Is Subaru Forester a small or medium SUV?
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV, not a midsize (medium) SUV.
In most markets, vehicles are categorized by size into subcompact, compact, midsize, and large. The Forester is designed as a two-row, five-seat crossover with standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing practicality, efficiency, and maneuverability over third-row seating—traits that place it in the compact SUV segment rather than midsize.
Where the Forester fits in size and space
Understanding its measurements and layout helps explain why it’s labeled compact. The following snapshot highlights the main numbers and design choices that define its segment.
- Length: approximately 182 inches (about 463 cm)
- Wheelbase: about 106 inches
- Seating: five passengers (two rows)
- Cargo behind rear seats: around 30 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo with rear seats folded: around 76 cubic feet
- Drivetrain: standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
These design choices—two-row seating, compact footprint, and practical cargo space—are typical of compact SUVs and distinguish the Forester from midsize, three-row models.
How it compares to midsize SUVs
To understand the distinction, here is how a typical midsize SUV differs from the Forester in practice. Midsize rivals often offer larger footprints, more interior width, extra seating options, and higher prices. The Forester remains a two-row, five-seat vehicle with a legible interior that prioritizes all-weather capability and efficiency over third-row practicality.
- Footprint and length: midsize SUVs are generally longer, often surpassing about 190 inches; the Forester stays around the low 180s, keeping it easier to park and maneuver.
- Seating: many midsize models offer optional third-row seating; the Forester does not.
- Interior space: midsize SUVs typically provide more rear-seat legroom and cargo volume in standard configurations.
- Pricing and trims: midsize models tend to be pricier, with more diverse powertrain options.
For buyers who prioritize compact maneuverability, strong all-wheel-drive capability, and a lower price point, the Forester’s size profile makes it a practical compact SUV rather than a midsize option.
Regional perspectives on classification
Across markets, the precise label can vary. In the United States and Europe, the Forester is almost universally described as a compact crossover SUV. Some markets may loosely refer to it as a “small SUV” due to its compact footprint, but the technical and marketing language in most regions places it in the compact class.
Summary
The Subaru Forester is best described as a compact SUV with two rows of seating and standard all-wheel drive. It offers a practical balance of space, efficiency, and capability without the extended interior volume or optional third row that characterize midsize SUVs. For buyers who want a versatile, easy-to-drive SUV in the compact segment, the Forester fits that niche well.
