Home > News & Blogs > 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Car Seat Guide: Installation & Compatibility Tips
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Car Seat Guide: Installation & Compatibility Tips
Subaru Crosstrek Car Seat Safety: A Comprehensive Family-Friendly Review
When searching for a compact SUV that prioritizes child safety, the Subaru Crosstrek consistently ranks among top choices for parents. Our updated evaluation examines how this popular crossover accommodates various car seat configurations, from infant carriers to booster seats, while maintaining passenger comfort.
$42492 Gas 56030 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
$61488 diesel 54487 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
$39651 electric 14310 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 RWD
2023 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
Overall Safety Assessment
Overall Car Seat Safety Grade: A
The Subaru Crosstrek demonstrates excellent compatibility with child safety seats, offering accessible LATCH anchors, ample rear seat space, and thoughtful design elements that simplify installation for parents and caregivers.
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Detailed Car Seat Compatibility Analysis
LATCH System Evaluation
The Crosstrek's LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system earns top marks for accessibility and ease of use:
- Clearly marked anchors positioned beneath Velcro-secured flaps in the seat upholstery
- Three top tether anchors conveniently located on the rear shelf
- Anchor placement allows for quick installation without excessive seat digging
Infant Car Seat Installation
Grade: A
Our tests with the Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 revealed:
- Effortless installation process with both LATCH and seat belt methods
- Minimal front seat compromise - adequate legroom for a 5'6" passenger
- Secure fit with minimal seat movement post-installation
Rear-Facing Convertible Seat
Grade: A
Using the Britax Marathon convertible seat, we found:
- Simple installation process with clear angle indicators visible
- Front passenger seat can be adjusted rearward for additional legroom
- No interference between car seat and front seatback
Forward-Facing Convertible Seat
Grade: A
Key observations with the forward-facing configuration:
- Proper fit after removing vehicle's head restraint
- Top tether easily reaches anchor points without excessive slack
- Secure installation with minimal effort
Booster Seat Compatibility
Grade: B
While the Graco TurboBooster fits adequately, we noted:
- Raised head restraint provides proper support
- Seat belt buckles sit nearly flush with cushion, potentially challenging for children
- Slightly tilted buckle position may require adult assistance
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$36811
Gas
81310 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
$49092
Gas
0 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
2022 Lexus ES 350
$36888
Gas
25516 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$36811
Gas
81310 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
$49092
Gas
0 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
2022 Lexus ES 350
$36888
Gas
25516 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
Three Car Seat Configuration Test
For families requiring multiple child restraints, the Crosstrek's second row accommodates:
- Forward-facing convertible in center position
- Booster seat behind driver
- Infant seat behind front passenger
- Note: Child in booster must be able to reach seat belt independently
- --FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Important Safety Considerations
Parents should remember these crucial safety points:
- LATCH anchors have a combined weight limit of 65 pounds (child + seat)
- Seat belt installation remains equally valid when weight limits are exceeded
- Always consult both vehicle manual and car seat instructions for proper installation
- Regularly check for tightness - seats can loosen over time
-
Nissan Note 1.2E
$15650
electric
73215 mi
Very Good Deal
0 (5)
MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hatchback FWD
$35860
20 mi
Very Good Deal
0 (5)
2024 Genesis G70
$54454
Gas
1568 mi
Good Deal
0 (5)
Why the Crosstrek Excels for Families
Beyond car seat compatibility, the Subaru Crosstrek offers family-friendly advantages:
- Standard all-wheel drive for all-weather safety
- Excellent visibility with thoughtfully positioned windows
- Top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA
- Ample cargo space behind second row for strollers and gear
- --SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Professional Testing Methodology
MotorVero's certified child safety seat technicians conduct rigorous evaluations using:
- Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 infant seat
- Britax Marathon convertible seat
- Graco TurboBooster seat
- Standardized front seat positioning (6-foot driver, shorter passenger)
- Real-world installation scenarios mirroring typical parent experiences
For families prioritizing safety without sacrificing drivability, the Subaru Crosstrek represents one of the best compact SUV choices available. Its thoughtful design for child seat installation, combined with Subaru's renowned safety technology, makes it a standout option for parents navigating the car seat years.
motorverorachael
Last Updated On Apr, 16-2025