Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has an almost cult-like following due to its well-deserved reputation for reliability, strong resale, and year-round driving capability. Standard Symmetrical AWD is one of Forester’s strongest selling points, as is an enviable safety record, a roomy interior, and unparalleled outward visibility. Earlier models offer the option of a powerful turbocharged engine, while newer versions come equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance package.

Subaru Forester Generations

Subaru Forester (6th Generation: 2025 - Current)

Key Improvements: The sixth-generation Forester builds off the fifth, with similar dimensions and features, but with a quieter interior and better ride and handling dynamics. All but the base trim feature a tall 11.6-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, and the latest EyeSight driver assistance suite, which includes Emergency Stop Assist. This generation's new features are a foot-activated power liftgate, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and improved Automatic Emergency Steering. The Wilderness trim continues on the previous 5th generation platform alongside the new 2025 Forester.

Subaru Forester (5th Generation: 2019 - 2024)

Key Improvements: The fifth-generation Forester provides more interior space than the fourth-generation model, especially hip and shoulder room. Wider rear door openings make fitting things like a child safety seat more manageable, and the rear hatch opens higher to better accommodate six-footers. The previous generation's turbocharged engine option gets dropped, as does the available manual transmission. However, the fifth generation gains much in the way of improvements, including a quieter cabin, more comfortable seats, a smoother ride, and more optional equipment. A new Sport trim joins the lineup, as does an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen available on most trims. EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, while new available features include a power passenger seat, DriverFocus driver monitoring system, automatic climate control, an electric parking brake, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Model Updates: For 2020 the Forester gained a Rear Seat Reminder, Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning, individual tire pressure monitors, and available DriverFocus. For 2021, the Forester has steering-responsive headlights, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear seatbelt reminder. Proximity keyless entry and fog lights are made standard on the Premium trim, while the Sport gains blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection. The 2022 Forester gets a modest exterior refresh touting a new grille and headlight design. Automatic Emergency Steering, a revised EyeSight camera setup, and the introduction of the off-road-ready Wilderness trim round out the changes for 2022. The Wilderness is notable for its additional inch of ground clearance, advanced AWD system, and 3,000-pound towing rating when properly equipped (all other Foresters are limited to 1,500 pounds).

Subaru Forester (4th Generation: 2014 - 2018)

Key Improvements: The fourth-generation Forester has more interior room while maintaining the same footprint as the outgoing model. The turbocharged XT trims get a more powerful engine, while the entire lineup sees two new transmission choices. The previous generation’s 4-speed automatic is replaced with a fuel-saving continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and the old 5-speed manual gets replaced with a 6-speed unit. X-Mode and hill descent control appear for the first time, but only on more expensive trims. Other available features new to the fourth-generation Forester include the EyeSight driver assistance suite, a Harmon Kardon audio system, a touchscreen infotainment display, a power liftgate, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, and adaptive cruise control.

Model Updates: The 2015 Forester sees a reshuffling of its standard and optional equipment list and gets a standard rearview camera. The 2016 Forester has new Starlink touchscreen audio units, while models with EyeSight gain steering-responsive fog lights. Changes for 2017 include torque vectoring on turbocharged XT models and available blind-spot monitoring. For its final year, the 2018 Forester adds a Black Edition package, while models with EyeSight gain reverse automatic braking and high-beam assist.

Subaru Forester (3rd Generation: 2009 - 2013)

Key Improvements: Key Improvements: The third-generation Forester sets the tone for future Forester design. Hallmarks include a tall greenhouse, generous ground clearance, and a more sophisticated suspension. A turbocharged engine is still available here, as is a panoramic moonroof, a premium sound system, touchscreen navigation, and the L.L. Bean Edition. The 2013 models gain Bluetooth streaming and iPod compatibility.

Subaru Forester (2nd Generation: 2003 - 2008)

Key Improvements: An upgrade to the original, the second-gen Forester introduces a turbocharged engine option. This generation also sees more safety tech, like Subaru's VDC/VTD traction and stability control and a load-leveling rear suspension.

Subaru Forester (1st generation: 1998 - 2002)

Based on the Impreza platform, the first-gen Forester looks more like a tall wagon than a compact SUV. If you can find one in good shape, it could make an excellent little winter commuter car for not a lot of money.

Subaru Forester Buying Tips

Do you need help choosing the right Subaru Forester? Autotrader provides expert automotive advice to ensure you purchase the perfect vehicle.

Subaru Forester FAQs

Is the Subaru Forester a Good SUV?

The Subaru Forester has won numerous awards from Kelley Blue Book and is one of the most popular used compact SUVs on Autotrader. The Forester most recently earned a spot on the 2023 Best Resale Value list in the SUV category.

SUBARU FORESTER Reliability Score
Overall Score	84.9
Average Miles Between Visits	7,658
Average Repair Orders per VIN	8.8
Average Routine-Only Visits	21%
Average Durability-Reliability Rating	85%
Average Labor Hours per Visit	14.4
Average Cost per Visit	$382

	Base	Limited	Wilderness	Premium
Starting MSRP	$31,470	$39,070	$40,970	$33,470
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