How many people can fit in a Forester?
A Subaru Forester seats up to five people.
In typical configurations, the Forester uses two rows of seating with space for two adults up front and three across the rear bench. There is no factory third-row option, so maximum occupancy stays at five. The rear bench also folds to expand cargo space when needed.
Seating capacity and layout
For a quick snapshot of how the seating is arranged, see the key points below.
- Overall capacity: five occupants (two in the front, three in the second row).
- Rear seating: 60/40-split bench that folds down to expand cargo space.
- Safety and convenience: outer rear seats typically feature LATCH anchors for child seats; all seating positions have three-point seat belts. Check your model year for exact anchorage details.
- There is no optional third row; for larger seating capacity, consider the Subaru Ascent, which offers up to eight seats.
In practice, the Forester remains a five-seat SUV with flexible cargo space thanks to its fold-flat rear bench.
Practical considerations for families and travelers
When planning trips with kids or multiple adults, you’ll want to weigh rear-seat comfort, legroom, and cargo needs. The Forester’s two-row layout generally provides comfortable seating for adults in the front and rear, while the 60/40 rear bench supports a mix of passengers and cargo when needed.
Safety and child seating
For child-seat installations, rely on the LATCH system on the outer rear positions and follow the model-year owner's manual for exact locations and weight limits. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology is available on many trims and enhances safety on family trips, though availability varies by year and trim level.
Summary
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, two-row SUV designed for compact practicality. It does not offer a third row, making it ideal for small families or groups who don’t need extra seating but want ample cargo capability with the rear seats folded.
How many passengers fit in a Subaru Forester?
five
Subaru Forester Interior Dimensions
The 2026 Subaru Forester seating capacity accommodates five. This practical SUV comes with up to 110.8 cubic feet of available passenger volume. The front-row seats offer 41.2 inches of headroom in the base model and 40 inches within the remaining five trims.
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.
Is the Subaru Forester 8 seater?
2022 Subaru Forester Interior | Features, Dimensions, & Cargo Space. A spacious cabin and quality amenities greet you and your passengers when you climb into the 2022 Subaru Forester. This five-passenger SUV is a versatile vehicle that offers up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded.
Is a Forester bigger than a RAV4?
Yes, a Subaru Forester is bigger than a Toyota RAV4, primarily in terms of interior and exterior length, height, and overall cargo space. The Forester offers more legroom and headroom for passengers and has a greater maximum cargo volume.
You can watch this video to learn about the size comparison between Forester and RAV4: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Nov 16, 2024
| Feature | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Length | 183.3183.3183.3 inches | 180.9180.9180.9 inches |
| Exterior Height | 68.168.168.1 inches | 676767 inches |
| Front Legroom | 2.32.32.3 inches more than RAV4 | Less than Forester |
| Rear Legroom | 1.61.61.6 inches more than RAV4 | Less than Forester |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 74.474.474.4 cubic feet | 69.869.869.8 cubic feet |
| Ground Clearance | 8.78.78.7 inches (or more) | 8.18.18.1 inches |
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