The 2016 Subaru Forester establishes itself as a practical and versatile compact crossover, with its interior dimensions playing a crucial role in daily usability. Owners and shoppers often prioritize cabin space, driver visibility, and the overall feeling of openness, especially when comparing it to rivals like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Understanding the specific measurements for headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity reveals why this model remains a compelling choice for active families and adventure seekers.
Exterior Presence and Interior Impact
The design language of the 2016 Forester, characterized by its raised stance and rugged aesthetic, suggests ample interior volume. The elevated seating position provides an inherent advantage in vertical space compared to lower-slung sedans. This design philosophy translates directly into the cabin, creating a sense of comfort that belies its classification as a compact vehicle. The emphasis on functionality is evident from the moment you step inside, with the seating position designed for excellent visibility and control.
Seating Configuration and Passenger Space
Standard five-passenger seating is the norm for this model year, accommodating families or groups with ease. The front bench seat offers generous lateral support, while the rear bench provides a comfortable cushion for three adults. The second-row configuration is a key strength, as the seatbacks are designed to optimize legroom for occupants in the third row without sacrificing too much for the middle passenger. The overall seating layout ensures that the central position is viable for shorter trips, a practical detail for families.
Critical Interior Measurements by Row
Detailed measurements highlight the thoughtful engineering behind the cabin. Legroom is particularly impressive in the second row, allowing for a relaxed posture even on longer journeys. Headroom in the front is generous, thanks to the relatively upright windshield, while the rear passengers benefit from adequate vertical clearance despite the sloping roofline. These dimensions are carefully balanced to create a harmonious environment where no single area feels cramped.
Measurement Area | Front Row | Second Row | Notes
Headroom | Excellent | Good | Minimal feeling of constraint for most heights
Legroom | Adjustable/Flexible | Excellent | Rear knee room is a class-leading advantage
Hip Room | Good | Good | Comfortable for a wide range of body types
Trunk and Cargo Versatility
Cargo capacity is one of the Forester’s standout features, easily surpassing many competitors with similar exterior dimensions. With the rear seats folded, the trunk space expands significantly, creating a flat load floor that is perfect for hauling bulky items. The opening is tall and wide, facilitating the loading of furniture, appliances, or sports equipment without hassle. This flexibility is a direct result of the vehicle’s high rear deck and well-positioned hinges.
Behind the Rear Seats
With the second-row bench seat in place, the Forester offers a respectable amount of depth for storing groceries or luggage. The presence of seatbacks that fold nearly flat allows for the accommodation of long objects that would otherwise not fit. Access to the cargo area is convenient, requiring minimal effort to load items from the driveway. The integration of the rear window wiper and defogger ensures that visibility remains clear when the space is filled.
