How much weight can I put in the back of a Subaru Forester?
The practical answer is that most Forester models can carry about 1,000 pounds of total payload (passengers plus cargo) in the back. The exact figure depends on your model year, trim, and equipment, so always verify your vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight on the door sticker or in the owner's manual.
Understanding payload and cargo capacity
Payload is the total amount of weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and any accessories. For a Forester, the payload is calculated as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle with standard fluids and no occupants). To determine how much you can load specifically in the rear, you subtract the weight of any people you’re carrying from the overall payload.
To figure out how much weight you can load in the back of your particular Forester, use these steps:
- Find the GVWR for your vehicle (usually printed on the driver’s door placard or listed in the owner's manual).
- Find the curb weight (unloaded weight) for your exact model and trim (also on the placard or in the specs section of the manual).
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to obtain the total payload capacity.
- Estimate the weight of passengers you’ll carry and subtract that from the total payload to determine the maximum cargo load behind the rear seats.
- Keep in mind tire load ratings and any additional load limits from Subaru; distribute weight evenly and secure items properly.
In practice, this method gives you the safe maximum for cargo behind the rear seats, while accounting for occupants in the front or back.
Year-to-year variations and where to look for exact numbers
Payload figures can vary with year, trim, and equipment. Overall, Foresters in recent years typically fall in a loose range of about 900 to 1,200 pounds of total payload, but exact numbers depend on the specific vehicle. For the most accurate figure for your car, consult the door jamb sticker and your owner's manual, or contact a Subaru dealer with your VIN.
Before you load heavy items into the back, confirm these numbers for your vehicle and use them as the basis for planning your cabin and cargo load.
Practical loading tips for safe carrying
How you load the back matters as much as how much you can carry. Use these guidelines to maintain safe handling and performance:
- Place heavier items low and as close to the rear axle as possible to minimize rear suspension strain and maintain balance.
- Distribute weight evenly left to right to avoid imbalance that can affect steering and braking.
- Do not exceed the tire load ratings or the overall payload capacity; use securing straps or nets to prevent shifting.
- Secure loose items to prevent movement during acceleration, braking, or cornering.
- Periodically recheck load after adding or removing items, especially on long trips.
Adhering to these practices helps preserve handling, braking performance, and tire life while you maximize usable cargo space.
Roof racks and roof-mounted cargo
Loading cargo on the roof is a separate consideration from rear-cabin payload. Roof load limits are specified by Subaru and vary by model year; they are typically lower than cabin payload limits and include dynamic (in-motion) and static values. Always consult the owner’s manual or the roof load rating label on your vehicle to determine the maximum weight you may place on the roof and how to distribute it safely.
When using roof racks, remember that roof-mounted cargo contributes to overall load but is not counted against rear-cabin payload in the same way. Check the exact roof load limit for your Forester and secure items properly to avoid affecting handling or causing damage.
Summary
In short, the safe maximum cargo load behind the Forester’s rear seats is part of the vehicle’s total payload, which is typically around 1,000 pounds for many recent models but varies by year and trim. Always verify GVWR and curb weight from the door sticker or manual, subtract occupants’ weight, and secure all cargo. If you plan roof-loading, use the roof load rating from your manual and distribute weight carefully. By checking the official specs and loading responsibly, you keep the Forester’s performance, safety, and reliability intact.
For precise numbers, consult your vehicle’s GVWR, curb weight, and roof load rating in the owner's manual or on the door placard, and contact a Subaru dealer if you have any doubt.
Can you put a mattress in the back of a Subaru Forester?
In terms of standard mattress sizes, the closest mattress that will fit in the back of most Subaru Forester models is a Twin. However, standard-sized mattresses do not take advantage of all of the available space.
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 weight limit for a 2016 Subaru Forester?
1,500 pounds
Current-generation Forester models are rated for a maximum of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Subaru's model-year press kits list 1,500 pounds for standard trims, and Subaru's own Forester-versus-Outback comparison reiterates the Forester's 1,500-pound limit for non-Wilderness versions.
How much weight can a Subaru Forester hold inside?
The Subaru Forester can carry 1,200-1,400 pounds of passengers and cargo.
