Which Subaru has the most room inside?
The Subaru with the most interior room is the Ascent, thanks to its three-row cabin and broad passenger volume.
This article compares interior space across Subaru’s current lineup, explains how seating configurations affect room, and offers guidance on choosing a model based on how much space you actually need.
Measuring interior space: passenger volume and seat layouts
Interior space is typically reported as passenger volume—the total space available for people inside the cabin. The number varies with how many rows of seats you use and whether the second row is a bench or captain’s chairs.
Top Subaru models by passenger space
The following models are the best for interior space in Subaru’s current lineup, listed from most to least passenger volume.
- Subaru Ascent — three-row SUV, the largest cabin with about 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume; can seat up to eight with the second-row bench.
- Subaru Forester — compact SUV with substantial cabin space, about 111.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.
- Subaru Outback — wagon-style SUV with a roomy cabin, around 109–112 cubic feet of passenger volume depending on year and trim.
- Subaru Legacy — midsize sedan with a solid cabin, roughly 105 cubic feet of passenger volume.
- Subaru Crosstrek — subcompact SUV with about 100 cubic feet of passenger volume.
Note: Actual numbers can vary slightly by model year and trim, but the Ascent consistently leads in total passenger space among Subaru’s current models.
How seating choices affect space
In the Ascent, choosing captain’s chairs for the second row reduces seating from eight to seven but can improve second- and third-row legroom for adult passengers. Other models also offer bench vs. individual seating configurations that influence usable room depending on who sits where.
Beyond passenger space: cargo and daily practicality
Interior room isn’t only about people. For many buyers, cargo space and accessibility matter just as much. The three-row Ascent offers more total cabin space, but some shoppers prefer the Forester or Outback for greater cargo room with two rows in use. Here’s a quick look at practical space considerations beyond passenger volume.
- Ascent: large overall cabin; best when you need multiple rows and versatile seating. Third-row cargo and luggage space improve when seats fold flat, but cargo behind the third row remains modest.
- Forester: strong cargo capacity for a compact SUV; easy rear access and flexible storage with seats folded.
- Outback: generous cargo area for a wagon-like footprint; practical for everyday hauling and longer items.
In the end, the choice comes down to whether your priority is maximum passenger seating or maximum cargo flexibility in a Subaru model.
Summary
Among Subaru’s current offerings, the Ascent provides the most interior room for passengers, especially with its three-row configuration. For those who don’t need a third row, the Forester and Outback offer strong cabin space and practical cargo capacity, while the Legacy and Crosstrek round out the lineup with solid—but smaller—interior volumes. Always check the exact numbers for the model year you’re considering and test seating configurations to ensure the space fits your needs.
Which has more room, a Subaru Forester or an Outback?
The Subaru Outback has more cargo space, while the Subaru Forester offers more passenger volume and headroom. The Outback is longer and wider, making it better for hauling bulky items, while the Forester's taller, boxier shape provides a more open feeling for passengers and taller cargo.
You can watch this video to see a detailed comparison of the Subaru Outback and Forester, including interior space and features: 1mSubaruYouTube · Mar 13, 2025
| Feature | Subaru Outback | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Space | Larger. Offers 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. | Smaller. Offers 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. |
| Passenger Volume | Slightly smaller. 109.0 cubic feet. | Larger. 111.6 cubic feet. |
| Headroom | Less headroom. Rear headroom is slightly greater than the Forester, but front headroom is slightly less. | More headroom. Offers slightly more headroom in both the front and rear seats. |
| Interior Feel | Lower roofline and a less boxy shape, which can feel slightly more cramped to some. | Taller, boxier shape with larger windows, which can make the cabin feel more open and airy. |
| Convenience | Retractable roof rails and quick-release levers for folding seats (depending on trim). | Back doors open wider (nearly 90 degrees), making it easier to load children or large items. |
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This video demonstrates the storage differences between the Outback and Forester: 1mTruck KingYouTube · Feb 13, 2025
Which is bigger, a Subaru Forester or Ascent?
Yes, the Subaru Ascent is significantly bigger than the Forester, as the Ascent is a midsize, three-row SUV while the Forester is a compact, two-row SUV. The Ascent is about 15 inches longer, 4.5 inches wider, and 3 inches taller than the Forester. This size difference means the Ascent offers more passenger and cargo space for up to eight people, whereas the Forester seats up to five.
This video visually compares the size difference between the Subaru Ascent and Forester: 1mSubaruYouTube · Mar 8, 2024
Key size differences
- Passenger capacity: The Ascent seats up to eight passengers, while the Forester seats up to five.
- Length: The Ascent is approximately 14.7 to 15 inches longer than the Forester.
- Width: The Ascent is about 4.5 inches wider.
- Height: The Ascent is roughly 3 inches taller.
- Passenger volume: The Ascent has a total passenger volume of about 153.2 cubic feet, compared to the Forester's 110.8 cubic feet.
- Cargo space: With the third row down, the Ascent has 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Forester has 74.4 cubic feet.
You can watch this video for a direct comparison of the dimensions and interior space: 47sAustin HortonYouTube · May 14, 2025
Choosing between the two
- Choose the Ascent if you need more passenger space for a larger family or want to be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Choose the Forester if you prioritize a more compact size for easier parking and better fuel efficiency, as it is more affordable and maneuverable.
What is the most spacious Subaru SUV?
2026 Ascent
The largest Subaru ever, the 2026 Ascent delivers capability, safety, and comfort all the way to the third row. The largest Subaru ever, the 2026 Ascent delivers capability, safety, and comfort all the way to the third row.
What Subaru has the most interior space?
The Subaru Outback offers the largest maximum cargo volume with 75.6 cubic feet. The Forester offers slightly less room with 74.4 cubic feet, but is two inches taller than the Outback.
