Is a Subaru Forester a good car for camping?

Yes. The Forester is a solid choice for camping, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who want standard all‑wheel drive, versatile cargo space, and a comfortable daily driver.

Why the Forester works for camping

Several design traits make the Forester well suited to weekend and extended trips into the wild. Here are the core strengths campers tend to value.

• Standard all‑wheel drive across most trims, with available X‑Mode for light off‑road traction in wet or uneven conditions.


• Reasonable ground clearance and a wagon‑like stance that handles dirt roads, gravel, and snow better than many compact crossovers.


• Flexible cargo space, with substantial storage behind the rear seats and surprisingly large capacity when the rear seats are folded flat.


• Rear seats that fold to create a flat load floor, making it easier to lay out a sleeping surface or to pack bulky gear.


• Rugged-roof options, including roof rails and crossbars, which support roof-top tents, bikes, kayaks, or cargo carriers.


• Practical interior and good visibility for safe driving in campgrounds, forests, or mountain passes.


• Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance and a reputation for reliability, which can ease long drives to remote campsites.

Taken together, these features give campers a balanced package: capable traction, flexible space, and the ability to double as a comfortable daily driver when not camping.

Sleeping options and interior layout

One of the Forester’s most practical camping attributes is how easily you can adapt the interior for sleep or gear storage. Here are common setups campers use.

• Rear seats fold flat to create a large, even sleeping surface. A thin mattress or high‑density sleeping pad can turn the cargo area into a comfortable bed for one or two people.


• The 60/40 or 40/20/40 rear seat configurations (depending on model year and trim) let you sleep on one side while keeping some storage access on the other.


• Roof‑top tents are a popular upgrade for Forester owners who want to keep the sleeping area off the ground and preserve cargo space inside the cabin.


• Ventilation is straightforward: open the windows a crack or use compatible rain‑proof venting solutions to reduce condensation and keep air fresh while you sleep.

With careful planning, the Forester’s interior can support a comfortable, compact camping setup that suits solo travelers or couples on short trips.

Things to consider when camping with a Forester

While the Forester offers many camping‑friendly traits, there are some trade‑offs to keep in mind as you plan trips and gear.

• Not a full‑blown off‑grid expedition vehicle: while capable on dirt roads and light trails, it’s designed for general camping use rather than extreme overlanding.


• Sleeping width and length can be limited for taller individuals or two people sharing a tight space inside the cabin; many campers opt for the cargo area or a roof tent for extra room.


• Ground clearance and approach/departure angles vary by trim; the standard setup is adequate for most campgrounds but not a substitute for a dedicated off‑road SUV.


• Roof equipment adds weight and can affect handling; plan roof loads and crossbar positions carefully to preserve driving dynamics and safety.


• Upgrade cost and practicality: features like a roof‑top tent or a high‑capacity roof rack add to the initial purchase price and may require additional accessories.

In short, the Forester excels as a versatile camping companion for weekend trips and easy-to-reach campsites, while it remains best suited for daylight driving and general outdoor adventures rather than extreme expeditions.

Practical camping setups with a Forester

If you’re planning trips, these setups highlight practical ways to maximize the Forester’s space and capabilities.

• Flat sleeping surface: use a compact sleeping pad or a thin foam mattress to cover the folded rear floor, ensuring a level, comfortable bed without sacrificing gear room.


• Roof‑top tent option: a roof tent keeps you off the ground, reduces condensation risk, and preserves interior space for cooking and gear.


• Storage organization: lightweight, stackable bins fit well in the cargo area; consider a cargo organizer to keep gear compact and accessible.


• Power and comfort: carry a small portable power bank or portable power station for charging devices, fans, or a compact cooler; ensure you have appropriate adapters for the car’s outlets and USB ports.

These setups help you tailor the Forester to your camping style, whether you’re chasing backcountry solitude or family-friendly weekend trips.

Summary

The Subaru Forester stands out as a camper’s companion thanks to its standard AWD, flexible interior, and practical cargo options. It handles most campground adventures with confidence and can be configured for comfortable sleeping either inside the cargo area or with a roof‑top solution. While it isn’t a hardcore off‑roader or a specialized camper van, its balance of on‑road comfort and camping practicality makes it a strong, up‑to‑date option for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Are foresters good for camping?

So, Is a Subaru Forester and a Roof Tent The Perfect Overland Solution? The Subaru Forster but also the outback and crosstrek are definitely good SUV for sofroading, overlanding or camper conversion and we saw that these Subaru can hold a roof tent without any problems.

What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?

Common Subaru Forester cons include slow acceleration, a less refined engine, and potential issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other drawbacks are a bouncy ride over large bumps, lower-than-expected cargo capacity compared to some rivals, and a less innovative infotainment system. Older models also have a history of specific problems like head gasket failure, which buyers should be aware of, notes CoPilot for Car Shopping.
 
Performance and handling

• Lack of power: Acceleration is often described as leisurely due to the engine's modest horsepower and torque output. 
• CVT issues: Some owners report shaking or jerking, particularly when accelerating from a stop, which can be related to the CVT. 
• Ride quality: The ride can be uncomfortable over large bumps, feeling bouncy despite being generally pleasant. 
• Refinement: The engine lacks the refinement of competitors, and the boxy shape contributes to wind noise. 

Design and technology

• Cargo space: The cargo area is significantly smaller than some top competitors in the segment. 
• Infotainment: The infotainment system can have touch sensitivity issues and may be less innovative than some rivals. 
• Driver assist issues: Some owners have reported issues with the alerts from driver assistance features, notes Edmunds. 

Reliability (older models)

• Engine problems: Older generations, particularly from 1998-2002, are known for head gasket failures. Subsequent models (2003, 2006, 2009-2010) have also seen issues with head gaskets and other engine problems.
• Oil consumption: Some model years, particularly between 2011-2013, have been plagued by excessive oil consumption. 

Which Subaru is best for camping?

The best Subaru for camping depends on your needs: the Outback is ideal for maximum interior space, especially for sleeping, while the Forester is a great all-around option with excellent visibility and a slightly more compact, nimble feel. For those needing more seating, the Ascent is the best choice for larger groups, and the Crosstrek is a good, budget-friendly option for smaller loads and backcountry trips. 
Outback

• Best for: Maximum cargo and sleeping space. 
• Pros: Its wagon-like body style provides the most interior length for sleeping, and it has generous cargo capacity. Wilderness models offer enhanced off-road capability. 
• Considerations: It is longer than the Forester, which is a key advantage for sleeping comfortably. 

Forester

• Best for: A balance of space, visibility, and efficiency. 
• Pros: Offers a good amount of cargo and passenger space, with a high seating position for better visibility. A new design brings updated tech and comfort features. 
• Considerations: It is slightly shorter than the Outback, but still offers enough room for camping, especially if you use the space in the front footwells. 

Crosstrek

• Best for: A compact, affordable option that is still capable. 
• Pros: Excellent for smaller groups and backcountry adventures due to its smaller size and maneuverability. The Wilderness trim has impressive towing capacity. 
• Considerations: It has the least amount of interior space compared to the Outback and Forester. 

Ascent

• Best for: Larger groups and families.
• Pros: A three-row SUV that can carry up to 8 people and their gear. Foldable seats provide flexible cargo space. 
• Considerations: It's a larger vehicle, which might be less ideal for those looking for nimble off-road performance. 

What's the best vehicle for car camping?

7 Best Used Cars for Camping in 2024

• Subaru Outback.
• Toyota 4Runner.
• Jeep Wrangler.
• Ford F-150.
• Chevrolet Suburban.
• Honda CR-V.
• Toyota Tacoma.