80 inches long

As you can see, the queen sits right in the middle. It is bigger than a twin or full. But it is smaller than a king. This makes it a popular choice for moving because it fits in more vehicles than a king does. Still, fitting a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback is not a guarantee. You need the right setup.

Subaru Outback Cargo Space Explained

The Subaru Outback is a mid-size crossover SUV. It is known for its boxy shape and tall cargo area. This design gives it more room than many other SUVs in its class. But how much room are we talking about exactly?

Subaru Outback Cargo Dimensions

The cargo space in a Subaru Outback varies by model year. But here are the general numbers you should know:

• Behind the rear seats: About 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space
• With rear seats folded down: About 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space
• Cargo floor length: Around 70 to 75 inches depending on the model
• Cargo floor width: Around 41 to 45 inches at the widest point

Now let us compare those numbers to a queen mattress. The mattress is 60 inches long. The cargo floor with seats folded is roughly 70 to 75 inches long. That means the length can work. But the width is the real challenge. The mattress is 60 inches wide. The cargo floor is about 41 to 45 inches wide. That leaves a gap of 15 to 19 inches on each side. The mattress simply will not lie flat inside the cargo area.

This is why most people need to get creative. You cannot just place a queen mattress flat on the cargo floor and close the hatch. It will not fit. You need a different strategy.

Methods to Fit a Queen Mattress in a Subaru Outback

Good news. There are several ways to get a queen mattress into your Outback. Some methods are simple and free. Others require a small investment. Let us walk through each one.

Method 1: Fold the Rear Seats Down

The first and most basic method is to fold the rear seats flat. Most Subaru Outback models have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. This means you can fold down the left side, the right side, or both sides.

When both sides are folded down, you get a long, flat cargo floor. You can slide the mattress in at an angle. The 80-inch length of the mattress fits along the cargo floor. The 60-inch width sticks out to the sides. This works, but the mattress will not be completely inside the vehicle. Part of it will rest on top of the seats or stick out over the cargo area.

Tips for this method:

• Remove any cargo covers or spare tire mats first
• Fold the seats completely flat for maximum length
• Slide the mattress in diagonally for the best fit
• Use a mattress bag to keep it clean during transport

Method 2: Use a Roof Cargo Carrier

This is the most popular method for transporting a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback. A roof cargo carrier sits on top of your car. It holds your mattress safely above the vehicle. This frees up all the cargo space inside for other items.

There are two main types of roof carriers for mattresses:

• Roof cargo box: A hard-shell box that locks shut. It protects your mattress from rain and wind. These boxes are typically 55 to 65 inches wide and 25 to 35 inches tall.
• Mattress carrier strap system: Nylon straps that attach to the roof rack. You strap the mattress directly on top of the car. This is cheaper but offers less protection from the weather.

Both options work well with the Subaru Outback. The Outback comes with roof rails on most models. These rails give you a solid base to attach a carrier. If your Outback does not have roof rails, you can install a roof rack system easily.

Tips for roof transport:

• Place a blanket or moving pad between the mattress and the roof
• Use ratchet straps to secure the mattress tightly
• Check the carrier weight limit before loading
• Drive slowly and carefully to avoid shifting

Method 3: Place the Mattress Inside with the Tailgate Down

This is a common trick that many Subaru Outback owners use. You fold the rear seats down. Then you lower the tailgate. The mattress slides in at an angle and rests partly inside the cargo area and partly hanging out the back.

This method works because lowering the tailgate adds extra length. The mattress can extend past the rear bumper. However, this method has some downsides. The mattress is exposed to the elements. It can get dirty or wet. It also sticks out behind the car, which can be a safety concern in some areas.

Tips for this method:

• Use a mattress bag or tarp to protect it from rain
• Secure the mattress with straps tied to the rear seat anchors
• Check local laws about cargo extending beyond the vehicle
• Drive at moderate speeds to avoid wind damage

Method 4: Remove the Rear Seat Headrests

This is a small but helpful trick. The rear seat headrests in the Subaru Outback can usually be removed quickly. They pop out with a button or lever. Removing them gives you a few extra inches of vertical clearance. This can make it easier to slide a mattress in at an angle.

While this alone will not make a queen mattress fit flat in the cargo area, it helps when combined with other methods. For example, if you are using the diagonal loading method, extra headroom can make a big difference.

Comparing Transport Methods for Queen Mattresses

Not sure which method is best for you? Here is a quick comparison of the four main options for fitting a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback.

Method	Difficulty	Cost	Protection	Best For
Fold Seats Down	Easy	Free	Moderate	Short trips with no weather concerns
Roof Cargo Carrier	Moderate	$30-$150	High	Long trips and bad weather
Tailgate Down	Easy	Free	Low	Quick moves on dry days
Remove Headrests + Diagonal	Easy	Free	Moderate	Adding extra space to other methods

The roof cargo carrier method is the safest and most secure option. It keeps your mattress off the road, away from dirt, and protected from rain. It is also the easiest to drive with. The downside is the cost of the carrier. But if you move frequently, it is worth the investment.

Expert Tips for Safe Mattress Transport

Transporting a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback is doable. But safety should always come first. An unsecured mattress is a serious hazard on the road. It can fly off the car and cause accidents.

Always Secure the Mattress Properly

No matter which method you choose, you must secure the mattress. Use heavy-duty ratchet straps. Tie the mattress to the roof rack, cargo anchors, or seat frames. Check the straps before every mile. A loose mattress is a danger to you and everyone else on the road.

Check Your Outback’s Weight Limits

The Subaru Outback has a roof weight limit. Most models can handle about 165 pounds on the roof. A queen mattress weighs between 80 and 120 pounds depending on the type. Add a roof carrier or mattress strap system, and you might get close to the limit. Always check your owner manual for exact numbers.

Use a Moving Blanket or Mattress Bag

A moving blanket or plastic mattress bag protects your mattress during transport. It keeps dirt, rain, and road grime off the surface. This is especially important if you are using the tailgate-down method or a roof strap system.

Drive Carefully

Once your mattress is loaded, drive carefully. Avoid sudden braking. Take turns slowly. Keep your speed moderate. A mattress sticking out of a car changes the vehicle’s aerodynamics and center of gravity. Drive like you are protecting that mattress, because you are.

Consider the Mattress Type

The type of queen mattress you have also matters. A memory foam mattress is flexible and can bend slightly. This makes it easier to fit at an angle. A spring mattress or innerspring mattress is stiffer. It does not bend as easily. A latex mattress falls somewhere in between. Keep your mattress type in mind when choosing a transport method.

Common Mistakes People Make When Loading a Mattress

Loading a mattress into a Subaru Outback sounds simple. But many people make mistakes that cause problems. Here are the most common ones to avoid.

• Not measuring first: Always measure the mattress and the cargo area before you try to load it. Guessing leads to frustration.
• Forgetting to fold the seats: Many people try to load the mattress with the rear seats up. This almost never works for a queen size.
• Using weak straps: Bungee cords or thin rope will not hold a mattress securely. Use ratchet straps rated for at least 500 pounds.
• Ignoring the weight limit: Overloading the roof can damage your car and make driving unsafe.
• Driving too fast: High speeds create wind lift and can destabilize a mattress on the roof.
• Not protecting the mattress: A mattress dragged across a roof or car paint can get scratched or torn. Always use a blanket or bag.

Avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and stress. Take a few extra minutes to prepare before you load the mattress. It makes a huge difference.

Can You Fit Other Mattress Sizes in a Subaru Outback?

While this article focuses on queen mattresses, the same principles apply to other sizes. A full mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. It fits much more easily inside the Outback cargo area. A twin mattress is even smaller and will fit with very little effort.

A king mattress is the hardest to fit. It is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. Even with the rear seats folded down, a king mattress will not fit flat inside the Outback. You will need a roof carrier for a king mattress as well.

So if you are wondering about other sizes, the answer is generally yes for smaller mattresses and roof-required for larger ones. The queen size sits right at the edge of what is possible inside the vehicle.

Final Thoughts on Fitting a Queen Mattress in a Subaru Outback

So, can you fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback? The answer is yes. But it takes the right method and some preparation. The best approach depends on your situation. If you are moving a short distance, folding the rear seats and using the diagonal method works well. If you are driving a long distance or dealing with bad weather, a roof cargo carrier is the way to go.

The Subaru Outback is a great vehicle for this task. Its tall cargo area and fold-flat seats give you options that many other SUVs do not have. With the right setup, you can transport your queen mattress safely and without damage.

Remember to measure everything first. Secure the mattress properly. Drive carefully. And protect your mattress with a bag or blanket. Follow these simple steps and your queen mattress will arrive at its new home in perfect condition.

Moving does not have to be stressful. With the right plan, fitting a queen mattress in your Subaru Outback is entirely doable. You have got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a queen mattress fit inside a Subaru Outback with the rear seats up?

No, a queen mattress will not fit inside the Subaru Outback with the rear seats up. The mattress is 60 inches wide, and the cargo area is only about 41 to 45 inches wide. You must fold the rear seats down or use a roof carrier to transport a queen mattress.

What is the best way to transport a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback?

The best way is to use a roof cargo carrier or mattress strap system. This keeps the mattress secure, off the road, and protected from weather. It also leaves the entire cargo area free for other moving items.

Do I need a roof rack to carry a mattress on my Subaru Outback?

Most Subaru Outback models come with roof rails. These rails allow you to attach a roof carrier or mattress straps easily. If your Outback does not have roof rails, you can install an aftermarket roof rack for a reasonable price.

How do I secure a queen mattress on the roof of a Subaru Outback?

Place a moving blanket or pad on the roof first. Lay the mattress on top and use ratchet straps to tie it down. Attach the straps to the roof rack or roof rails. Make sure the straps are tight and the mattress does not shift when you push on it.

Will a queen mattress fit in a Subaru Outback with the tailgate down?

Yes, with the rear seats folded down and the tailgate lowered, a queen mattress can slide in at an angle and rest partly inside and partly outside the vehicle. This method works best for short trips on dry days. Always secure the mattress with straps and protect it with a bag or tarp.

How much does a roof cargo carrier for a queen mattress cost?

A roof cargo carrier typically costs between $30 and $150. Basic soft-sided carriers are cheaper. Hard-shell boxes cost more but offer better protection. Mattress strap systems are the most affordable option, usually under $30.

=== CONCLUSION ===

Fitting a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback is absolutely possible. You just need the right approach and a little preparation. Whether you fold the seats down, use a roof carrier, or load the mattress with the tailgate down, each method has its benefits. The key is to measure first, secure the mattress properly, and drive safely.

The Subaru Outback is one of the most versatile SUVs for this kind of task. Its tall cargo area and fold-flat seating make it a strong choice for moving a queen mattress. With the tips and methods in this guide, you can confidently transport your mattress without damage or stress.

Now you know the answer. You know the methods. You know the mistakes to avoid. The next step is yours. Get your queen mattress loaded, secure it well, and hit the road with confidence. Your new mattress is going to look great in its new home.