What is the most spacious Subaru?
The Subaru Ascent is the most spacious model in Subaru's current lineup, offering a three-row seating configuration and the largest cargo area among Subaru SUVs.
The space leader: Subaru Ascent
The Ascent was designed to maximize interior room for families and groups, delivering seating for up to eight and a substantial cargo area even with all seats in use. Its size advantage comes from the three-row layout and a forgiving interior packaging that prioritizes legroom and utility.
Model-by-model space snapshot
Below is a concise, side-by-side look at how interior space stacks up across the latest Subaru lineup. Figures are typical for recent model years and can vary by trim or year. Use these benchmarks to gauge real-world usability for passengers and luggage.
- Subaru Ascent: Three rows, up to eight passengers. Cargo behind the third row is roughly 17–19 cubic feet; behind the second row about 46–50 cubic feet; with both second and third rows folded, total cargo capacity roughly 86–87 cubic feet. Passenger volume is the largest among Subarus, reflecting its three-row design.
- Subaru Forester: Two rows, up to five passengers. Cargo behind the rear seats about 28–32 cubic feet; with the rear seats folded, around 70–76 cubic feet. Passenger volume is ~110–112 cubic feet, which is ample for a compact SUV.
- Subaru Outback: Two rows, up to five passengers. Cargo behind the rear seats around 32–33 cubic feet; with seats folded, roughly 75–77 cubic feet. Passenger volume is similar to the Forester, in the low 110s cubic feet range.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Two rows, up to five passengers. Cargo behind the rear seats about 20–21 cubic feet; with seats folded, roughly 50–55 cubic feet. Passenger volume is around 99–100 cubic feet, making it the smallest in space among the group.
- Subaru Legacy: A mid-size sedan with five seats. Trunk space is about 15–16 cubic feet; passenger volume is in the low 100s cubic feet. It offers generous legroom but does not compete with SUVs for total interior volume.
Conclusion: Across Subaru’s current lineup, the Ascent clearly leads in overall interior space thanks to its three-row configuration and expansive cargo area. For the most room to haul people and bags, the Ascent is the definitive choice.
How space translates to everyday use
Choosing the most spacious Subaru depends on how you intend to use the vehicle. If you regularly carry seven or eight passengers or need substantial cargo with all seats in use, the Ascent provides the most practical space. If you primarily transport five people and want a lower, more car-like footprint with ample cargo, the Forester or Outback offers generous cargo capacity and a more compact feel. The Crosstrek adds efficiency and maneuverability with modest cargo space, while the Legacy serves as a spacious sedan alternative when a minivan-like interior isn’t required.
Summary
Among Subaru’s current models, the Ascent stands out as the most spacious option overall, delivering the strongest combination of passenger capacity and cargo versatility via its three-row design. For buyers prioritizing interior room, the Ascent is the model to consider, while the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Legacy offer strong—but smaller—alternatives depending on footprint and body style.
