How much luggage can a Subaru Outback hold?
As of the latest model years, the Outback offers about 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to roughly 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. These figures can vary slightly by year, trim, and underfloor storage or spare-tire configuration.
Beyond the numbers, the question matters for road trips, family travel, and weekend packing. This article breaks down the cargo capacity, explains how Subaru measures space, and offers real-world packing guidance for common scenarios.
Cargo capacity by configuration
The numbers below are the official cargo volumes reported by Subaru for recent Outback models, shown behind the rear seats (seats up) and with the rear seats folded (seats down). They are useful benchmarks for planning how much luggage you can carry.
- Behind the rear seats (seats up): 32.5 cubic feet = about 0.92 cubic meters
- With the rear seats folded: 75.7 cubic feet = about 2.14 cubic meters
Note: Some trims use different underfloor storage or spare tire arrangements that can slightly affect usable space. Real-world packing may be a bit lower than the official maximum, depending on floor plan and cargo dividers.
Practical packing scenarios
To help visualize how the space translates into luggage, consider these common setups for two adults, a family, or a camping weekend.
Before we list typical configurations, keep in mind these are rough estimates based on standard luggage sizes; actual capacity varies with bag dimensions, organizers, and whether the spare tire is stored in the cargo floor.
- Two adults on a weekend trip: about 2 large suitcases (27–28 inches) plus 2 carry-ons and a couple of day packs; rear cargo area is usually enough to accommodate these with room to spare.
- Family of four for a long weekend: roughly 4–6 mid-size suitcases or 6–8 duffel bags, plus backpacks and smaller bags; the folded rear seats create substantial additional space for gear, clothing, and supplies.
- Camping or outdoor gear: bulky items like tents, sleeping bags, and cooler boxes can be packed alongside luggage, with a mix of duffels and bags filling the remaining space; consider a roof box or hitch-mounted cargo carrier for overland setups.
In practice, many Outback owners report that the interior space comfortably handles a typical family weekend with several suitcases and additional bags, especially when the rear seats are folded for more room.
Summary
The Subaru Outback provides a practical balance of luggage space: about 32.5 cubic feet behind the seats and up to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down, with slight variations by year and trim. For real-world packing, plan for 2–6 suitcases and multiple bags for a family, or more for camping gear, and consider extra external storage if you regularly exceed the interior limits.
