Can I Drive a Forester Touring With Trunk Door Open

Yes, you can drive a Forester Touring with trunk door open, but it comes with real risks that every owner should know about. This guide covers safety concerns, legal issues, and practical tips straight from the Subaru Forester owner manual. Learn what the dangers are, when it might be okay, and how to stay safe on the road.

Many Subaru Forester Touring owners find themselves in a tricky situation. You need to move something big, and the cargo area is not quite big enough with the trunk closed. So you wonder, can you drive a Forester Touring with the trunk door open? It is a simple question, but the answer is more complicated than you might think.

The Forester Touring trim is a popular choice for families and adventure seekers. It offers great cargo space Subaru owners love. But what happens when that space is not enough and you need to keep the rear hatch open? This article breaks down everything you need to know about driving with an open trunk on your Subaru Forester. We will cover safety risks, legal concerns, and practical tips you can use right away.

Whether you are hauling camping gear, moving furniture, or just curious about your Subaru Forester features, this guide has you covered. We will look at what the Subaru Forester owner manual says, explore the dangers, and give you real driving safety tips. By the end, you will know exactly what to do and what to avoid.

Key Takeaways

• It is possible: You can technically drive a Forester Touring with the trunk door open, but it is not recommended for normal driving.
• Check the owner manual: The Subaru Forester owner manual provides specific guidance on open trunk driving and safety warnings.
• Visibility is a major concern: Rear visibility drops significantly when the trunk door is open, creating dangerous blind spots.
• Legal issues may apply: Open trunk driving may violate vehicle safety regulations in some areas.
• Secure your cargo: Loose items can shift or fly out dangerously when the trunk is open while moving.
• Limit speed and distance: If you must drive with the trunk open, keep speeds low and distances short.
• Use alternatives first: Consider folding down rear seats or using a roof rack before opening the trunk while driving.

Is It Safe to Drive a Forester Touring With Trunk Door Open?

The short answer is: it depends. Driving with the trunk door open on a Forester Touring is not something the manufacturer encourages. But it is not always dangerous if you take the right precautions. Let us look at why this matters and what you need to watch out for.

Understanding the Forester Touring Trunk Design

The Subaru Forester Touring comes with a large rear cargo area. The hatchback rear door opens wide to give you easy access. This design is great for loading gear, bags, and bulky items. The trunk latch mechanism keeps the door secure when closed. When you drive with the trunk open, this latch is in an unusual position. The door is not fully sealed, which changes how air flows around your vehicle.

The Forester Touring comfort and cargo space are two of its best features. But those features were designed for the trunk to be closed during driving. The rear cargo area is built to protect your items and maintain steady airflow. When the trunk door is open, both of those goals change.

Think of the open rear hatch driving experience like this: your car is built to slice through air smoothly. An open trunk disrupts that flow. Wind pushes against the open door. This creates noise, drag, and instability. It is a small change, but at higher speeds it adds up fast.

Rear Visibility Concerns

One of the biggest issues with trunk door open while driving is visibility. When the trunk door is open, your view behind the car changes a lot. You lose the rear window sightline. This creates big blind spots. Other drivers behind you may not be able to see your brake lights clearly either.

If you have ever tried backing up with the trunk open, you know how tricky it can be. Now imagine driving forward at speed with that same limited view. It is a real safety concern that many people overlook. The rear visibility open trunk creates is not something you should take lightly.

Quick Tip: Always check your rearview mirror and side mirrors before moving with the trunk open. Ask a passenger to help you watch for traffic behind you if possible.

What the Subaru Forester Owner Manual Says

The Subaru Forester owner manual is your best resource. It was written by the people who designed and built your vehicle. Let us look at what it says about driving with the trunk open.

Reading the Manual for Guidance

Most Subaru Forester owner manuals include a section on cargo area safety. The manual typically warns against driving with the trunk door open unless absolutely necessary. It explains that an open trunk can affect vehicle stability. Wind can push against the open door and create unpredictable handling.

The Subaru Forester Touring specs include detailed information about cargo capacity and safe loading. The manual also covers how to secure items properly. It is worth reading the relevant sections if you plan to haul large items often. The Subaru Forester features list includes cargo management systems designed to work when the trunk is closed.

Subaru’s Stance on Open Trunk Driving

Subaru does not design the Forester Touring for regular open-trunk driving. The vehicle safety regulations that Subaru follows require all doors and hatches to be securely closed during normal operation. This is not just a suggestion. It is part of how the car was tested and certified.

However, the manual also acknowledges that there are times when you may need to drive a short distance with the trunk open. In those cases, Subaru advises extreme caution. Keep speeds low. Avoid highways. Make sure nothing is sticking out in a dangerous way.

Risks and Dangers of Driving With Trunk Door Open

Driving with the trunk open is not just a matter of comfort. There are real risks involved. Let us break them down so you understand what you are dealing with.

Safety Hazards

When you drive with the trunk door open, several things go wrong at once:

• Wind resistance increases: The open trunk creates extra drag. This can affect your fuel economy and make the car feel less stable at higher speeds.
• Noise levels rise: Wind noise can be distracting. It makes it harder to hear sirens, horns, and other important sounds on the road.
• Items can shift or fly out: If anything in the cargo area is not tied down, it can move around or even fly out of the open trunk. This is a danger to you and other drivers.
• Carbon monoxide risk: If your exhaust system is near the trunk area, opening the trunk can redirect fumes into the cabin. This is a serious health risk.
• Reduced rear visibility: As mentioned earlier, you lose your rear view. This makes lane changes and merging more dangerous.

Legal and Regulatory Concerns

Open trunk driving legal rules vary by location. In many places, driving with the trunk open can violate vehicle safety regulations. Police may pull you over if they see an unsafe load or an open trunk that poses a hazard.

The vehicle safety regulations in most states and countries require that cargo be fully enclosed while driving. If items are visible or sticking out from an open trunk, you could face a citation. It is always best to check your local laws before driving with the trunk open.

Factor	Trunk Closed	Trunk Open
Rear Visibility	Full view through rear window	Severely limited
Vehicle Stability	Designed and tested for closed trunk	Altered aerodynamics
Cargo Security	Items fully enclosed and secure	Items can shift or fly out
Legal Compliance	Fully compliant in all areas	May violate local laws
Fuel Efficiency	Normal fuel economy	Reduced due to drag
Noise Level	Normal cabin noise	Increased wind noise

The table above shows a clear comparison. In almost every category, driving with the trunk closed is the safer and smarter choice.

When It Might Be Okay to Drive With Trunk Open

There are a few situations where driving with the trunk open might be unavoidable. Let us look at when it is less risky and what you can do to stay safe.

Short Distances and Low Speeds

If you need to move your car a short distance in a parking lot or driveway, driving slowly with the trunk open is generally lower risk. At low speeds under 15 mph, the wind force on an open trunk is much less. The handling changes are minimal. But even then, you should still be careful.

Think of it this way: pulling into a garage with the trunk open to unload something quickly is very different from highway driving with the trunk open. The short-distance, low-speed scenario is the only situation where open trunk driving might be acceptable.

Emergency Situations

Sometimes emergencies happen. Maybe you have a flat tire and need to stash a damaged part in the trunk, but the trunk will not close. Or perhaps you are helping someone and need to transport something urgently. In these cases, safety comes first, but you should still take precautions.

Drive as slowly as safely possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Have a passenger watch behind you if you can. Get to your destination as quickly and safely as you can.

Quick Tip: If you frequently need to carry items that do not fit with the trunk closed, consider a roof rack or cargo carrier. These accessories are designed for safe transport and will keep your trunk door closed. The Subaru wagon driving community often uses roof systems for this exact reason.

Tips for Safe Driving With Open Trunk

If you find yourself in a situation where you must drive with the trunk open, follow these driving safety tips to reduce risk.

Speed and Distance Considerations

Speed is the most important factor. Keep your speed well below the posted limit. On city streets, stay under 25 mph. On highways, this should be a no-go. The faster you go, the more dangerous an open trunk becomes.

Short distances are your friend. If you only need to go a few blocks, the risk is lower than a long trip. Plan your route to avoid highways, busy intersections, and high-speed roads.

Securing Loose Items

Everything in your cargo area needs to be tied down. Use bungee cords, cargo nets, or ratchet straps. The open trunk means there is nothing containing your items. A loose cooler, bag, or box can become a dangerous projectile at even low speeds.

Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. This keeps the center of gravity low and helps the Forester Touring trim handle better. Never let items stick out beyond the width of the car.

Improving Rear Visibility

Since your rear visibility is compromised, take extra steps to compensate:

1. Adjust your rearview mirror before you start moving.
2. Use your side mirrors and turn your head to check blind spots.
3. Consider having a passenger act as a spotter for reversing.
4. Use backup cameras if your Forester Touring has one.
5. Drive at speeds where you have time to react to what you see.

These steps will not eliminate the risk, but they will make open-trunk driving a bit safer.

Common Mistakes People Make

Even well-meaning Forester Touring owners make mistakes when driving with the trunk open. Here are the most common ones to avoid.

Ignoring Rear Visibility

This is the number one mistake. People assume they can see fine because they have mirrors. But an open trunk blocks your rear window view completely. You are flying blind in the back. This mistake leads to accidents, especially when reversing or changing lanes.

Overloading the Cargo Area

When the trunk is open, some people pile in way too much stuff. The Forester Touring cargo space Subaru offers is generous, but it has limits. Overloading puts extra weight on the rear of the car. This affects handling, braking, and stability. Keep your load reasonable and always secure it properly.

Forgetting About Wind and Weather

Driving with the trunk open on a windy day is even more dangerous. Strong gusts can push against the open door and push the car sideways slightly. Rain can also enter the cabin through the open trunk, soaking your cargo and reducing visibility through the rear window.

Common Mistake: Many drivers forget that an open trunk means the rear seat area is no longer separated from the cargo area. Dust, debris, and exhaust fumes can enter the passenger cabin more easily. This affects both comfort and safety.

Conclusion

So, can you drive a Forester Touring with the trunk door open? Yes, you can, but you really should not unless it is absolutely necessary. The risks are real. Visibility drops. Stability changes. Legal issues may arise. And cargo can become a hazard.

The Subaru Forester Touring is a fantastic vehicle. Its cargo space Subaru owners love makes it perfect for adventures and everyday hauling. But that cargo space works best when the trunk is closed and secured. Follow the Subaru Forester owner manual guidelines, use the driving safety tips in this article, and always prioritize safety over convenience.

If you regularly need more cargo room, look into accessories like roof racks, cargo organizers, or even the rear seat fold down option. These alternatives keep your trunk closed and your drive safe. The Forester Touring comfort and performance are best enjoyed when the car is used as designed. Drive safe, stay smart, and happy trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a Forester Touring with trunk door open on the highway?

No, you should never drive on the highway with the trunk door open. High speeds create dangerous wind forces that can destabilize your vehicle. The open trunk also reduces your rear visibility to almost nothing. Stick to closed trunk driving on any road above 30 mph.

Is it legal to drive with the trunk open in all states?

No, open trunk driving is not legal everywhere. Many states have vehicle safety regulations that require cargo to be fully enclosed while driving. Some areas allow it for short distances at low speeds. Always check your local traffic laws before driving with the trunk open.

Can I use a roof rack instead of leaving the trunk open?

Yes, a roof rack is a much safer alternative. It lets you carry bulky items without opening the trunk. The Subaru Forester Touring is compatible with roof rack systems. This keeps your cargo enclosed and your rear visibility intact while driving.

Will driving with the trunk open damage my Forester Touring?

Driving with the trunk open occasionally at low speeds is unlikely to cause damage. However, frequent open-trunk driving can put extra stress on the trunk latch mechanism and hinges. Wind and debris can also scratch or damage the rear cargo area over time.

How can I improve ventilation without opening the trunk?

You have several great options. Roll down the rear windows for fresh air. Use the rear seat fold down to create an open cargo area while keeping the trunk closed. Some Subaru Forester models also have a sunroof or moonroof that improves cabin airflow without opening the trunk.

What should I do if items are stuck and the trunk will not close?

First, try to remove or rearrange the items so the trunk can close safely. If that is not possible, secure everything tightly and drive slowly to the nearest safe location. Contact a Subaru service center if the trunk latch mechanism is malfunctioning. Never ignore a trunk that will not close properly.