How big is the cargo space on a Subaru Forester?
The latest Subaru Forester offers about 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to about 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. These figures are typical for the current-generation Forester and can vary slightly by model year, trim, and tire setup.
This article explains what those numbers mean in practical terms, how the space changes when you fold the rear seats, and what to expect in day-to-day use. We’ll also offer tips to maximize cargo capacity for trips, groceries, or gear.
What the numbers mean
Official cargo-volume figures for the Forester are published by Subaru and are measured in specific configurations. The two key figures you’ll hear are the space with the rear seats up and the space with the rear seats folded flat. The numbers below reflect the latest generation’s typical specs.
- Behind the rear seats (with all rear seats in place): 28.9 cubic feet (about 819 liters).
- With the rear seats folded flat: 76.1 cubic feet (about 2,154 liters).
These measurements consider the space from the cargo floor to the ceiling, taking into account the floor height and the wheel wells. They are representative for most trims in the current generation, though small variations can occur due to tire size, mats, or optional cargo organizers.
Practical use: what fits in daily life
Understanding the numbers helps buyers picture how the Forester performs as a family crossover or a weekend hauler. In daily use, the 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats is ample for groceries, athletic gear, and a handful of suitcases. When you need more, folding the rear seats opens up a significantly larger, totally flat loading area for bigger items.
Below are common scenarios to illustrate how the space translates when you’re packing for everyday life or a trip.
- Grocery runs and shopping trips with the family
- Weekend luggage for a couple or small family
- Sports gear like golf bags or camping equipment
- Pet transport with a crate or carrier
With the rear seats folded, you gain a much longer and wider loading area, which is useful for larger items such as bulkier gear, multiple suitcases, or boxes when moving or staging gear for an outdoor adventure.
Maximizing cargo space: practical tips
To get the most out of the Forester’s cargo area, consider these configurations and practices that don’t require special tools or alterations.
- Fold the 60/40-split rear seats when you need both passenger seating and extra cargo length.
- Use the underfloor storage area for smaller items to keep the main cargo floor clear.
- Remove bulky items from the interior by placing them in the cargo area first, then loading smaller gear on top.
- Use cargo nets, organizers, and dispenser bins to maximize space and prevent items from shifting.
Overall, the Forester is designed to balance daily practicality with cargo flexibility, making it a versatile option for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and shoppers alike.
Model-year and trim considerations
Across the current generation (roughly 2019 to present), the cargo figures have remained consistent: about 28.9 cu ft behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cu ft with the seats folded. Trim differences are minor and typically relate to features rather than cargo volume. If you’re planning around an older model year or a specific market, it’s worth confirming the exact numbers with Subaru’s official specs or a dealer, as regional variations and measurement conventions can cause small differences.
Despite small year-to-year tweaks, the Forester’s cargo space remains one of its defining practical strengths in the compact-crossover segment: ample everyday storage with the option to expand dramatically when you fold the rear seats down.
Bottom line
For most buyers in today’s market, the Forester provides a reliable 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a robust 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it a strong choice for families, commuters, and travelers who value cargo versatility.
Summary
In summary, the Subaru Forester combines everyday practicality with capable cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, you’ll have space for groceries, school gear, and daily cargo; with the seats folded, the loading area expands to handle larger items for trips and adventures. This balance, along with standard features across trims, helps the Forester remain a competitive option in the compact crossover class.
What are the dimensions of the back of the Subaru Forester?
Subaru Forester Interior Dimensions
All models get 43.3 inches of legroom and 57.7 inches of shoulder room in the front. Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester back seat dimensions provide your friends and family with between 37.7 and 39.6 inches of headroom, 39.4 inches of legroom, and 56.7 inches of shoulder room.
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.
What are the Forester's cargo dimensions?
For most setups, the 2025 Subaru Forester trunk dimensions provide 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, if you go with the base model without the panoramic moonroof, you'll gain an extra 2.1 cubic feet, bringing the total cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet.
Can you fit a mattress in the back of a Subaru Forester?
It fits into the cubby holes in the very back by the rear door. The cover for the boot sits on top. Pretty level this way. Got a memory foam mattress, 4'' thick I think. It was like 60 bucks, its amazing, got it on ebay. Folds well enough to fit in the back with the seats up, and still can see out of the rear window.
