Which Back Seat Is Best? Safety vs. Comfort Sparks Debate

A short video about rear-seat preferences in cars has gone viral on social media, sparking heated debate among netizens. Some insist that sitting directly behind the driver is safer, while others prefer the seat behind the front passenger for its extra space. Although the center rear seat—farthest from impact points and airbags—is recommended by the NHTSA and pediatric organizations as the safest position for children, reducing injury risk by 43% and increasing survival rates by 25% in crashes, most people still avoid it. In terms of comfort, if the front passenger is shorter or the seat is unoccupied, the space behind it offers more legroom; conversely, a tall driver may significantly reduce rear-seat legroom. Additionally, a Reddit poll with over 1,000 respondents showed that, regardless of birth order, more people tend to choose the right rear seat (behind the front passenger). For families frequently carrying multiple passengers, 2026 models such as the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord, and several SUVs offer rear legroom exceeding 38 to 41 inches, enhancing overall ride comfort.