What is the maximum weight a Subaru Forester can carry?
The Forester’s maximum carry weight, or payload, is typically about 1,000 to 1,300 pounds, depending on the model year and trim. The exact figure is printed on the vehicle’s door-jamb placard. To know your specific Forester’s limit, use the GVWR minus the curb weight formula and factor in any roof load separately.
Understanding payload helps ensure safe loading and handling. The maximum payload includes all passengers, cargo, and any accessories that add weight to the vehicle. Exceeding this limit can affect braking, steering, and stability, especially in combination with roof loads or towing. Always verify the official specification for your exact vehicle and conditions.
How to determine your Forester's payload
Follow these steps to calculate the exact payload for your particular Forester model and configuration:
- Locate the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the door-jamb placard, which is usually near the driver’s door. This number represents the maximum combined weight the vehicle is designed to carry.
- Find the curb weight (the vehicle’s weight with standard fluids and no payload) from the same placard or from the owner’s manual/spec sheet.
- Compute payload = GVWR minus curb weight. This yields the maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo you can carry safely.
- Account for any roof-mounted weight. Static roof load limits (the weight the roof can carry when stationary) are separate from payload and are typically about 150 pounds on many Forester models; exceeding this reduces the payload available for passengers and cargo inside the cabin.
- Verify with the owner’s manual and, if in doubt, consult a Subaru dealer to confirm the exact figures for your vehicle’s year, trim, and equipment.
By following these steps, you can determine the precise payload and plan loads without compromising safety or performance.
Typical payload ranges and roof load considerations
Payload varies by generation, trim, and optional equipment, but most newer Foresters fall within a common range. Here are approximate expectations across recent generations:
- Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 pounds for early-to-mid generation models, with variations based on equipment and drivetrain.
- Approximately 1,100 to 1,300 pounds for many later generations, with some configurations capable of approaching around 1,350 pounds.
- Roof load (static) is usually limited to about 150 pounds on many model years; any roof-mounted cargo reduces the interior payload accordingly.
Always remember that payload is a ceiling for the entirety of the vehicle’s load: passengers plus cargo inside, plus any added accessories, may not exceed the GVWR. Roof-mounted items count toward overall weight and are separate from the interior payload, so plan luggage and supplies with care.
Safety and practical loading tips
Use these practical guidelines to load safely and maintain driving performance:
- Distribute weight evenly side-to-side and keep heavier items low and centered to preserve handling.
- Place the heaviest items as close to the vehicle’s center and floor as possible.
- Keep weight behind the front axle to avoid excessive rear loading, which can affect steering and braking.
- Do not exceed the stated payload or roof load for any reason, including when using roof racks or cargo boxes.
- Recalculate payload when adding occupants or extra cargo for long trips or towing, and consider reducing interior cargo to stay within limits.
Summary
The maximum payload for a Subaru Forester is not a fixed number across all models; it depends on the GVWR, curb weight, and equipment. In practice, most recent Forester models offer a payload in the 1,000–1,300 pound range, with roof loads around 150 pounds separate from interior payload. To know your exact limit, check the door-jamb placard, perform the GVWR minus curb weight calculation, and consult the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer if you have any questions.
In short: load within the documented payload, distribute weight wisely, and treat roof and interior loads as separate but cumulative constraints to maintain safety and performance.
How much weight can I put in my 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.
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.
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.
What is the weight limit for a 2016 Subaru Forester?
1,500 pounds
Current-generation Forester models are rated for a maximum of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Subaru's model-year press kits list 1,500 pounds for standard trims, and Subaru's own Forester-versus-Outback comparison reiterates the Forester's 1,500-pound limit for non-Wilderness versions.
