rearseat

Rearseat, more commonly written as rear seat, refers to the seating position located behind the front row inside a land vehicle. It is the back row of seating in passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, and many light trucks. In some contexts the compound form rearseat may appear as a verb meaning to seat someone in the back, though the two-word form is far more common in everyday usage.

In terms of design, rear seating varies by vehicle type. A traditional rear bench accommodates three passengers, while some cars use two individual bucket seats. Many rear seats fold down to expand cargo space, either as a 60/40 split or a single section. Features commonly found at the rear include three-point seat belts, head restraints, and, in newer vehicles, Isofix or LATCH anchors for child seats. Some models offer rear-seat climate control, rear audio or USB ports, and heated or ventilated seating, though availability depends on trim level and market.

Safety and regulation emphasize the rear seat as a key area for restraint. Laws in many countries require seat belt use in all seating positions. Child restraint systems are routinely installed in the rear seats, using ISOFIX/LATCH anchors where available. Vehicles may include rear airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and reinforced structure to improve crashworthiness for rear occupants. In several regions, the rear seats are designed to meet specific safety standards and inspection requirements as part of overall vehicle safety ratings.

Usage and context vary by region and vehicle type. The rear seat is often favored for passengers who require more legroom or who travel with children or multiple companions, while some commercial vehicles and taxis may optimize rear seating differently for passenger flow and accessibility.