In-depth reviews

Subaru Forester hybrid boot space & seating

The Subaru Forester hybrid is roomy and functional inside, but there's no seven-seat option

Overall rating

3.0 out of 5

Boot space, seating & practicality rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£34,195 - £40,895
Fuel Type:
Hybrid Petrol
LengthWidthHeightBoot volume (seats up/down)
4,625mm2,065mm1,730mm520 / 1,779 litres

The Subaru Forester hybrid is spacious inside, with loads of room for four adults to sit comfortably. There's a big, well-shaped boot with a low-load lip that'll keep the dogs or other boot-bound livestock happy. One downside is that there isn’t a seven-seat option for the Forester e-Boxer as you get in some non-electrified alternatives such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Skoda Kodiaq.

Subaru Forester hybrid interior space, storage & comfort

Two six-foot adults can fit easily in the back seats, and the big windows and low waistline of the car let loads of light in and ensure good visibility out for children to avoid feeling car sick. A central storage cubby under the front armrest is ideal for putting your phone or other loose items.

However, the USB input to connect your phone to the screen using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is hidden in a cubby at the base of the car's console, in front of the gearlever. That's annoying because it leaves the phone and cable exposed. Every door has enough storage to take a water bottle, and there are cup-holders all around as well.

Boot space

The Forester's boot is a good size and shape, with a low-load lip that makes it easy to lug big items or lazy dogs into the car, and you can add a durable, washable rubber lining to maximise its versatility.

The 60:40 split-folding rear seats fold flat very easily, so you can load longer items in if needed. A Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4 have even bigger boots, but the Forester is still a practical five-seat SUV.

Towing

The Forester can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to 1,870kg – more than the Kuga and Sportage can manage. However, it's a very noisy tow car getting up to speed, and its soft suspension could do a better job of controlling the additional mass of the caravan. Find out more about towing with hybrid and electric cars here.

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

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