Which has more trunk space, the Outback or the Forester?
Forester offers more total cargo space when the rear seats are folded, while the Outback provides slightly more space with the seats up. For the 2024 model year, the Forester delivers about 76.1 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded, compared with roughly 72.7 cubic feet in the Outback. With the rear seats up, the Outback provides about 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space, versus about 31.1 cubic feet in the Forester.
Cargo space by measurement
The two key measurements buyers care about are space behind the rear seats (useful when you have passengers) and the maximum cargo when the back seats are folded flat. The latest Subaru specs show how the numbers compare between the Outback and Forester.
- Behind rear seats (cubic feet): Outback ≈ 32.5 cu ft; Forester ≈ 31.1 cu ft
- Max cargo with rear seats folded (cubic feet): Outback ≈ 72.7 cu ft; Forester ≈ 76.1 cu ft
In everyday use, the Outback offers a touch more cargo space with seats in place, while the Forester finally pulls ahead when you fold the rear bench flat for larger loads.
Notes on year-to-year differences
Car manufacturers tweak interior geometry slightly each year, so exact numbers can vary by trim, spare tire option, and measurement methodology. For the current model year 2024, Subaru reports the figures listed above.
Practical takeaways for buyers
Consider how you’ll use the trunk space most often—daily errands with passengers or occasional trips with bulky gear—and choose accordingly.
- If you regularly carry bulky items with the back seats up, Outback offers a bit more space behind the rear seats (32.5 cu ft vs 31.1 cu ft in the Forester).
- If maximum cargo capacity with seats folded matters most, the Forester edges out the Outback (76.1 cu ft vs 72.7 cu ft).
Bottom line: both models are competitive for cargo, but the Forester shines when you frequently fold the seats for large loads, while the Outback remains convenient for everyday cargo with passengers aboard.
Summary
Both the Subaru Outback and Forester offer versatile trunk space, with the Forester providing the larger maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded and the Outback offering a touch more room with the seats up. Buyers should consider their typical loading patterns and choose accordingly. For the current 2024 model year, Forester max cargo ≈ 76.1 cu ft; Outback max ≈ 72.7 cu ft; behind seats, Outback ≈ 32.5 cu ft; Forester ≈ 31.1 cu ft.
