WRX rear lower seat swap How To: Create a Fold-Down Pass-Through or Refresh Your Interior

Claim: Owners who swap in a compatible rear lower cushion and matching seatback report being able to carry long gear, like skis and a snowboard, through the center pass-through, transforming the WRX from tight-sport car to practical-gear hauler. Community guides and tech threads document the swap and fitment experiences. 

Table of contents

Quick summary What this mod is and how it works Compatibility: which years and chassis fit Tools, parts, and where to find them Step-by-step rear lower seat removal Installing the donor lower cushion and seatback Troubleshooting and fitment tips Risks, safety, and legal notes FAQs Recommended resources and CTA

Quick summary

What this mod is and how it works

This project swaps the rear lower seat cushion in your Subaru WRX for a compatible one that mates with a folding center armrest and pass-through in the seatback, or simply replaces a worn, “humped” lower cushion with a flatter one. The mod can be as simple as changing the bottom cushion, or as involved as swapping both the lower cushion and the upper backrest so the fold-down armrest functions.

Mechanically, the lower cushion is retained with a combination of clips and bolts. The cushion itself often slides into hooks and clips at the rear edge and latches forward, then the seatback assembly is bolted to the car structure. A donor upper seatback with a factory fold-down armrest provides the actual pass-through opening, while the donor lower cushion must physically mate to that backrest so the latch and alignment work as intended.

Why it works

Subaru used modular seat components across generations and trim levels. Many rear lower cushions are interchangeable between models within the same chassis family, so a donor cushion from a higher-trim or different body style can provide the missing pass-through geometry or a flatter seating surface. Community experience documents these cross-fits across GD/GG, GR/GV, and VA chassis families.

Compatibility: What years and WRX seats are interchangeable

Compatibility is the #1 question for anyone thinking about a WRX rear lower seat swap. Fitment depends on chassis, body style, and seat trim. Use this as a rule-of-thumb checklist.

Chassis groups and shorthand

• GD/GG — Subaru Impreza/WRX 2002 to 2007. Many parts interchange within this group.
• GR/GV — 2008 to 2014 era vehicles, including WRX and STI variants.
• VA — 2015 to 2023 generation WRX (and later Impreza derivatives).

Short answer to People Also Ask: What years of WRX rear seats are interchangeable? Within each chassis family, seats are commonly interchangeable, for example GD-era donor seats will generally fit GD-era cars; GR to GR, VA to VA. There are exceptions for hatch vs sedan within a family because mounting points or seatback geometry may differ. Community swap threads and fitment posts describe these groupings and practical experiences. 

Will a WRX sedan rear seat fit in a WRX wagon

Answer: The lower cushion might fit between sedan and wagon/hatch within the same chassis, but the seatbacks and the rear deck geometry can differ. Expect small trim and bracket differences, so check anchor points and test-fit before committing. If you need the folding armrest to work you will likely need the matching upper seatback with brackets.

Real examples: Enthusiasts report successfully using GD-era JDM seatbacks to add a pass-through in USA-spec WRX sedans, but trimming or bracket adjustments were required.

Tools, parts, and where to find them

Do I need any special tools for a WRX seat swap

No fancy shop gear is required, but gather the basics listed below.

• Basic socket set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm sockets and ratchet
• Torque wrench (optional for reinstallation to factory specs)
• Trim removal tools or plastic pry bars
• Torx bit set (commonly T30 or similar on some clips)
• Flathead screwdriver and Phillips
• Pliers and a small pick set for clips
• Gloves and protective eyewear

Will the WRX rear seat be held in by bolts or clips? It is usually a combination of bolts for the seatback brackets and robust clips or hooks for the lower cushion. The cushion often snaps into rear hooks then clips forward. Expect to use trim tools to release clips, and sockets for the fasteners.

Parts to source

• Donor lower cushion, and if you want pass-through, donor upper seatback with folding armrest
• Any missing seatbelt hardware and bolts; replace rusty or damaged fasteners
• If applicable, replacement clips/push rivets
• Optional: new upholstery, foam, or cover if donor is worn

Where to find a WRX rear seat for sale

Good sources include pull-a-part junkyards, NASIOC and IWSTI forums, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and specialist sellers. Expect ranges from roughly $50 to $75 at a salvage yard, up to $150 to $300+ for part-outs or nicer sets online. 

Cost summary: junkyard low end $50 to $75, part-out or online used $150 to $300+, full new OEM replacement significantly more.

Step-by-step: How do you remove the rear lower seat in a WRX

Below is a careful walkthrough aimed at beginners to intermediate DIYers. Read fully before starting, and take photos as you go. Several visual tutorials exist and they match this workflow. 

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, engage parking brake and, for safety, disconnect negative battery terminal if working near seat belt pretensioners or airbag sensors. Check your car's manual for SRS precautions.
2. Remove items and vacuum the rear area so all clips are visible.
3. Fold the front seats forward slightly for better access.

1. Locate fasteners and clips

Inspect the front edge of the lower cushion, the rear hooks under the lip, and the seatback mounting bolts. On many WRX models, the lower cushion tucks into hooks at the rear and has a forward-engaging clamp. The seatback itself is bolted to either the floor or the seat belt anchor points.

2. Release the lower cushion rear hooks

Reach under the rear of the cushion, feel for the hook points, and pull up while levering the cushion forward. Use a plastic pry if needed to avoid cutting upholstery. You will usually feel the cushion disengage from the hooks.

3. Unclip and lift forward

After rear hooks release, lift the rear of the cushion, then slide the cushion forward to unseat the forward-retaining clips. Some models use two forward clips you must depress or pry to release. Save any push-clips if undamaged.

4. Remove any bolts for seatbelt anchors or sensors

If your model routes seat belt buckles through the cushion, unbolt the buckles first using the appropriate socket. Note wiring for occupancy sensors is usually under the lower cushion on modern vehicles; disconnect gently if present.

5. Tips from video guides

Follow step-by-step video examples for your exact year; most popular removal videos show identical fasteners and demonstrate the correct pull angle for the cushion. Example removal videos show the cushion sliding back and up to clear the rear hooks. 

Safety note

Airbag and occupancy sensor wiring may be present beneath or in brackets near the seat. If you encounter an electrical connector, document location, unplug carefully using a tab, and tape connectors for reassembly. If unsure, disconnect the battery before unplugging SRS-connected plugs and consult a shop manual.

Installing the donor lower cushion and seatback

Now that you have the donor lower cushion and possibly the donor seatback, follow these steps to install.

1. Compare donor to original

1. Check hooks, clips, and forward latching points for wear and matching geometry.
2. Confirm seatbelt buckles line up and that any wiring harnesses match or can be adapted.

2. Test-fit the donor lower cushion

Slide the front edge into the forward clips, press rear into hooks, then sit the cushion to ensure it locks. If it does not seat, do not force it. Identify the interference point and examine whether a clip, bracket, or small trim piece is blocking the fit.

3. Install the donor upper seatback if adding pass-through

If your goal is a WRX rear seat pass through or a folding armrest, you will usually need the entire upper seatback that contains the folding armrest and pass-through. Remove original upper bolts, lift out the old backrest, and align the donor backrest mounting studs. Bolt to factory torque where required. Check that the fold-down latch operates freely.

4. Secure seatbelt buckles and sensors

Reconnect any wiring and fasten seat belt buckles. Use torque specs from a factory manual if available. If you moved occupancy sensors, make sure the connector is secure and properly routed to avoid pinching.

5. Final checks

• Confirm seat cushion is locked into rear hooks and forward clips.
• Confirm the fold-down armrest and pass-through open and close cleanly.
• Test seat belt warnings and chimes; if a chime persists, verify occupancy sensor wiring and connectors.

Pro tip: Keep all removed bolts and clips in labeled bags so they are easy to reinstall. Photograph each step to make reassembly straightforward.

Troubleshooting and fitment tips

Common issues

• Does not clip into place, check for obstructing trim or misaligned hooks.
• Seatbelt buckles misaligned, you may need donor buckle mounts or small brackets from donor seat.
• Occupancy sensor chime, ensure the sensor connector is moved with the donor cushion or properly integrated.

Will an STI rear seat fit a regular WRX?

Short answer: For the same generation and body style, almost always yes, and STI seats are frequently used as upgrades; verify mounting points and harnesses first. Community swaps show many successful conversions.

Fitment hacks

• If the donor cushion is slightly wider, compress foam at the edges using heat carefully or use thin adhesive-backed foam tape to fill gaps.
• Use new clips for any broken push rivets; they are cheap and make the install secure.
• If the center latch does not align, check for bent brackets, and if necessary, straighten brackets on a thick rubber bench to preserve integrity.

Risks, safety, and legal notes

This section covers what can go wrong and how to prevent it.

Before you begin, remember that seat belts and SRS systems are safety critical. If your swap touches pretensioners, seat belt anchors, or airbag sensors, consult a professional. Reinstall bolts to manufacturer torque values when available, and verify any electrical connectors are secure. Performing seat work incorrectly can create safety hazards in a crash.

Cost summary for the swap: Expect about $50 to $75 from salvage, $150 to $300+ for online or part-out seats. Factor in new clips and possibly professional help if SRS wiring is involved.

Legal note, USA: Vehicle safety systems are regulated; altering seat mounts, anchors, or airbag devices may affect compliance with vehicle inspection rules or insurance. If in doubt, consult a qualified shop.

Why the target audience should care

For the WRX owner who skis, surfs, or carries long gear, adding a center pass-through or flattening the rear lower cushion adds a practical capability without sacrificing the sporty interior. For enthusiasts who restore interiors or reduce wear, this is a relatively low-cost mod with high functional impact.

An example: One owner swapped in a GD-era JDM seatback with a pass-through, and could carry a snowboard lengthwise without folding rear seats, creating a more usable daily driver for winter trips. Community documentation and posts highlight how this mod increases cargo versatility.

FAQs

What years of WRX rear seats are interchangeable

Mostly within the same chassis group: GD/GG, GR/GV, and VA. Cross-generation swaps require careful checks. 

Do I need any special tools for a WRX seat swap

Basic socket set, trim tools, Torx bits, pliers, and optionally a torque wrench. No exotic tools needed.

Will a WRX sedan rear seat fit in a WRX wagon

The lower cushion might fit, but seatbacks and mounting geometry can differ; test-fit or source both upper and lower pieces if possible.

How do you remove the rear lower seat

Release rear hooks, lift the cushion, then unclip forward retainers. Unbolt any seatbelt hardware or sensors first. Watch a year-specific video for visuals.

Where can I find a WRX rear seat for sale

Check junkyards, NASIOC, IWSTI, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and specialist sellers. Prices vary widely.

What is the difference between a WRX base and Limited rear seat

Limited often includes a folding armrest and pass-through; base trims may have a fixed hump or no armrest. Swap requires the matching upper backrest for full function.

Can you add a fold-down armrest to a WRX that did not come with one

Yes, but you normally need the donor upper seatback that contains the armrest and matching lower cushion for fitment.

Is the WRX rear seat held in by bolts or clips

Both: robust clips/hooks for the cushion and bolts for the backrest and belt anchors.

How much does it cost to swap a WRX rear seat

Approximately $50–$75 salvage, $150–$300+ online, not including labor if you pay a shop.

Will an STI rear seat fit a regular WRX

In most cases for the same generation and body style, yes. Verify anchor points and harnesses.

Recommended resources and CTA

Reference guides and community threads are invaluable for details on your exact model and year. Start here:

• NASIOC community threads for fitment reports and photos.:
• IWSTI forums for detailed GD-era swaps and examples. 
• Genuine Subie Parts for OEM components and part searches. (Internal link placeholder)

Legal and safety disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified mechanic if you are unsure. Mods affecting seat belts or airbag systems may affect vehicle safety and insurance. This article is not a substitute for professional service.

Final thoughts and perspectives

The WRX rear lower seat swap is a practical, high-value mod for many owners. It blends utility with relatively low cost when you find the right donor parts. While not every swap is purely bolt-on, the community knowledge base and step-by-step video guides make it approachable. If you value both form and function, investing a weekend and the right donor components can pay dividends every ski trip and cargo run.

Counterpoint: If you are uncomfortable with SRS wiring or structural brackets, or if the donor does not match at all, the safest path is to source the complete OEM set for your chassis family or hire a shop. That approach sacrifices DIY savings but guarantees safety and fitment.

Research notes: Community threads and videos document this mod extensively. For technical removal and fitment visuals, consult dedicated removal videos and model-specific forum threads.

Internal link examples: Impreza/WRX rear seats product page, Subie interior parts category.

Suggested related reading: How to diagnose a bad Subaru radiator fan and other DIY guides on Genuine Subie Parts.