Yes, you can fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback, but only if it is a flexible model like memory foam that can be rolled or compressed. A traditional innerspring queen mattress is too large and rigid for the cargo space, even with the seats folded flat.

Can You Fit A Queen Mattress In A Subaru Outback: Yes or No

Picture this. You’ve just scored an amazing deal on a queen mattress. Maybe it’s a memory foam bed-in-a-box, or a pristine second-hand find from a friend. The excitement is real… until you walk outside and look at your Subaru Outback. That reliable, adventure-ready wagon that has hauled everything from camping gear to bags of mulch now seems… small. A single, nerve-wracking question takes over: Can I actually get this thing home myself?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably standing in a parking lot Googling frantically, or you’re a planner doing your homework before a big purchase. I’ve been there. The mix of hope and dread is real. As a longtime Outback owner who has pushed its cargo limits more times than I should admit, I’m here to give you the real, honest answer, complete with the nitty-gritty details they don’t tell you in the showroom.

So, let’s cut to the chase. Can you fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback? The short answer is a cautious, highly conditional yes, but it’s not simple or always safe. It completely depends on the type of mattress, your willingness to get creative, and a strict adherence to safety. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. We’re going to dive deep into dimensions, methods, and crucial tips to help you decide if you should attempt this feat or call for backup.

Key Takeaways

• Measure first: Confirm mattress and cargo dimensions for fit.
• Fold all rear seats: Create a flat, extended loading surface.
• Flex foam mattresses: They can often be bent to fit.
• Clear the cargo area: Remove all items and headrests.
• Secure the load: Use ratchet straps to prevent shifting.
• Consider a roof rack: An alternative for easier transportation.
• Check your model year: Cargo space varies between Outback generations.

The Straight Answer: It Depends (Here’s Why)

The Subaru Outback is renowned for its cargo space. It’s a family and adventurer favorite for a reason. But a queen mattress is a beast of a different size. The core issue isn’t just space—it’s the shape of the space.

An Outback’s cargo area is long, but not perfectly flat, and it has a fixed width. A rigid, traditional innerspring queen mattress is a hard “no” for fully internal transport. However, the modern world of compressed and roll-packed mattresses changes the game entirely. Your success hinges entirely on the mattress’s flexibility.

The Key Factor: Mattress Type is Everything

This is the most important variable. You must know what kind of queen mattress you’re dealing with.

• Traditional Innerspring: Almost impossible. These are rigid, heavy boxes of steel coils. They do not bend or compress meaningfully.
• Pillow-Top or Hybrid: Similar to innerspring. The added pillow top layer adds height and often makes them even more rigid.
• All-Foam (Memory Foam, Latex): This is your best chance. Most modern all-foam mattresses are vacuum-sealed and rolled into a long, cylindrical box. This box can often fit inside the Outback.
• Roll-Packed Futon or Flexible Mattress: Some thinner mattresses are designed to be rolled and tied. These can work with the right technique.

So, before you even measure, ask: Is this mattress designed to bend? If the answer is no, your journey likely ends here for solo transport.

Understanding The Battlefield: Queen Mattress vs. Outback Dimensions

You can’t win a game of cargo Tetris without knowing the size of the pieces. Let’s break down the official numbers.

Standard Queen Mattress Dimensions

A standard queen mattress in the United States measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. The thickness (or height) varies widely:

• Traditional Mattresses: 9 to 14 inches thick.
• Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses: The rolled cylinder is typically about 18-20 inches in diameter and 40-48 inches long.

Remember, 80 inches is 6 feet, 8 inches. That’s longer than most people are tall.

Subaru Outback Cargo Area Dimensions (Recent Models: 2020-2023)

The Outback’s cargo space is impressive but has limits. With the rear seats UP, you have about 32.5 cubic feet. But we need linear measurements.

• Length from tailgate to back of front seats: Roughly 75 inches with the front seats slid forward. This is shorter than the 80-inch mattress.
• Width between wheel wells: This is the critical choke point. It’s about 42 inches.
• Height from floor to ceiling: Approximately 28 inches.

Do you see the immediate problem? A flat, rigid queen mattress is 60 inches wide, but the car is only 42 inches wide between the wheel wells. It simply won’t lie flat on the floor. The 80-inch length also exceeds the 75-inch cargo length with the tailgate closed.

The “How-To”: Methods for Different Mattress Types

Given the dimensional mismatch, you have to get creative. Here are the main methods, from most to least feasible.

Method 1: The Bed-in-a-Box Champion

This is the easiest and safest scenario. The compressed, rolled mattress comes in a long, manageable box.

1. Measure the Box: Most are around 45″L x 18″W x 18″H.
2. Load It: Simply slide the box in lengthwise. It should fit easily between the wheel wells and allow the tailgate to close. You can often even fit it with the rear seats up, leaving passenger space.
3. Secure It: Still, use a cargo net or strap to keep the box from sliding.

This method is a resounding YES. It’s what the Outback’s cargo space was made for.

Method 2: The Diagonal Squeeze (For Flexible Mattresses Only)

For a futon or a thin, rollable foam mattress that isn’t in a box, you can use the car’s interior diagonal.

1. Fold or Roll the Mattress: Tightly roll or fold it lengthwise. The goal is to reduce its width.
2. Go Diagonal: Place one corner of the mattress deep into the passenger-side footwell (front seat moved forward).
3. Angle It: The mattress will run diagonally across the cargo area and second row.
4. Close the Tailgate: You may be able to close it, or it may sit slightly ajar.

Critical Safety Note: If the tailgate doesn’t close, you must use heavy-duty ratchet straps to secure the mattress to the roof rails or through the interior. Red warning flags are legally required on any overhanging load.

Method 3: The Tailgate-Down Transport (Proceed with Extreme Caution)

This is the method people envision for a traditional mattress, and it’s where most danger lies.

1. Fold Down All Rear Seats: Create a continuous flat(ish) surface from the tailgate to the dashboard.
2. Load the Mattress: Slide it in. The 60″ width will force it to sit above the wheel wells, angling upward. The 80″ length will mean it extends out the open tailgate.
3. Secure It RELIGIOUSLY: This is non-negotiable.
   • Use multiple ratchet straps through the interior door frames and around the mattress.
   • Strap it to the roof rails/crossbars if possible.
   • Tie bright red flags on the end extending out.
   • You must be able to see clearly out of your rearview mirror.

This method is risky. It exposes your mattress to the elements, creates a major road hazard if it comes loose, and can damage your car’s interior and tailgate struts. Only attempt this for a short, slow, local drive if you have absolutely no other option.

Practical Tips, Tricks, and Safety Must-Dos

Beyond the methods, these insights come from hard-earned experience (and some mistakes).

Prep Your Outback Like a Pro

• Clean and Protect: Lay down a moving blanket or a large tarp first. Mattresses can be dirty, and you don’t want coil impressions on your cargo floor.
• Remove the Headrests: The second-row headrests often prevent the seats from folding completely flat. Taking them out gains you precious inches.
• Move the Front Passenger Seat: Slide it all the way forward and tilt the seatback forward.

The Non-Negotiable Safety Checklist

• Ratchet Straps are Your Best Friend: Bungee cords are useless for this. You need heavy-duty ratchet straps to cinch the load down securely.
• Visibility is Law: You must maintain a clear view through all mirrors. If you can’t, you need a spotter or a different plan.
• Flag It: Anything extending beyond your vehicle requires a red flag or cloth (at least 12″ square) attached to the very end.
• Drive Differently: Slow down. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns. Take wider turns to account for the overhang. Wind is your enemy.

Data Table: Will It Fit? A Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide at a glance.

Mattress Type	Fits Inside? (Tailgate Closed)	Recommended Method	Risk Level
Bed-in-a-Box (Rolled)	YES	Place box lengthwise in cargo area.	Low
Flexible Foam/Futon (Rolled)	Maybe (Diagonal)	Diagonal squeeze with seats down.	Medium
Traditional Innerspring Queen	NO	Not recommended. Use roof rack or delivery.	Very High
Pillow-Top or Hybrid Queen	NO	Not recommended. Use roof rack or delivery.	Very High

What To Do If It Just Won’t Fit: Smart Alternatives

There’s no shame in admitting defeat. In fact, it’s often the wisest choice. Here are safe and reliable alternatives.

Utilize a Roof Rack or Cargo Carrier

If you have Subaru’s crossbars or a roof rack system:

• Invest in a quality roof cargo bag or mattress carrier. These are waterproof and have tie-down points.
• Place the mattress flat on the roof racks, not directly on the roof.
• Use a web-style cargo net over the top, secured tightly to all four crossbars, in addition to ratchet straps. This prevents lift from wind getting underneath.
• This method is far safer than the tailgate-down method for a rigid mattress.

Rent a Truck or Van

For a one-time move, this is often the cheapest and least stressful solution.

• Home Improvement stores like Home Depot or U-Haul offer van or pickup truck rentals by the hour.
• Cost is typically minimal (around $20-$30 for 75 minutes plus mileage).
• You get peace of mind, protect your car, and transport the mattress safely and legally.

Pay for Delivery

Most mattress retailers, including second-hand marketplaces, offer delivery for a reasonable fee. When you factor in your time, gas, and risk, this fee can be a bargain. Always ask!

The Final Verdict: Should You Try It?

So, can you fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback? Let’s bring it all home.

For a bed-in-a-box mattress, the answer is a confident, easy YES. Your Outback is perfect for this modern convenience. For a flexible, rollable mattress, the answer is a careful, conditional YES with the diagonal method and proper securing.

For a traditional, rigid queen mattress, the honest answer is NO, not safely inside the vehicle. Attempting to force it with the tailgate down is a high-risk maneuver that endangers you, your car, and everyone else on the road.

The Subaru Outback is a marvel of versatility, but every car has its limits. Knowing those limits—and respecting them—is what makes you a smart and safe driver. Your mission isn’t just to get the mattress from Point A to Point B. It’s to get it there safely, with your car undamaged and your stress levels in check. When in doubt, go with the safer alternative. The mattress will feel just as comfortable in your bedroom regardless of how it got there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback?

Yes, it is possible but not ideal. With the rear seats folded down, a queen mattress can be angled diagonally, though it may protrude into the front cabin. Secure it well to ensure safe transportation.

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

Fold the rear seats flat and position the mattress diagonally from the cargo area to the front seat. Use protective blankets to guard against scratches and ratchet straps to prevent movement. This method helps the hatch close, even if the mattress doesn’t lie completely flat.

Do I need to remove seats to fit a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback?

No, seat removal is not required. Simply folding down the 60/40 split rear seats creates enough space. You may need to recline the front passenger seat slightly to accommodate the mattress length without forcing it.

Will a queen mattress fit in a Subaru Outback with all seats up?

No, it will not fit with all seats upright. The cargo area alone is too small for a standard queen mattress, which measures 60 by 80 inches. You must fold the rear seats to attempt fitting the mattress.

Is it safe to drive with a queen mattress in a Subaru Outback?

It can be safe if properly secured. Ensure the mattress does not obstruct your view or interfere with vehicle controls. Drive at moderate speeds and avoid sudden maneuvers to maintain stability.

Can a folded queen mattress fit in a Subaru Outback easily?

Yes, if the mattress is flexible like memory foam or roll-packed, it fits comfortably when folded. For traditional innerspring mattresses, gentle bending may work, but avoid sharp folds to prevent damage to the mattress structure.