How much weight can I carry in my Subaru Forester?
In practical terms: most Foresters can carry about 1,000 pounds of payload—passengers plus cargo—though the exact figure depends on the model year, trim level, and equipment. For precise limits, check the door jamb GVWR sticker and the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
Payload basics: what the numbers mean
Payload is the total weight you can legally load inside the vehicle, including people, cargo, and any hitch or accessories that contribute to the load. It is determined by subtracting the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight with standard equipment and fluids, but no passengers or cargo) from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), a rating supplied by the manufacturer. Different model years and trims can shift these numbers slightly due to equipment, tires, and options, so the exact payload varies by vehicle.
How to estimate your Forester's payload
To determine a ballpark payload for your exact vehicle, you can use these steps:
- Find the GVWR stamped on the door placard or in the owner's manual. This is the maximum gross weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers, cargo, and any hitch weight if towing.
- Find your curb weight (the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids, no passengers or cargo). This can be found in the owner's manual, on a sticker, or in official specifications for your model year.
- Estimate the load you expect to carry (passengers, cargo, and any hitch weight if towing).
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to get the payload capacity. Then subtract the weight actually on board (including occupants) to stay within the remaining capacity.
Understanding this calculation helps you avoid overloading, which can affect braking, handling, and tire wear.
Practical tips for staying within payload limits
Putting weight inside the Forester is not just about a number; it’s about how you load and distribute it. The following tips help you stay safe and maintain predictable handling when carrying a heavy load.
- Distribute weight evenly: place heavier items low and centered, rather than high up or off to one side.
- Account for all occupants: add the weight of all passengers, including adults and children, on every trip and subtract from the payload.
- Use the cargo area efficiently: use organizers and tie-downs to secure items and prevent shifting during stops and turns.
- Roof cargo adds extra weight: items carried on the roof are additional load beyond the interior payload. Check roof load limits in the manual and avoid exceeding combined vehicle load.
- Drive cautiously with a full load: heavier payload affects braking distances, acceleration, and cornering. Allow extra stopping distance and drive smoothly.
Keeping weight within the payload rating helps preserve braking, steering, and stability, especially in highway driving or during quick maneuvers.
Model-year differences and where to find the exact figure
The exact payload varies by year, trim, and equipment because curb weight changes with engines, tires, and options. The most reliable sources are the door jamb placard (GVWR and seating capacity) and the owner's manual or official Subaru specifications for your year. If you’re shopping used, expect small variations based on options and regional equipment.
Summary
In summary, the typical payload for a Subaru Forester is around 1,000 to 1,150 pounds, but you should verify the specific figure for your vehicle. Always calculate payload as GVWR minus curb weight and subtract the actual load you carry, including occupants. Use even weight distribution, account for roof loads separately, and consult the door placard and owner’s manual for exact, year-specific limits.
How much weight can a 2014 Subaru Forester hold?
Subaru Forester Towing Capacity by Year
Subaru Forester models from 2014 to 2024 offer the same base towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
What is the load rating of a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester's load capacity depends on the specific model and what you are carrying. For passengers and cargo, core trims typically have a combined load capacity of about 1,200 to 1,300 pounds, while the Wilderness trim has a slightly lower capacity due to its higher curb weight. For roof racks, the dynamic load limit is 176 pounds, and the static load limit is 700 pounds, which is suitable for carrying a rooftop tent.
Interior cargo and passenger capacity
- Core trims: Approximately 1,2001 comma 2001,200 to 1,3001 comma 3001,300 pounds combined for passengers and cargo, depending on the specific trim and its features.
- Wilderness trim: Has a slightly lower internal load capacity due to a higher curb weight.
- Finding your specific capacity: The exact maximum load for your vehicle (including passengers and cargo) can be found on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame.
Roof rack capacity
- Dynamic load: The maximum weight for items on the roof rack while driving is 176176176 pounds.
- Static load: When the vehicle is parked, the roof rack can support a static load of up to 700700700 pounds, which is suitable for a rooftop tent and its occupants.
Cargo volume
- With rear seats up: The 2025 Forester has about 27.527.527.5 to 29.629.629.6 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on the trim.
- With rear seats down: The cargo volume expands to approximately 69.169.169.1 cubic feet.
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 weight can my car hold inside?
To calculate your car's payload, you need to subtract the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from the kerbweight. GVWR refers to the maximum weight you can safely add to your vehicle. It is unsafe to exceed this limit, as certain components such as the brakes and shock absorbers are not designed to handle such loads.
