Is it possible to sleep in the back of a Subaru Forester?
Yes. Folding the rear seats down creates a flat area that many people use for car camping or overnight trips. With the right sleeping pad and setup, the Forester can serve as a comfortable temporary bed when parked legally and safely. This article explains how to do it, what to expect, and how to stay comfortable and safe.
Space and layout: What sleeping in the Forester looks like
The Forester typically offers a fold-flat cargo floor when the rear seats are lowered, which creates a sleeping surface that runs the length of the cargo area. Front-seat position and the exact shape of the floor can affect overall flatness, and wheel-well humps on the sides may require bridging with a thick pad or foam to achieve a continuous surface. Overall, the space is generally long enough for many adults to lie down, with room to accommodate a compact sleeping setup along the floor.
Model-year considerations
Across generations, the basic approach remains the same: fold the rear seats to maximize flatness, then place a sleeping surface on top. Variations in floor flatness and usable length come from seat geometry and interior packaging, but most Foresters allow a continuous sleeping area when properly arranged.
How to set up a sleeping platform
The following steps outline a practical, common approach to turning the back of a Forester into a bed for the night.
- Lower the rear seatbacks to create the longest possible flat surface. If the seats are 60/40 split, fold both sections down for the widest area.
- Bridge wheel wells with a thick sleeping pad or a tailored foam bridge so the surface is level across the floor.
- Place a sleeping pad, memory-foam mattress topper, or a high-quality cot-style pad across the cargo floor. Use a fitted sheet or a sleeping bag liner to keep the surface clean and comfortable.
- Add blankets, a warm sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures, and a pillow for head support. Layer for temperature control as needed.
- Secure loose items so they don’t shift while you move or if you drive briefly. A non-slip mat under the sleeping surface helps keep it in place.
With the bed in place, you should have a reasonably comfortable flat area to lie down and sleep. If you’re sharing the space with a fellow camper, consider a divider or separate bedding zones for personal comfort.
Safety and comfort tips
Preparing to sleep in a car requires attention to ventilation, temperature, and security. The tips below help promote safety and comfort during an overnight in a Forester.
- Ventilation: Crack a window slightly to allow fresh air in and reduce condensation. If you’re using a fan, keep it on a low setting and point it away from your face.
- Heat and CO safety: Do not run a combustion heater or the engine for heat while sleeping, and avoid prolonged idling. Use appropriate clothing and a cold- or moderate-weather sleeping bag; consider battery-powered or solar-recharged fans for comfort.
- Privacy and security: Park in a well-lit, legal area. Use window shades or blackout curtains if available to maintain privacy and block light.
- Temperature management: Layer clothing and blankets for warmth. An insulating pad or reflective emergency blanket under your sleeping pad can improve warmth.
- Personal safety: Keep valuables out of sight, lock doors when you’re away, and inform someone of your location if you’re camping in an unfamiliar area.
These practices help reduce risks and improve comfort when sleeping in a Forester’s back compartment.
Practical notes by Forester generation
Forester models generally share the ability to fold the rear seats for a sleeping surface, but there are practical differences in floor flatness, cargo length, and seat geometry by generation. When in doubt, test the setup at home or in a safe area to confirm that you have enough length and a reasonably flat surface for your preferred sleeping pad.
- Older generations often require a bit more arranging to achieve a fully flat surface, especially around wheel wells. A bridging pad helps even things out.
- Newer generations tend to offer a smoother flat-loading floor and more usable length when seats are folded, but the exact geometry can still vary by trim level and seat configuration.
In practice, you’ll want to verify fit with your specific model year and seat configuration before relying on it for overnight camping.
Legal and safety considerations
Sleeping in a car is allowed in many locations, but rules vary by city, state/province, and country. Always confirm local regulations and campground policies. Important safety notes include ensuring adequate ventilation when sleeping in a vehicle, avoiding prolonged engine idling, and choosing safe, legal parking spots away from traffic, with a plan to move before sunrise if required by local rules.
Alternatives to sleeping in the Forester
If you want more space or a different experience, several alternatives exist for overnight camping besides sleeping directly in the back seat.
- Rooftop or cabin tent setups that attach to a vehicle.
- Dedicated camping trailers or small caravans that can be towed or parked nearby.
- Car camping with a separate inflatable cot or advanced sleeping platform that fits the cargo area more precisely.
These options provide different comfort levels, setup times, and legal considerations compared with sleeping in the Forester’s back interior.
Summary
In short, sleeping in the back of a Subaru Forester is feasible and commonly done by road trippers and campers. The key is folding the rear seats to create a flat surface, bridging any wheel-well humps with a suitable sleeping pad, and ensuring ventilation, warmth, and safety. Model-year differences may affect how flat the floor is and how long the sleeping area can be, so it pays to test your setup beforehand and comply with local laws and campground rules. For longer trips or greater comfort, consider alternatives like airier sleeping arrangements or a small camping setup that complements your Forester.
Do Subaru Forester back seats fold flat?
The trunk/cargo bay itself offers up to a bit over 31 cubic feet of spaciousness for ample storage. But for even more space and configurations, 60/40-split rear seats that fold flat come as standard equipment to open up the entire area behind the front seats.
Can you fit a mattress in the back of a Subaru Forester?
It fits into the cubby holes in the very back by the rear door. The cover for the boot sits on top. Pretty level this way. Got a memory foam mattress, 4'' thick I think. It was like 60 bucks, its amazing, got it on ebay. Folds well enough to fit in the back with the seats up, and still can see out of the rear window.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Oil Consumption
Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.
Is Forester 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.
