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2012 Subaru Forester review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Forester highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

11 customer reviews
The 2012 Subaru Forester is lauded for its spacious interior, cargo capacity, and standard all-wheel drive, ensuring reliable handling in various weather. Highway fuel efficiency impresses, while city mileage is a drawback. Some concerns about costly maintenance and early engine issues were noted, along with outdated tech. Practical for active lifestyles but not without trade-offs.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru Forester an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Forester 22nd out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester features and specs

Curious how Subaru Forester trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

2.5XT Touring 4D Sport Utility 4WD/AWD

Standard Features

  • Heated Mirrors
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Tow Hitch
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

224

Torque (ft-lbs)

226

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16.9

Wheelbase

103"

Overall length

179.5"

Width

70.1"

Height

66.9"

Leg room

F 43.1"/R 38"

Head room

F 40"/R 37.7"

Front tires

P225/55HR17

Rear tires

P225/55HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

360/2400 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Subaru Forester FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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