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    Subaru Forester

    Latest Model

    2025 Model Redesign Year
    The redesigned 2025 Forester has excellent outward visibility, a roomy interior, and a comfortable ride. The most noticeable improvement is a quieter engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder has a rather abrupt initial launch but at times feels underpowered. It returned a commendable 29 mpg overall. The Forester rides smoothly, and handling is sound and secure but isn't sporty. The front seats are comfortable, though the bottom cushion may prove too short for longer-legged drivers.
    The rear seat is roomy, and cargo space is generous. Most controls are simple, but multiple steps are required for some climate functions through the touchscreen. BSW and RCTW aren't available on the Base version and are only optional on the second-tier Premium. A hybrid model comes this spring. The Wilderness trim is based on the previous-generation Forester. A 2026 Wilderness, based on the redesigned Forester, is scheduled to arrive this fall.
    Notable Changes
    Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.

    2025 Subaru Forester

    economy-icon
    CR MPG
    Road Test Score
    Predicted Reliability
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    Base MSRP Range
    $29,995 - $43,295
    Destination Charge: $1420
    Base MSRP Range
    $29,995 - $43,295
    Destination Charge: $1420

    2025 Subaru Forester

    economy-icon
    CR MPG
    Notable Changes
    Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
    Road Test Score
    Predicted Reliability
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    2025 Subaru Forester
    Base MSRP
    $29,995 - $43,295
    CR MPG
    mpg
    Road Test Score
    / 100
    Predicted Reliability
    / 100
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    Notable Changes
    Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.

    2019-2024

    2019 Model Redesign Year
    Over its various iterations, Subaru has had a winning formula with the Forester. The 2019 redesign builds upon that and is even better. This popular small SUV delivers a combination of roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, comfortable ride and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four cylinder, combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yielded 28 mpg overall, which is among the best in class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access.
    The controls are simple to use including the infotainment system which is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The EyeSight suite of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist is standard. Updates for 2020 include a standard rear-seat reminder system. A mild freshening for 2022 includes a revised exterior and the addition of an off-road oriented Wilderness trim with additional ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
    2024 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $25,325 - $33,000
    EPA MPG
    29 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2023 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $23,125 - $29,375
    EPA MPG
    29 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2022 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $21,000 - $26,475
    EPA MPG
    29 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2021 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $18,125 - $24,175
    EPA MPG
    29 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2020 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $16,500 - $20,425
    EPA MPG
    29 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2019 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $14,325 - $17,750
    EPA MPG
    29 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    2014-2018

    2014 Model Redesign Year
    Few cars are as logical as the Subaru Forester, further reinforced by a 2014 redesign. Upright and boxy, big windows and thin pillars supply excellent driver visibility, while large doors deliver easy access. Rear seat room is spacious, and there is plenty of cargo space. Even with the standard all-wheel-drive, fuel economy from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously-variable transmission (CVT) tops the class at 26 mpg overall; a manual transmission is standard. A turbocharged XT model is available, sacrificing some fuel economy, but delivering more effortless power. Handling is nimble enough and very secure, but the Forester isn't particularly sporty to drive.
    Ride comfort lost some of the cushiness of earlier Foresters, but it still offers decent isolation from road bumps. Indeed, luxury isn't part of the equation for this no-nonsense car. Interior furnishings are fairly basic and the cabin can be noisy. The standard cloth front seats come up short on support, but the optional leather ones are better. The 2014-2015 Foresters have either a rather rudimentary infotainment system or a particularly confounding optional navigation system. The Starlink touchscreen system introduced for 2016 brought Subaru into modern times, with full-featured connectivity that is much easier to use. Crash-test performance is impressive and the affordable EyeSight suite of safety gear adds forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking; we recommend getting this system.
    2018 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $12,125 - $16,325
    EPA MPG
    28 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2017 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $11,000 - $13,650
    EPA MPG
    27 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2016 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $8,700 - $12,350
    EPA MPG
    27 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2015 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $7,950 - $9,600
    EPA MPG
    27 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2014 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $6,500 - $8,450
    EPA MPG
    27 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    2009-2013

    2009 Model Redesign Year
    Subaru's popular Forester made considerable gains with its 2009 second-generation redesign. Stability control and curtain airbags finally became standard, and a much roomier rear seat comfortably fits adults. Improvements in ride comfort gave the Forester perhaps the best ride of any small SUV, and handling is nimble and secure. Road noise is quieter than in earlier Foresters, but remains notable. Cabin fittings and controls are spartan but serviceable. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration and 22 mpg overall.
    Look for effortless acceleration from the turbocharged XT version, but it only gets 20 mpg on required premium fuel. Performance and economy would be better without the antiquated four-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission returns 24 mpg with the base engine. Comfort improves on higher-end models with their telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable leather seats.
    2013 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $5,975 - $7,600
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2012 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $5,700 - $6,950
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2011 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $5,350 - $6,400
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2010 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $5,025 - $6,125
    EPA MPG
    22 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2009 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $4,350 - $5,925
    EPA MPG
    22 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    2003-2008

    2003 Model Redesign Year
    Practicality reigns with the Subaru Forester. Its boxy body supplies plenty of space, big windows for abundant visibility, and easy loading of people and cargo. Standard all-wheel-drive works well on slippery roads. Sharp steering makes the Forester agile to drive, and it rides very comfortably. Road noise grows old on long trips and the interior looks rather basic. Handling can be a bit tricky at its limits and only the turbocharged models offer stability control.
    Standard is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder providing good acceleration and 21-22 mpg overall. XT versions have a turbocharged four-cylinder that matches the acceleration of many V6s; expect 20 mpg on premium fuel.
    2008 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,775 - $5,725
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2007 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,750 - $5,500
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2006 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $4,125 - $5,325
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2005 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,975 - $5,675
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2004 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,700 - $4,900
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2003 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,500 - $4,225
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    1998-2002

    The Forester, new for 1998, is one of the better small car-based SUVs. It is derived from the good-performing Subaru Impreza, but the Forester touts a taller and roomier cargo compartment and more ground clearance. We find the ride compliant and handling nimble. Matched to a responsive automatic transmission, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides good acceleration. Like all newer Subarus, it has an effective AWD system. The rear seat is a bit cramped, but the cabin has lots of storage compartments.
    2002 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,125 - $3,375
    EPA MPG
    24 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2001 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,025 - $3,275
    EPA MPG
    24 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2000 Subaru Forester
    Retail Price
    $3,000 - $3,150
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
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    TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

    50+

    tests are conducted on every car we buy.

    PERFORMANCE TESTING

    6

    miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

    TIRE TESTING

    400

    tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.