Overview & Reviews

The Subaru Forester debuted in the late 1990s as an option for consumers interested in the emerging segment of compact SUVs. Essentially a tall station wagon with all-wheel drive (AWD), the original Forester offered buyers the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but because it shared its basic platform architecture with Subaru's Impreza, it had the ride and driving characteristics of a small station wagon. That meant it was pretty nimble for a utility vehicle, yet it could still handle inclement weather and the occasional trip to the trailhead.

The more recent Subaru Foresters, including the newest generation, are more in line with established crossover SUV design. They're larger, roomier and less wagonlike than earlier Foresters and have nicer interiors, though the design is still fairly utilitarian compared with some of the trendier cabin decors in this class. New or used, though, the Forester offers buyers strengths such as easy maneuverability, sure-footed handling in slippery weather, available turbocharged power and solid build quality. It's worth considering if you're shopping for a small crossover SUV.

Current Subaru Forester
Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the Subaru Forester (now in its fourth generation) is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV. Compared to the previous generation, this Forester is slightly roomier and nicer-looking inside. It's also more fuel efficient.

The Forester is available in six trim levels that are split into 2.5i and 2.0XT models. The 2.5i models use a naturally aspirated horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower. Shoppers have their choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive is standard. For more performance the 2.0XT models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 250 hp. All 2.0XT models come with the CVT.

Standard equipment on all versions includes cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an iPod/USB interface with an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium trim levels add alloy wheels, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, an eight-way power driver seat and a six-speaker sound system. Limited models add automatic headlights, a power rear liftgate, automatic climate control (single-zone), leather upholstery and reclining rear seats.

Top-of-the-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system (optional on most other trims), upgraded gauges, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker sound system. An optional Driver Assist Technology package adds adaptive cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, xenon headlamps and Subaru's EyeSight system, which integrates lane departure warning and frontal collision warning/mitigation systems.

The newest Forester stays true to its roots, with a roomy cabin and ample cargo space. The seats are soft but supportive and the ride is fairly plush, so it's comfortable whether you're commuting to work in town or going on a lengthy highway road trip. Forester 2.5i models provide respectable power and fuel economy, though the engine does get a little raucous at high rpm. The 2.0XT, meanwhile, is one of the quickest small crossovers in its class. Above-average off-road ability is another plus to the Forester. As for downsides, the main ones are lackluster on-road handling abilities and the optional touchscreen system, which we've found slow to respond and difficult to navigate.

Overall, however, the latest Subaru Forester stands up well to best-selling competitors from Ford, Honda and Toyota.

Used Subaru Forester Models
The third-generation Subaru Forester was introduced for the 2009 model year and was produced through 2013. Bigger and roomier than the previous Forester, it officially became a crossover SUV whereas before it was often considered a tall wagon. Though the engines and transmissions were little changed from the previous generation, this Forester offered a higher-quality cabin.

It came in multiple trim levels split into 2.5X and 2.5XT models, which denoted the engine under the hood. For power, the 2.5X models featured a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with 170 hp. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission were offered. The XT models got a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine rated at 224 hp. All XTs came with the automatic, and all Foresters were all-wheel drive.

The base model was decently equipped with full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and Bluetooth. Stepping up to the Premium trims added items like alloy wheels, a sunroof and reclining rear seatbacks. The upper Limited and Touring trims were equipped with such items as xenon headlamps, a rearview camera, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a navigation system and an upgraded stereo.

We liked this generation of Forester for its crisp steering and tight turning circle, which made it surprisingly maneuverable in close quarters. It also benefited from basic off-road abilities that are typical among Subarus and one of the most comfortable rides in the segment. The 2.5X models had unremarkable acceleration at best, while 2.5XT models (with the turbocharged engine) were rather swift. Both had below-par fuel economy, though.

The second-generation Subaru Forester was produced from 2003-'08. Although it didn't look much different from the previous version, improvements included more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content.

Performance for the second-generation Forester ranged from adequate to exciting. Most Foresters sold from 2003-'05 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 165 hp, while the 2004 and '05 XT models featured a 210-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This model was a hoot to drive, especially when fitted with the five-speed manual gearbox. From 2006 and later, the standard Forester engine made 173 hp, while the turbocharged XT version swelled to 230 horses.

Originally, this Forester came in base 2.5X and upgraded XS trims, with the XT (later XT Limited) arriving for 2004 and the XS L.L. Bean trim for '05. The latter was a bit fancier thanks to some extra features and special styling details. The XS was replaced a year later by the X Premium Package, followed for 2007 by new models known as Sports X and Sports XT. Despite all these trim name changes and additions, the XT never wavered from being the more powerful and better equipped Forester.

In reviews, our editors praised this Subaru Forester for its peppy performance, classy cabin and sharp handling. Consumer comments were mostly favorable as well, with many owners noting the vehicle's comfortable seats, the sure-footed nature of the AWD system, generous stowage and large moonroof. Downsides to this model include sluggish response from the automatic transmission, more road noise than expected and a stiffer ride than many competitors of the day.

The first-generation Subaru Forester bowed in 1998. With SUV-like styling cues on its tall wagon body and the confidence-inspiring grip of its all-wheel drive, the original Forester was an instant hit. Performance from Subaru's 165-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was snappy for the time, and back then, it packed the most power you could get in a small SUV. Other strong points for the original Forester include comfortable seats, plenty of storage options, impressive crash test scores and composed handling that shamed its rivals of the day, including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

As this generation ran toward its end point (2002), it received improvements such as upgraded engine performance (the torque rating went up) and additional luxury appointments (including leather seating). The lack of major changes required to keep the first-generation Forester viable underscores the fact that Subaru got it right the first time.

User Reviews:

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  A GREAT LITTLE SUV WAGON - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By JIM - June 12 - 6:46 pm

  What a great little SUV wagon, try it you love it. Drive it and you will be convinced that it is one of best all-wheel drive wagons on the road in this price range. This is my second Subaru Forester that I have own,

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  A winner for affordable compact SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By taco2bme - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping around and a friend told me about her Forester. She was right! The Forester has an excellent safety rating, which was important to me, and living in the north, AWD is ideal. However, it rides like a car which is also a plus. Id recommend to anyone.

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  Happy after 2 weeks - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By chicagoblues - June 8 - 6:00 pm

  Ive had my 14 Forester in the Limited trim model and Ive been delighted. So many things people have already noted are true: the terrific visibility, the great mileage, the quality of the interior features, the quiet and stable ride. Ive noticed, too, that it has a nimble feel, with a very tight turning radius. Responsive steering, perfectly adequate acceleration with the CVT normally aspirated engine. Im happy with the sound system--I went for the tweeter upgrade--and I like the all weather package, power lift gate and leather which are standard on the Limited.

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  Loyal Owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By juice - June 7 - 9:13 am

  Got this after owning a 98 model for many good years. Mileage had been good, we break 30 on trips. Like the perforated and heated leather seats, too. Good size for a family of 4 - small outside, big inside. Ours hasnt seen the dealership since we bought it, our salesman says we see him every 7 years, when its time to buy a new one. Id like to see them add Direct Injection and maybe the CVT from the Outback. All in all were happy and would buy the same car again.

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  Switching from Forester 2009 to 2017 - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Konstantin - June 6 - 6:38 am

  WHAT IS WORSE: Instruments panel - terrible light and readability. Barely visible even at max setting of dimmer. No contrast at all. All controls are less comfortable. Like, position of ventilation knob is hard to read. Right button on dash board notoriously still does _nothing_, just sits there. This is just weird. All infotainment stuff is just junk. Car controls must become simpler, not over-complicated. Less storage space inside: central console in 2009 has 2 compartments, now it is only one and smaller. No sliding cover for central console. The place under central infotainment panel is smaller. The place for cups is shallow and smaller. Rear view camera does not beep when in critical proximity. Rear view screen has poor brightness, in sunny day barely visible. Front sun visors are smaller with ugly retractable side extensions. Drivers floor mat retention hooks changed from steady metal knobs to plastic stripes and they are very hard to find, they are moving from side to side. WHAT IS BETTER: rear view camera - the only really useful improvement of controls. Side visibility is better. Added light in the trunk. Added roof rails for all trims. Roof antenna does not swing (always had to adjust it after car wash). Alloy wheels look better and they are lighter. Less road noise. Thicker windshield. WHAT I HOPE WAS IMPROVED: bottom heat shields - on 2009 they start making annoying rattling sounds after 30K mi, now they removed(?) them. All internal panels have better soundproofing - old car was making all sort of sounds, esp. in a cold weather. AND MAIN ISSUE - heads gaskets, I do hope they will not start leaking at 60K.

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  2003 Forester X 2.5 GREAT CHOICE for SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Rog - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Great size, excellent interior design and appointments. Very good standard sound system. Easy operating folding seats, good passenger and drive head and leg room. Good fuel economy average of 23 MPH. Nice ride and handling.

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  Best of the small crossovers Ive tried - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By misprof - June 4 - 9:05 pm

  I am 65" and my wife is 53" and we wanted something that we could adjust to both be able to drive comfortably. We tried a Forester last year, but the visibility was nowhere near as good and the interior seemed very cheap. The 2014 is a huge improvement. I dont have to adjust the seat all the way back even with my 35" inseam legs. Visibility is much better due to the larger windows all around and the relatively straight roof line, unlike a lot of the competitors. After about 400 miles I am getting about 29 MPG of mostly highway driving. Overall I like the look and functionality. It isnt flashy, but is the most comfortable and practical of the crossovers out there.

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  2 Foresters in the garage - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By superblue - May 25 - 12:30 am

  4yr ownership of 2008 version sold us. Its price is nice, not the most technically advanced in the segment. Nice ride, spacious great, for a small family that requires wagon utility, that can handle rough weather, is reliable, and safe. We got the alloy wheel-package.

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  CVT - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By kip nix - May 19 - 11:04 pm

  The CVT transmission makes for a driving experience not unlike that of a go-cart. There is a lag on acceleration and the continuous nature of this technology makes it just dreadful to drive. I couldnt wait for the test drive to end.

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  no complaints here - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By shell1006 - May 18 - 2:36 pm

  What a fun car to drive! I thought I wouldnt like anything as much as my Camry wagon, but the AWD is reassuring and a plus to have. Subarus rank up there with Toyotas and Hondas now; standard AWD is added bonus and durable.