How much weight can you put in a Subaru Forester?
In general, a Subaru Forester can carry about 1,000 to 1,300 pounds of payload (combined weight of passengers and cargo) and can tow up to roughly 1,500 pounds with the right equipment. The exact numbers depend on the model year, trim, and options.
Payload refers to the total weight the vehicle can safely carry inside and on board, and it is limited by the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Because Foresters vary by year and configuration, the precise payload and towing figures can differ. Always check the door jamb sticker and the owner's manual for your specific model to verify the ratings.
Payload capacity: what it means for Forester
Payload is the combined weight of occupants and cargo that you add to the vehicle. Most Forester models fall in a practical range, but exact numbers shift with changes in trim, equipment, and drivetrain. Understanding payload helps you plan safe, balanced loading for daily use or road trips.
- The typical payload range for many Forester models is about 1,000–1,300 pounds (approximately 450–590 kg).
- Factors that influence payload include trim level, optional equipment (like a Tow Package), and whether the vehicle is front- or all-wheel drive.
When loading, remember that payload is consumed by both passengers and cargo. Exceeding the rated payload reduces handling and can affect braking, stability, and tire wear. For accuracy, always verify the exact rating on your vehicle’s GVWR label and use it as your ceiling.
Towing capacity
For owners who need to tow, the Forester’s maximum towing capacity is typically around 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This figure can vary by model year and trim, so it’s essential to confirm with the owner’s manual and the dealer for your specific vehicle.
- Maximum towing capacity: about 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg) with the appropriate towing equipment.
- Not every Forester is equipped for towing; some markets or trims may have different limits. Always verify with the official documentation for your exact model year.
Hitching a trailer or bike rack requires attention to tongue weight, hitch rating, and trailer braking requirements. Stay within the stated limit to preserve handling and braking performance, and consult a professional if you’re uncertain about installation or legal requirements.
Roof load and external cargo
Weight carried on the roof is not included in interior payload and carries its own limit. Roof-mounted gear adds significant load to the vehicle’s center of gravity and handling, so it must be kept within the roof load specification and distributed properly when using crossbars or racks.
- Typical roof load limit: about 150 pounds (roughly 68 kg), though this can vary by year and equipment. Always confirm the exact figure for your Forester.
- Roof weight is separate from interior payload; if you carry roof cargo, do not exceed the total GVWR when combined with passengers and interior cargo.
Safe roof loading means using proper racks, securing gear, and evenly distributing weight, while not surpassing the roof’s rated limit. Check the owner’s manual for guidance on rack compatibility and maximum dynamic load.
How to calculate the payload for your Forester
To determine how much more you can load, follow these steps using your model’s exact ratings:
- Locate the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) on the door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual. This is the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- Find the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight without passengers or cargo) for your exact model year and configuration.
- Compute payload capacity: GVWR minus curb weight.
- Estimate current occupants’ weight and subtract that from the payload capacity to see how much cargo you can safely add inside.
- If you plan to use roof-mounted gear, add that weight separately and ensure the total does not exceed GVWR.
- When towing, don’t exceed the specified trailer/tow rating and consider tongue weight requirements as part of your load assessment.
By following these steps, you can tailor loading to your specific Forester and avoid overloading, which can impact braking, steering, and overall safety.
Practical loading tips
To maximize safety and performance, keep these guidelines in mind when loading a Forester:
- Distribute weight evenly from side to side and keep the heaviest items low and close to the center of the vehicle.
- Use a stable cargo area for heavy items and secure them with straps or nets to prevent shifting during transit.
- Regularly check tire pressures and ensure they are inflated to the recommended levels for the load you’re carrying.
- Avoid overpacking the interior; remember that all passengers and cargo contribute to payload and affect braking and handling.
Always err on the side of caution and consult your owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer if you’re planning heavy loads or frequent towing scenarios.
Summary
The Subaru Forester generally accommodates about 1,000–1,300 pounds of payload and can tow up to about 1,500 pounds with the right equipment. Roof-mounted cargo adds its own limit (often around 150 pounds) and is separate from interior payload. For precise numbers, check your vehicle’s GVWR and curb weight on the door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual, and plan loads accordingly to maintain safe performance and handling.
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.
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.
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 you put inside a Subaru Forester?
A Subaru Forester can carry a payload of 1,200-1,400 pounds (passengers and cargo) and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds on most models, though the Wilderness trim can tow up to 3,000 pounds. The specific payload and towing capacity can vary based on the model year and trim level, so it's crucial to check the vehicle's specific information on the door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual.
Payload (passengers and cargo)
- Capacity: A standard Subaru Forester can carry between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds of combined weight for passengers and cargo.
- Important: The maximum payload is a maximum limit for everything in the car, including the driver.
- Check: For the most accurate information, look for a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb that lists the exact payload capacity for your specific vehicle.
Towing
- Standard models: Most Subaru Forester models have a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
- Wilderness trim: The Wilderness trim, and other specific models like the 2023 and newer, have a higher towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
- Brake-equipped trailers: Some models with a trailer brake can tow up to 3,000 pounds.
- Check: Always consult your specific model's owner's manual for its precise towing specifications before towing a trailer.
