Transform your forester: step-by-step guide to folding seats flat for max space

The Subaru Forester is renowned for its spacious interior and versatile seating arrangements. One of the key questions that many potential buyers have is: “Do Subaru Forester seats fold flat?” Understanding the answer to this question is crucial for determining the vehicle’s suitability for specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the Subaru Forester’s seating configuration, examining whether or not its seats fold flat and exploring the various benefits and considerations associated with this feature.

Rear Seat Folding Capabilities

Yes, the Subaru Forester‘s rear seats do fold flat. This feature is available in both the 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. To fold the rear seats, simply pull the release levers located on the sides of the seats and fold them forward. The seats will fold down in a 60/40 split, allowing you to create a flat load floor for maximum cargo capacity.

Cargo Capacity with Folded Seats

When the rear seats are folded down, the Subaru Forester offers an impressive cargo capacity. The 5-seater model provides up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the 7-seater model offers up to 63.7 cubic feet with the third row of seats folded down. This spacious cargo area is ideal for transporting large items, such as furniture, appliances, or camping gear.

Benefits of Flat-Folding Seats

Folding flat seats offer several benefits, including:

• Increased Cargo Capacity: As mentioned above, folding down the rear seats significantly increases the vehicle’s cargo capacity. This makes the Subaru Forester suitable for hauling large and bulky items.
• Versatile Seating Arrangements: Flat-folding seats allow for flexible seating arrangements. You can fold down only one section of the rear seats to accommodate both passengers and cargo.
• Easy Loading and Unloading: With the seats folded flat, loading and unloading large items becomes much easier. You can simply slide items into the cargo area without having to lift them over the seats.

Considerations

While flat-folding seats offer several advantages, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Loss of Passenger Capacity: When the rear seats are folded down, you lose the ability to carry passengers in those seats.
• Limited Cargo Access: If you have items secured in the cargo area, you may need to remove them to access the folded seats.
• Potential for Damage: Ensure that items placed in the cargo area with the seats folded down are properly secured to prevent damage to the seats or cargo.

Other Seating Features

In addition to flat-folding rear seats, the Subaru Forester offers a range of other seating features, including:

• Heated Front Seats: Provides warmth and comfort during cold weather.
• Ventilated Front Seats: Keeps you cool and comfortable during hot weather.
• Leather Upholstery: Enhances the interior’s style and durability.
• Adjustable Driver’s Seat: Allows you to customize your driving position for maximum comfort.

Wrap-Up: Versatility Unleashed

The Subaru Forester’s flat-folding rear seats are a key feature that enhances its versatility and practicality. Whether you need to transport large items or simply want to create a more spacious cargo area, the ability to fold the seats flat is a valuable asset. Combined with its other seating features, the Subaru Forester offers a comfortable and customizable interior that meets the diverse needs of drivers and passengers alike.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Do all Subaru Foresters have flat-folding rear seats?

A: Yes, all Subaru Foresters, both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, have flat-folding rear seats.

Q: How much cargo space do I have with the rear seats folded down?

A: The 5-seater Forester offers up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, while the 7-seater Forester offers up to 63.7 cubic feet.

Q: Can I fold down only one section of the rear seats?

A: Yes, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, allowing you to fold down only one section while keeping the other up for passengers.