Do 2024 Subaru Forester seats fold flat?
Yes. The 2024 Subaru Forester offers a 60/40-split rear seat that folds down to create a largely flat loading surface, letting you expand cargo space while keeping some seating for passengers. Expect a near-flat floor with a slight contour at the wheel wells and hinges.
Seat folding mechanics
The Forester uses a 60/40-split rear bench that can be folded in sections to suit cargo and passenger needs. To fold, you typically release the seatbacks via a strap or lever and then push the seats forward until they lie flat. You may need to lower headrests first to ensure a smooth, flush surface.
- Fold down the desired section (60% or 40%) by pulling the release strap on the top/side of the seatback.
- Push the seatback forward until it lies flat with the cargo floor.
- Repeat for the remaining section if you want the entire rear seat area flat.
- Lower or remove any obstructing headrests or cargo items as needed to maximize the flat surface.
Concluding note: The result is a broadly flat loading floor—sufficient for bulky items and longer cargo—but you should anticipate a minor rise where the wheel wells and hinge mechanisms sit.
Cargo capacity and loading floor
Understanding the space helps put the folding feature into context. The Forester’s cargo area expands significantly when the rear seats are folded, providing a practical loading footprint for everyday use and weekend gear.
- Behind the rear seats: about 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up.
- With the rear seats folded: roughly 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space total.
Concluding thought: The 60/40 folding rear seat provides flexibility to balance passenger seating with cargo needs, delivering a near-flat floor that accommodates a wide range of items while preserving some passenger seating options.
Practical tips for maximizing a flat load floor
To get the most even surface when loading, consider these actionable tips. The following list explains how to achieve the best possible flatness and space use with the 2024 Forester.
- Lower all headrests before folding seatbacks to prevent obstruction and ensure a smoother surface.
- Fold the appropriate section first (60% or 40%) depending on the size and shape of your cargo.
- Remove floor mats or cargo organizers that could create an uneven surface or protrusions.
- Place heavier items toward the front of the cargo area to maintain stability and balance.
Wheel-well contours can introduce slight bumps even with the seats folded. If you’re transporting particularly long or bulky items, align them along the center of the floor to minimize contact with the wheel wells.
Additional notes on model variants
As with many compact SUVs, trim level and options can affect interior accessories, such as cargo organizers or under-floor storage configurations. The fundamental folding capability—60/40 split and near-flat surface—remains a standard feature across 2024 Forester trims.
Summary
The 2024 Subaru Forester does fold its rear seats flat, using a 60/40-split design to maximize cargo space while keeping some seating. The resulting floor is largely level, though small ridges may appear where wheel wells and hinges reside. With seats up, you gain about 31.1 cubic feet of space; with the rear seats down, roughly 76.1 cubic feet—enough for most daily needs and weekend gear.
