The 2020 Subaru Forester offers a practical balance of passenger comfort and versatile cargo space. Designed for active lifestyles, this compact SUV combines upright sightlines with flexible storage options that suit everything from grocery runs to weekend road trips.
Below you will find a detailed overview of how cargo dimensions, seating layout, and design choices affect real-world usability in daily driving and travel scenarios.
| Trim Level | Cargo Space Behind Rear Seat | Maximum Folded Capacity | Key Storage Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 15.1 cu ft | 76.6 cu ft | Low load floor, easy rear seat access |
| Premium | 15.1 cu ft | 76.6 cu ft | Power rear seat, same cargo volume |
| Limited | 15.1 cu ft | 76.6 cu ft | Power seat, enhanced infotainment |
| Touring | 15.1 cu ft | 76.6 cu ft | Power seat, upgraded audio, cargo mat |
Daily Driving And Fold Down Rear Seats
In everyday use, the 2020 Forester provides about 15.1 cubic feet of trunk depth behind the rear seat. The hatchback-style opening and relatively upright trunk opening make loading and unloading straightforward, even for taller or bulkier items like large coolers or folded camping gear.
When you need more room, folding the rear seats flat expands the cargo space to approximately 76.6 cubic feet. The split-folding rear seat design allows you to keep one side upright for smaller items while folding the other side, which helps balance loads and reduce shifting on longer drives.
Because the load floor remains low even with seats folded, it is easier to slide heavy objects into place without lifting them high. This practicality is especially valuable for pet owners who need to fit a large crate in the rear while still accommodating passengers up front.
Interior Layout And Passenger Space
The Forester’s cabin emphasizes usable space over cramped proportions. With its relatively tall roofline, passengers in both front and rear seats enjoy generous headroom, which reduces the feeling of confinement often associated with compact SUVs.
Front passengers benefit from supportive seats and easy reach of controls, while rear passengers appreciate the contoured seatbacks and decent knee room. The overall layout keeps the center tunnel low, which helps middle-seat occupants during longer rides.
Height and legroom are well balanced, so the 2020 model remains comfortable for families who frequently transition between driver, front passenger, and two rear passengers without sacrificing cargo flexibility.
Versatility For Outdoor And Road Trips
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate how the 2020 Forester handles gear for skiing, hiking, and road trips. The roof rails support standard crossbars, allowing you to mount roof boxes or additional cargo baskets without complicated installation.
Inside the cabin, multiple door pockets and a flat center console help organize smaller travel items such as maps, snacks, and charging cables. The rear seatbacks feature handy hooks that make it simple to hang duffle bags or small coolers within easy reach.
Whether you are heading to a mountain cabin or a city destination, the combination of flexible cargo area and stable roof storage makes the Forester a reliable companion for varied adventures.
Real World Usability And Access
Loading and unloading the 2020 Forester is made easier by its high-mounted liftgate handle and wide opening angle. You can roll the rear seat forward to access items deep in the cabin without folding the seatbacks, which is convenient for quick trips to the store.
The rear door configuration provides good entry points for rear passengers, while the slim profile of the liftgate helps maintain strong seals against weather. This attention to access and sealing helps keep both passengers and cargo comfortable in different weather conditions.
For drivers who regularly carry large items, the available power rear seat operation adds convenience, though the manual seat version still delivers excellent folding capability with minimal effort.
Key Takeaways For The 2020 Subaru Forester Cargo Experience
- Expect 15.1 cubic feet of usable trunk space behind the rear seat across all trims.
- Folding the rear seats expands capacity to roughly 76.6 cubic feet with a low load floor for easier loading.
- The hatchback-style liftgate and wide opening simplify access for passengers and cargo.
- Roof rails support crossbars and boxes, extending versatility for outdoor activities.
- Consistent cargo dimensions across trims make it easy to choose based on features rather than space needs.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much cargo space does the 2020 Subaru Forester have behind the rear seat?
The 2020 Subaru Forester provides approximately 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat in its standard configuration.
Can the rear seats in the 2020 Forester be folded to increase cargo capacity?
Yes, the rear seats fold flat, expanding the total cargo capacity to about 76.6 cubic feet when fully folded.
What features make loading and unloading the 2020 Forester easier?
High-mounted liftgate handles, wide opening angles, and low load floors make it simple to load bulky items without lifting them high.
Is there much difference in cargo space between different trim levels of the 2020 Forester?
Cargo space remains consistent across trim levels, so a Base, Premium, Limited, or Touring model all offer the same 15.1 cubic feet behind the seat and up to 76.6 cubic feet with seats folded.