2012 Subaru Forester review
Subaru Forester highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
All Subaru Forester years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Forester generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2012 Subaru Forester?
- Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
- The 2.5X trim now comes with Automatic Transmission as standard equipment.
- The 2.5X Premium trim now comes with Automatic Transmission as standard equipment.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2012 Subaru Forester is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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 ForesterSubaru Forester features and specs
Curious how Subaru Forester trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
2.5X 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
174
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
16.9
Wheelbase
103"
Overall length
179.5"
Width
70.1"
Height
65.9"
Leg room
F 43.1"/R 38"
Head room
F 41.6"/R 40.4"
Front tires
P215/65HR16
Rear tires
P215/65HR16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
360/2400 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2012 Subaru Forester FAQ
The 2012 Subaru Forester is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5X: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5X Limited: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5X Premium: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5X Touring: 21 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5XT Premium: 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- 2.5XT Touring: 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The Subaru Forester received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru Forester as 21 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2012 Subaru Forester has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Subaru Forester, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Subaru Forester Reviews.
The 2012 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 2400 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Research other vehicles
- 2022 Audi Q3 review
- 2016 Audi Q5 Hybrid review
- 2025 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid review
- 2017 BMW 550 review
- 2015 BMW 640 review
- 2016 BMW 640 review
- 2017 BMW 640 review
- 2025 Cadillac CT4-V review
- 2022 Cadillac CT5 review
- 2023 Cadillac CT5 review
- 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 review
- 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 review
- All things EV
- Used Subaru buying guide
- 2025 Subaru Forester review
- 2015 Subaru Forester review
- 2016 Subaru Forester review
- 2018 Subaru Forester review
- 2019 Subaru Forester review
- 2022 Subaru Forester review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.