Does Subaru Forester have 3rd row seating?
The Forester does not offer a third row; it is a five-seat compact SUV. For a Subaru with three rows, the Ascent is the appropriate choice.
As families and travelers compare Subaru models, many wonder whether the compact Forester can accommodate more than five passengers. This article examines the Forester’s seating arrangement, explains why Subaru separates it from three-row options, and suggests practical alternatives if extra seating is needed.
Current seating reality in the Forester
Here's what buyers should know about how many people the Forester can carry and how its interior is laid out:
- Five-passenger capacity across all current Forester generations, with two rows of seating.
- No official third-row option exists for the Forester; the second row is designed for up to three occupants depending on trim and configuration, but there is no dedicated third row.
- Rear seats fold to expand cargo space, preserving a flat load floor, but there is still no access to a rear row of seats.
- The Subaru three-row model in the lineup is the Ascent, introduced to offer seven or eight-passenger seating depending on configuration.
In practice, the Forester remains a five-passenger vehicle with flexible cargo solutions. If you need a three-row configuration within the Subaru brand, the Ascent is the model designed for that purpose.
Why Subaru places the Forester in a two-row segment
Several factors shape Subaru’s product organization, keeping the Forester as a two-row, five-seat crossover:
- Packaging and footprint: The Forester is built as a compact crossover with a focus on efficient interior space and maneuverability rather than accommodating a third row.
- Safety and weight considerations: A third row would add complexity to safety systems, weight distribution, and performance characteristics in this class.
- Brand strategy: Subaru reserves three-row seating for larger families and utility needs in the Ascent, avoiding internal competition between two-row and three-row models.
These design choices help the Forester maintain its niche as a practical, fuel-efficient five-passenger crossover, while offering a separate, purpose-built three-row option in the lineup.
What to consider if you need a third row
If extra seating is non-negotiable, consider these paths within and beyond the Subaru lineup:
- Subaru Ascent: The brand’s dedicated three-row model, available with seven or eight-passenger seating depending on configuration and trim.
- Other three-row crossovers from competing brands: Models such as Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Nissan Pathfinder offer larger interior footprints with third-row seating.
- Used-market options: If you’re open to a slightly older or larger vehicle, several two- or three-row SUVs from different brands may fit your needs and budget.
For buyers who prioritize Subaru reliability but require seating for more than five, the Ascent is the straightforward, native option, while other brands provide a broader range of three-row choices in the same general segment.
Summary
In short, the Subaru Forester does not offer a third row and is limited to five passengers. For three-row seating within Subaru, the Ascent is the model to consider. If third-row seating is essential and you want to stay with a mainstream crossover, you’ll likely look at non-Forester options within Subaru’s lineup or explore competing brands’ three-row SUVs.
Does the Subaru Forester have 7 seats?
No, the Subaru Forester is not a 7-seater; it is a two-row SUV that seats five passengers. If you need a Subaru with a third row and seating for more people, consider the Subaru Ascent, which is a larger, three-row SUV that can seat up to eight people.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Forester's interior and cargo space: 46sMotormouthYouTube · Jun 7, 2025
- The Subaru Forester has a two-row layout with a seating capacity of five.
- It is designed to be a comfortable five-seater, with generous legroom and a 60/40-split folding rear seat for cargo versatility.
- For those needing more seating, the Subaru Ascent is the Subaru model with a third row, capable of seating up to eight passengers.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Oil Consumption
Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.
Which Subaru is a 7 seater?
2026 Subaru Ascent
2026 Subaru Ascent 3-Row, 7-8 Seat Family SUV.
Does Subaru offer a 3 row SUV?
Yes, Subaru has a 3-row SUV called the Ascent, which is the only Subaru model with this configuration. The Ascent can seat up to eight passengers and is designed for families, offering features like flexible seating, standard all-wheel drive, and available captain's chairs for more comfort.
- Seating capacity: The Ascent is available in 7- or 8-passenger configurations. You can get a second-row bench seat for up to eight passengers or available second-row captain's chairs for up to seven, which also provides easier access to the third row.
- Cargo space: It offers versatile cargo space. When all rear seats are folded down, it can provide up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
- Features: The Ascent comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for enhanced safety and capability.
