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
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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.