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:

• 

  Annual Update - 09 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By BikerGuy - September 27 - 4:03 pm

  I did a review here when I first purchased my 09 Forester. Ive now owned the vehicle for 1 year/11,000 miles, so here is an update. I still really enjoy this car! The AWD was so amazing in the Pacific NW storms this winter, that I bought another Forester for my girlfriend. Only major disappointment is with the thickness/quality of the exterior sheetmetal/paint. It seems to be lower quality & less durable than other SUVs Ive owned. My early production model had undersized plastic film fender protectors, so paint chipped and fenders now need to be repaired & repainted.

• 

  Somewhere between like and love - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By blewgoose - September 27 - 12:33 pm

  Writing this review after about 800 miles, and there are some awesome things about this car. One of my favorite things is the turbo engine. Offers PLENTY of passing power, merging onto highway, accelerating out of toll booths, etc. Some people mention theyd like to see a 5th gear, but I have had no problems at all. Much better engine than the CRV (sluggish and underpowered) and comparable in power to the 6cyl RAV4. Plenty of space inside and cabin makes sense as laid out. Panoramic moon roof is giant. Great feature. Handles wonderfully, and better than other, even higher-end SUVs Ive driven. I didnt get the nav, so my stereo/accouterments are basic at best. No iPod interface is lame.

• 

  Love this Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru Convert - September 26 - 6:43 pm

  I researched all of the good gas mileage SUVs and test drove the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, Honda CRV, and Toyota RAV4. The Subaru Forester was my favorite. I have 2000 miles on it so far and I am extremely pleased. The Turbo is very fast with no lag on the highway and some lag from standing stops. The ride is smooth and the handling is car like. Cargo storage is great with many different tie down options. The interior controls are very simple. The gas mileage is better than I thought. I am getting 27 mpg on the highway with speeds 65 MPH or under. The gas mileage goes down to 24 mpg at highway speeds of 75 mph. I love the tight turning circle. Very little road noise

• 

  Best in class - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - September 25 - 11:58 pm

  Tried the honda crv which has engine vibration at idle. Tried the rav 4 which was more expensive, cheap paper thin leather seats, and an annoying lip on the lower side of front passenger side. Rav 4 did have a super smooth transmission. The Forester had a quiet engine, a semi smooth transmission, and superior cabin noise insulating properties in which road sounds were muted and you can have a conversation inside without raising your voice. They are priced below competition, so not too much price reduction due to high demand and low supply.

• 

  Somewhat of a disappointment - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By jsta - September 25 - 10:26 am

  Bought the Forester after leasing a Tribeca for 3 years. Now I wish I had bought the Tribeca which was a far superior vehicle in every way. The Forester does handle excellently in ice and snow but highway driving does not inspire confidence. Vehicle is easily buffeted by wind and uneven road surface. Engine performance meets expectations for this class of SUV. Interior OK but rear speakers malfunctioned in first 6 months and annoyingly loud squeak has developed from the rear tire compartment. Dealer says this is common complaint and they dont quite know what to do about it. Mileage averages 25 combined city and highway. Overall, 2009 Forester does not live up to hype.

• 

  A Good Review. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By M.P. - September 19 - 6:50 am

  This is my first Subaru, we like it, is roomy, has good handling and stability. The ride is good. It had the same rattling noises everyone is complaining about. The door noise is caused by a plastic cover behind the doors panel; just take the door panel out and put some insulating material and thats fixed. Once in a while I do get some rattling in the dash area and in the cargo area. Having some A/C issues with the a/c clutch engaging and disengaging at blower speed 1. Also, the A/C Clutch is very noisy. Trying to get this fixed with the dealer. Overall is a good family vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Louis C. - September 18 - 5:36 am

  Ive had three Subarus and this has to be the best overall package. Not that Ive had any problems with the others, but the Forester has its advantages. Ground clearance being one of the strong points along with handling. You feel really safe and in control. Good brakes, good power and very reliable. This car is underrated.

• 

  Horrible MPG - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jjttss - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great go-getter around town. If you want more (off-road ability, sports car handling, etc) look elsewhere. The design is a definite step up from prior years. Seats are stiff, but comfortable, though they could use more thigh support in the front. BUT TERRIBLE MILEAGE! Using Premium gas, this car gets well under 20mpg (15 on some tanks!) city and mixed driving. Im kind of disgusted.

• 

  This car rocks - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By kinkar - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Our "old" faithful!

• 

  Great mini-SUV - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By simon_dedalus - September 11 - 11:43 am

  An all-around excellent small-SUV: Positives: Handling Performance AWD Fuel economy Negatives: A little more room would be nice (both storage and in back seats) Only provides front airbag on base model