How big is the Subaru Forester cargo area?
For shoppers evaluating space, the Forester provides about 31.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. In practical terms, that makes it capable of handling daily groceries and weekend gear with ease.
Overview of capacity by configuration
The figures below reflect the current Forester generation (introduced in 2019 and refreshed for 2023–2024). They assume the standard 60/40-split rear seat and a flat loading floor; minor variations can occur among trims due to equipment or spare-tire setups.
- Behind the rear seats: 31.1 cubic feet
- With the rear seats folded: 76.1 cubic feet
With the rear seats folded, the cargo area becomes wide and relatively tall, allowing you to fit multiple suitcases, camping gear, or boxes. The floor is typically flat, and many trims include underfloor storage to keep smaller items organized.
Practical takeaways
For everyday use, expect to carry groceries, strollers, or several shopping bags with the seats up. When you fold the rear seats down, the Forester opens up to handle larger items such as bikes, larger luggage, or bulkier equipment, thanks to its 76.1 cubic feet of space.
Notes on year-to-year variation
These cargo volumes represent the typical specifications for the current-generation Forester. Some slight differences can occur across trims or due to changes in equipment like the spare tire configuration, but the overall capacity range remains consistent in recent years.
Summary
The Subaru Forester offers a solid balance of passenger space and cargo capacity for a compact SUV: about 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This combination supports daily needs as well as larger hauling tasks, making it a versatile choice in its 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.
How big is the cargo space in a Subaru Forester?
Unlock up to 74.4 cubic feet of Subaru Forester cargo space when the rear seats are folded down in the entry-level trim or 69.1 cubic feet in the higher tiers.
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.
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.
