Does the Subaru Forester have three seats?

The Forester is a five-seat, two-row SUV and does not offer a third row. It seats two up front and three across the rear, for a total of five occupants.

Seating configuration in the Forester

Here are the core facts about how seating is laid out in the Forester across its current generations:

• Front row: two seats (driver and front passenger).


• Rear row: a three-person bench (60/40 split) that can accommodate up to three passengers, depending on size and child seat configurations.


• Total seating capacity: five; there is no option for a third-row seat in current Forester models.

Practically, this means you can fit a small family or a group of friends in five seats, with the rear bench capable of folding for expanded cargo space when needed. Note that there are no captain's chairs or two-only rear seating options in the Forester.

Notes on rear seating and cargo space

Across recent generations, Subaru has kept the Forester as a five-seat SUV with a standard 60/40-split rear bench. The rear seats fold flat to increase cargo capacity, which is a common selling point for the model.

How this compares to Subaru's lineup

For buyers who need more seating, Subaru offers a three-row option in the Ascent. Here is a quick contrast:

• Forester: five seats, two rows, no third row.


• Ascent: three rows, typically seven-passenger configuration (with some variations for eight passengers depending on the second-row option).

In short, if you require seating beyond five, the Ascent is the closest Subaru model that provides a third row, while the Forester emphasizes two-row versatility and cargo space.

Summary

The bottom line: the Subaru Forester does not have a third row. It seats five across two rows, with a three-across rear bench that folds to expand cargo space. If additional seating is essential, consider the Subaru Ascent, which offers three rows of seats.

Which is bigger, RAV4 or Forester?

A Toyota RAV4 cargo space vs. Subaru Forester cargo space and passenger volume comparison presents the same story. The Subaru Forester interior offers up to 11.9 cubic feet of extra passenger volume over the Toyota RAV4, and it maintains this spacious advantage with up to 4.6 cubic feet of extra maximum cargo room.

Can a Subaru Forester hold three car seats?

Yes, you can fit three car seats in a Subaru Forester, but it is often a tight fit and depends on the car seats you use. You may need to use specific, slimmer car seats and likely will have to install them with the seat belts instead of the lower LATCH anchors. 
You can watch this video to learn how to fit three car seats in a Subaru Outback: 59sLets go AdventuringYouTube · Dec 7, 2019
Tips for fitting three car seats

• Choose the right car seats: Not all car seats will fit three across. You may need to use slimmer models, like the Diono Radian, and avoid combinations of three infant seats or three high-back boosters. 
• Install with seat belts: Many combinations require using the seat belts for installation, especially for the middle seat. Check your car's manual and the car seat manual to ensure a proper seat belt installation. 
• Install the middle seat first: Installing the car seat in the middle position first can help in fitting the others. 
• Remove head restraints: For forward-facing seats, you may need to remove the head restraints to get a secure fit. 
• Consider the buckle: Ensure the booster seat buckle can be reached by the child, as the belt buckles can be difficult to access when three seats are installed side-by-side. 

This video demonstrates how to fit three car seats in a Subaru Outback: 50sSafe in the SeatYouTube · Aug 1, 2023
What to expect

• Tight fit: Even with the right seats, the fit will likely be snug. Some people find it works well, while others may not. 
• Depends on the model year: While it's possible across many model years, the exact fit can vary. Newer models have three top tether anchors that are easily accessible. 

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.

Do Subaru Foresters have 3rd row seating?

We own both. 8) Forester is a great compact…but no 3rd row and a lot smaller.