How much can you fit in a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester offers solid cargo and passenger versatility for a compact SUV. It provides about 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, seats five, and supports a payload near 1,000 pounds. Roof loading is typically around 150 pounds with crossbars. These figures are representative of current-generation models and can vary slightly by year and trim.
Cargo space in practice
Rear seats in place
With the rear seats upright, you can load everyday gear and luggage into a compact, flat storage area designed for frequent trips and groceries.
- Cargo behind the rear seats: 28.9 cubic feet
- Rear seats feature a 60/40 split to accommodate longer items while carrying passengers
In this configuration, the Forester handles grocery runs, a few suitcases, and daily gear with ease while keeping all passengers comfortable.
Rear seats folded
Folding the rear seats expands the cargo volume substantially, enabling larger items and more bags to fit.
- Maximum cargo space with rear seats folded: 76.1 cubic feet
- Loading floor remains flat and includes under-floor storage for small items
Folding the seats is especially useful for bulky gear, bikes, or flat-pack furniture, as long as items fit through the opening and within the available height and length limits.
Payload and seating capacity
Seating and weight limits
Beyond raw cargo space, the Forester seats up to five and carries a payload that supports mixed loads of passengers and cargo.
- Passenger capacity: five people
- Payload capacity: around 1,000 pounds (varies by trim and equipment)
- Roof load capacity: about 150 pounds on the roof with crossbars
When fully loaded with passengers and gear, balance and distribution matter for handling, but the Forester is designed to manage everyday family and outdoor trips without strain.
Practical loading tips
To maximize usable space, start with the flat loading floor, use the 60/40 rear-split where appropriate, and utilize under-floor storage for small items. If you’re planning trips with lots of luggage or gear, folding the rear seats will dramatically increase capacity.
Note: these figures can vary slightly by model year and trim. For the exact specifications of your Forester, consult the official documentation or the manufacturer's website.
Summary
The Subaru Forester balances passenger comfort with practical cargo capacity: about 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, seating for five, a payload near ~1,000 pounds, and a roof load limit around 150 pounds. It remains a versatile choice for daily errands, weekend adventures, and outdoor enthusiasts needing flexible space without stepping up to a larger SUV.
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.
How much weight can a Subaru Forester hold inside?
A Subaru Forester can carry approximately 1,200 to 1,300 pounds of cargo and passengers, but this is a general estimate and the exact limit depends on the specific model year and trim. To find the precise limit for your vehicle, check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb, which lists the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This number indicates the maximum allowable weight for the vehicle itself plus its passengers, cargo, and any accessories.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the most important number to follow for maximum payload.
- Finding your specific limit: Subtract your vehicle's curb weight (the weight of the car empty) from the GVWR to determine your payload capacity. You can also find the GVWR on the sticker on your driver's side door jamb.
- Example: For a 2023 Forester with a GVWR of 4,891 lbs and a curb weight of around 3,620 lbs (Wilderness trim), the payload capacity is approximately 1,271 lbs.
- Passenger and cargo weight: The total weight of passengers and all cargo inside the car must not exceed this payload capacity.
- Rooftop carriers: Note that rooftop systems have their own limits, such as a dynamic load capacity of 176 lbs and a static load limit of 700 lbs for some roof rails, which are separate from the internal payload capacity.
How much luggage can fit in the Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester has a luggage capacity of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats for the Base trim, and 27.5 cubic feet for other trims, according to Tom Wood Subaru and Subaru of Olathe. With the rear seats folded down, this expands to a maximum of 74.4 cubic feet for the Base trim and 69.1 cubic feet for the other trims.
This video shows the cargo space of the Subaru Forester and compares it with the Subaru Crosstrek: 1mAutotraderYouTube · Feb 18, 2019
- Behind the rear seats: 29.6 cubic feet (Base trim) or 27.5 cubic feet (other trims).
- With rear seats folded: 74.4 cubic feet (Base trim) or 69.1 cubic feet (other trims).
- Cargo area design: The Forester's tall and wide rear hatch opening can make it more practical for carrying bulky items than its cubic footage might suggest, according to Ewing Subaru of Plano and Bill Rapp Subaru.
How much cargo space is behind the seats in the Forester?
Behind the rear seats, you'll get 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, ideal for daily errands, backpacks, and sporting gear. Fold the rear seats flat, and you unlock up to 74.2 cubic feet of room. That's enough for tents, coolers, suitcases, or even a weekend's worth of camping gear.
