Subaru Forester

Overview: Is the Subaru Forester a Good Compact SUV?

Combining car-like handling with SUV versatility and standard all-wheel drive, the popular Subaru Forester has delivered well-rounded capabilities for almost three decades. Sold as a two-row crossover, the family-friendly Forester employs boxer four-cylinder engines routed through Subaru’s acclaimed full-time AWD system across all trim lines. Strong resale values and competency on and off the road make the Forester a practical choice—no wonder they’re everywhere. The Forester is sold alongside the Impreza, Crosstrek, Outback, Solterra, Ascent, Legacy, WRX, and BRZ while competing against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and other compact crossover SUV models.

Arriving in the U.S. for the 1998 model year, the Forester quickly rose to become one of Subaru’s most popular vehicles. This overview covers more recent examples:

• Subaru Forester 3rd Generation: 2009–2013
• Subaru Forester 4th Generation: 2014–2018
• Subaru Forester 5th Generation: 2019–2024

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Subaru Forester cars for sale.

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Related: Subaru Forester Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features

The Subaru Forester offers:

• Five-door compact crossover body style
• Naturally aspirated or turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engines (varying by year)
• Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD)

Trims

Older Subaru Foresters were offered in X, LL Bean, X Limited, XT, and XT Limited trims. Eventually, the company shifted to a more familiar lineup: a base edition plus the Premium, Limited, and Touring Sport grades. The mid-tier Subaru Forester Sport was added along the way, and the Touring became the top offering. For 2022, the Subaru Forester Wilderness joined the range as a more rugged edition.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Forester offers comfortable accommodations in both rows, although the middle spot in the back seat can be a tight squeeze for five people on board. Otherwise, there’s generous legroom and space for child car seats. Available luxuries like heated rear seats, a power tailgate, a Harman Kardon audio system, a moonroof, and the latest STARLINK touchscreen infotainment keep the Forester relevant. A tall cabin helps the Forester maximize its cargo space.

How It Drives

While older Foresters were available with punchier turbocharged engines, more recent examples are focused on efficiency. This approach is reinforced by a CVT that’s programmed for better MPGs. The Forester can handle its own during highway merging, but it's not a performance machine. The standard AWD system inspires confidence, especially during inclement weather.

Safety

The third-generation Subaru Forester gets a commendable four-star (out of five) overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, later editions received five-star rankings in the same testing.

Reviews

Owner reviews on Kelley Blue Book are quite favorable for the Subaru Forester. The ratings among the third through fifth generations range from 4.2 to 4.5 out of 5.0, with consumers praising the car’s reliability and value as top qualities.

Learn More: Here Are The Subaru Forester Years To Avoid and How Long Do Subaru Foresters Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

FAQs

Is the Forester reliable?

While the Forester enjoys a generally good reputation for reliability, there are some trouble spots. In particular, carcomplaints.com cites the 2014 and 2015 model years as being known for engine-related problems. Some years, like 2017, have had above-average issues with the CVT. In addition, older Foresters (1999-2010) are infamous for bad head gaskets.

What are Forester weaknesses?

An aging interior design, lack of a third-row seat option, mediocre base audio system, and numb steering feedback on specific models draw rare complaints among owners and reviewers. Underwhelming engine power is another shortcoming.

Which is bigger, the Outback or the Forester?

The midsize Outback wagon significantly outsizes the compact Forester in terms of maximum rear seat legroom and overall cargo capacity thanks to its larger footprint and stretched wheelbase.

Why is the Forester popular?

Combining ample cargo room, strong safety ratings, and standard all-wheel drive traction makes the versatile compact Subaru Forester a top choice for young families or outdoor adventure seekers.

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