You can bring back that easy, one-hand lift with five solid options: ARANA rear hatch struts for 2014 to 2018 Forester (OEM 63269SG032), Vepagoo rear hatch struts for 2014 to 2018 with power liftgate (63269SG030), IAQWE rear hatch struts for 2014 to 2018 (PM3848LR), A-Premium liftgate supports for 2019 to 2023 without power liftgate (63269SJ010), plus ARANA hood struts for 2010 to 2014 Legacy Outback. Stick around to learn fit checks.
| ARANA Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack) |
| Best Overall | Vehicle fit: Forester 2014–2018 (2.0L/2.5L; incl. Power Liftgate) | Mount position: Rear hatch | Pack quantity: 2-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Vepagoo Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack) |
| Best Value | Vehicle fit: Forester 2014–2018 (incl. trims; w/ Power Liftgate) | Mount position: Rear liftgate | Pack quantity: 2-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| A-Premium Rear Liftgate Supports for Subaru Forester 2019-2023 |
| Non-Power Liftgate Pick | Vehicle fit: Forester 2019–2023 (without Power Liftgate) | Mount position: Rear liftgate | Pack quantity: 2 pieces | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| IAQWE Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack) |
| All-Weather Durability | Vehicle fit: Forester 2014–2018 (incl. trims) | Mount position: Rear hatch | Pack quantity: 2-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ARANA Hood Struts for Subaru Legacy Outback 2010-2014 |
| Best Hood Upgrade | Vehicle fit: Legacy/Outback 2010–2014 (excludes Impreza) | Mount position: Hood/bonnet | Pack quantity: Set of 2 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ARANA Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack)
Should your Subaru Forester be a 2014 to 2018 model and your rear hatch has started to sag, slam, or feel like it’s fighting you, the ARANA Rear Hatch Struts are made for your exact situation. You’ll get a 2 pack that fits 2.0L or 2.5L models, even with a power liftgate. Initially, match your old strut number to OEM codes like 63269SG032.
Next, you’ll feel the difference from tough carbon steel and tight seals, tested past 50,000 cycles. Then, you’ll swap them in about five minutes with a screwdriver, no shop stress. Should doubts pop up, you’ve got 365 day support and easy returns.
- Vehicle fit:Forester 2014–2018 (2.0L/2.5L; incl. Power Liftgate)
- Mount position:Rear hatch
- Pack quantity:2-pack
- Material:Carbon steel
- OEM references:63269SG032 / SG022 / SG030 / SG031 (and equivalents)
- Install ease:Screwdriver; ~5 minutes
- Additional Feature:50,000+ cycle tested
- Additional Feature:Airtight construction
- Additional Feature:365-day support
Vepagoo Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack)
During the period your Forester’s rear hatch won’t stay up, every grocery run starts to feel like a wrestling match, and that’s exactly where the Vepagoo Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack) shine. You get left and right liftgate shocks designed for 2014 to 2018 Forester trims, including 2.0XT and 2.5I featuring a power liftgate.
Next, fit matters, so you match your OEM number such as 63269SG030 or 17K1001 SHOWA. Premium carbon steel and OEM spec build help the hatch rise smooth and hold steady. Then you swap them with a screwdriver within about five minutes, saving dealership money. You’re covered through 18-month replacement support.
- Vehicle fit:Forester 2014–2018 (incl. trims; w/ Power Liftgate)
- Mount position:Rear liftgate
- Pack quantity:2-pack
- Material:Carbon steel
- OEM references:17K1001 SHOWA; 63269SG022/030/031/032; PM3848LR
- Install ease:Screwdriver; ~5 minutes
- Additional Feature:OEM-spec manufacturing
- Additional Feature:Smooth hatch operation
- Additional Feature:18-month replacement service
A-Premium Rear Liftgate Supports for Subaru Forester 2019-2023
Your Forester’s liftgate shouldn’t feel like a heavy lid you have to fight every time you load groceries, gear, or a sleepy kid’s stroller. A-Premium rear liftgate supports fit Forester 2019 to 2023 models without a power liftgate, and you get left and right brackets plus two shock struts. They replace OE parts and match references like 63269SJ010 and PM4170LR. Next, durability matters, so you get a leak-proof piston seal and a corrosion-resistant rod. Installation stays simple with no special tools. Thick cardboard packaging helps prevent shipping damage, and a 1-year unlimited-mileage guarantee backs you.
- Vehicle fit:Forester 2019–2023 (without Power Liftgate)
- Mount position:Rear liftgate
- Pack quantity:2 pieces
- Material:High-strength metal (corrosion-resistant rod finish)
- OEM references:PM4170LR; 63269SJ000/001/002/010/011/012
- Install ease:Easy install; no special tools
- Additional Feature:Leak-proof piston seal
- Additional Feature:Corrosion-resistant rod finish
- Additional Feature:Thick cardboard packaging
IAQWE Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack)
IAQWE Rear Hatch Struts for Subaru Forester 2014-2018 (2-Pack) fit you best in case you’re tired of a rear hatch that feels heavy, drops too fast, or won’t stay up during your hands are full. You get a direct OEM replacement that matches part numbers like PM3848LR and 63269SG030, so the fit feels factory tight, with no rattles.
Next, you’ll notice the lift feels strong yet smooth. These gas shocks are tested past 50,000 cycles and keep working in summer heat and winter cold. Then installation stays simple. You can swap both struts in under five minutes, no tools. Should you need help, you get 365-day support and 24-hour replies.
- Vehicle fit:Forester 2014–2018 (incl. trims)
- Mount position:Rear hatch
- Pack quantity:2-pack
- Material:OEM-quality (gas strut; all-season capable)
- OEM references:PM3848LR; 17K1001 SHOWA; 63269SG022/030/031/032
- Install ease:Under 5 minutes; no tools
- Additional Feature:Extreme temperature resistant
- Additional Feature:50,000 cycle durability
- Additional Feature:24-hour response time
ARANA Hood Struts for Subaru Legacy Outback 2010-2014
ARANA hood struts make the most sense in case you drive a 2010 to 2014 Subaru Legacy or Outback and you’re tired of holding the hood up with one hand while you work with the other. You get two front bonnet lift supports that fit 2.5i, 3.6R, Limited, Premium, and GT, but not Impreza models.
Next, you’ll feel the difference in build. Carbon steel and an airtight design help them handle 50,000+ cycles, often outlasting tired OEM struts. Installation stays simple: you use a screwdriver, finish in about five minutes, and skip dealer costs. Check part number ARA-295 and match OEM numbers initially.
- Vehicle fit:Legacy/Outback 2010–2014 (excludes Impreza)
- Mount position:Hood/bonnet
- Pack quantity:Set of 2
- Material:Carbon steel
- OEM references:27251AJ00A; 57251AJ00 (plus listed equivalents)
- Install ease:Screwdriver; ~5 minutes
- Additional Feature:50,000+ cycle tested
- Additional Feature:Forum user recommended
- Additional Feature:365-day worry-free support
Factors to Consider When Choosing Subaru Shock Lift Supports**
Before you buy Subaru shock lift supports, you’ll want to confirm the exact vehicle fitment and match the OEM part number, so you don’t end up with struts that almost fit but still fight you. Next, you should check the lift force and stability, because the right pressure keeps your hood or hatch steady instead of wobbling or dropping at the worst time. Finally, you can compare material and build quality and consider installation time and tools, so you feel confident you’re choosing parts that last and won’t turn a quick swap into a long afternoon.
Vehicle Fitment Verification
How can you be sure the shock lift supports you’re buying will actually fit your Subaru and not leave you stuck holding a heavy hatch over your head? Start with your exact Subaru details. Match the model year and the engine, like 2.0L or 2.5L, because small changes affect length and force. Next, confirm your Subaru’s generation, since a Forester or Legacy from 2014 to 2018 can use different supports than 2019 to 2023. Then check for special equipment. In case you have a Power Liftgate, you need supports made for that system, not the manual type. Finally, verify location. Hood struts and rear hatch supports aren’t interchangeable, and left or right matters on some setups.
OEM Part Number Matching
Why gamble on a “close enough” lift support in case your Subaru’s hood or hatch can come crashing down at the worst moment? You’ll feel safer once you match the OEM part number, because it locks in the right fit and stops frustrating install surprises.
Next, keep in mind that OEM numbers aren’t random. They point to exact specs like extended length, pressure rating, and the correct mounting ends. Provided those match, the support moves smoothly and seats fully, just like it should.
Lift Force And Stability
Although the right part number gets you in the ballpark, lift force and stability decide whether your Subaru’s hatch or hood stays up with calm, steady control or makes you brace for a surprise drop. You want enough force to raise and hold the weight smoothly, so you’re not pushing hard or watching it sag halfway up.
Next, stability comes from consistent gas pressure. That steady pressure helps the hatch stay open without drifting down, even during loading groceries with one hand. It also keeps the motion from bouncing at the top or snapping shut, which protects your fingers and your confidence. Look for supports proven through heavy compression testing, like 50,000 plus cycles, so the lift feels the same month after month. Whenever force stays balanced, your Subaru feels safe, simple, and dependable.
Material And Build Quality
Strength matters here, because your lift supports act like the quiet muscles holding your Subaru’s hatch or hood over your head. So you’ll want strong metal, and carbon steel usually delivers better toughness and long life than lighter options. It also helps the support stay steady whenever temperatures swing and the road gets rough.
Next, pay attention to how the strut is built inside. Airtight construction keeps gas pressure consistent, so the lift feels the same each time instead of slowly fading. High-quality piston seals add another layer of protection, because they fight leaks and keep motion smooth. Also check the rod finish. A leak-proof, corrosion-resistant coating stands up to rain, salt, and winter grime. Finally, look for testing beyond 50,000 compression cycles, since that shows real staying power.
Installation Time And Tools
Once you’ve picked a lift support with solid metal and tight seals, the next thing you’ll care about is how fast you can get it on your Subaru without a headache. Good news: most Subaru shock lift supports go on in about five minutes. You usually only need a simple screwdriver, so you won’t be hunting for fancy tools or clearing half your garage floor.
Because the steps are straightforward, you don’t need pro skills or deep car know how. You’ll pop the old support off, line the new one up, and press it into place. Many kits include clear instructions, so you can feel steady and sure as you work. Best of all, you skip the dealership trip, saving time and money.
Warranty Coverage Length
Since you’re trusting these shock lift supports to hold up your hood, hatch, or trunk every single day, the warranty length matters more than most people expect. Most Subaru lift supports come with coverage from 1 year to over 18 months, and that time window can tell you a lot about build quality. Once a brand backs its supports longer, it often means they expect them to survive tens of thousands of compression cycles without sagging.
Next, look closely at what the warranty actually covers. Many plans replace parts that have defects, malfunctions, or premature failures, so you don’t get stuck paying twice. Also check whether customer support is included, because quick help during installation can save your weekend. Finally, read the terms for mileage limits and claim steps.
