What is the load limit on a Subaru Forester?
The Forester’s load limit, or payload, is typically around 1,000 pounds (about 450 kilograms), depending on the exact model year, trim, and equipment. This figure Represents the maximum weight you can carry inside the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and any added accessories beyond the curb weight.
In this article, we explain what payload means for the Forester, how to calculate it for your specific vehicle, and why the number can vary. We’ll also offer practical tips for staying within limits and keeping handling safe.
What the load limit means for the Forester
Payload is the total allowable weight you can add to the vehicle beyond its own curb weight. It includes every occupant and any cargo or gear. It is separate from towing capacity, which is a different specification tied to trailer weight and hitch setup.
How to determine your specific payload
To calculate your own payload, you need two official weights from the vehicle: GVWR and curb weight. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Find the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on the driver’s door jamb placard, in the owner’s manual, or in Subaru’s official specifications for your year and trim. GVWR is the maximum combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and accessories.
- Find the curb weight (often listed as curb weight or base weight) for your exact trim via the placard, the owner’s manual, or Subaru’s spec sheets. Curb weight is the vehicle’s weight with standard equipment, essential fluids, and a full fuel tank, but without passengers or cargo.
- Subtract curb weight from GVWR to obtain payload capacity. For example, if GVWR is 4,500 lb and curb weight is 3,430 lb, payload ≈ 1,070 lb.
- Remember that your payload includes all people and cargo; the more passengers you carry, the less cargo payload remains available.
With this knowledge, you can plan loads more accurately and avoid exceeding the vehicle’s designed limits.
Typical payload range for Forester models
Payload can vary by year, trim, and equipment, but most Foresters offer around 800 to 1,100 pounds of payload capacity. Always verify for your exact vehicle by consulting the GVWR and curb weight listed on the door placard or in the owner’s manual.
- Common range: roughly 800–1,100 pounds depending on generation, trim, and added equipment.
- Important caveat: payload is consumed by passengers and cargo alike, so a full crew reduces cargo capacity accordingly.
In practice, staying within the stated payload helps maintain the Forester’s handling, braking performance, and tire load specifications.
Summary
For most Subaru Forester models, the practical load limit is about 1,000 pounds of payload, but the exact figure depends on GVWR, curb weight, and optional equipment. To determine your precise payload, locate the GVWR and curb weight for your year and trim, then subtract curb weight from GVWR. Always account for the weight of passengers and cargo, and avoid exceeding the calculated limit to preserve safety and performance.
