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2024 Subaru Forester review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Forester highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Good off-road capability
  • Standard driver-assist features
  • Spacious cargo area

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Basic base model

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 28 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $35,998*

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The 2024 Subaru Forester is an off-road-capable compact crossover with seating for five

The Forester is Subaru’s entry in the competitive five-passenger compact crossover SUV market. Fitting in between the subcompact Crosstrek and the larger midsize Outback, the Forester has been around since the late 1990s. Like the other SUVs in the Subaru lineup, the Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive as well as the latest advanced driver-assist features included in the brand’s EyeSight® system. The Forester comes into the 2024 model year with minimal changes in anticipation of an all-new version arriving for 2025.

Subaru offers the Forester in trims that range from a basic base model to the well-equipped, top-of-the-line Touring. While all Forester variants can handle off-road ventures, the Wilderness gets a higher ground clearance, off-road tires, and bolder styling cues. As one of the most popular SUVs in America, the Forester holds its own against strong competitors like the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, and Honda CR-V.

All Subaru Forester years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Forester generation from 2012 to 2026

What We Like 

  • Driver aids: All Subaru Foresters come standard with the brand’s EyeSight driver-assist systems. Highlights of this camera-based system include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. 

  • Interior: The Subaru Forester’s cabin is well laid out and its intuitive controls are within easy reach of the driver. With a dual-screen center layout, the Forester’s infotainment system is clear and easy to use. The GPS navigation system works well with good voice interaction, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ phone integration is standard. 

  • Comfort: With tall doors and SUV-style ride height, the Forester is easy to get in and out of. There’s good legroom and headroom in front and back to handle up to five passengers. The front seats offer nice padding with good bolstering support as well as multiple adjustments. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with minimal road and wind noise.  

What Needs Improvement 

  • Performance: With good ground clearance and responsive steering, the Forester performs well in off-road settings, but its 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine, teamed with the continuously variable transmission, doesn’t offer much acceleration. In Edmunds’ testing, the Forester took 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, making it one of the slowest in its class. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

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

Limited 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rockford Fosgate Sound
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

182

Torque (ft-lbs)

176

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

16.6

Wheelbase

105.1"

Overall length

182.7"

Width

71.5"

Height

68.1"

Leg room

F 43.3"/R 39.4"

Head room

F 40.2"/R 37.6"

Front tires

P225/55HR18

Rear tires

P225/55HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2024 Subaru Forester FAQ

Subaru Forester articles

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SUV Size Guide: How Much Does Your Family Really Need?

There are a ton of different SUVs to choose from, and it seems they come in all sizes. We break them into four categories and explain which SUV size is right for which buyer.
The Best All-in-One Vehicles for Summer Camping

The Best All-in-One Vehicles for Summer Camping

RVs and camper trailers are great for summer camping transportation needs, but there are less expensive ways to get out into nature. Edmunds recommends five vehicles across five categories that can serve as both your daily driver and campsite transport.
You Like the Nissan Rogue, But What Else Is There? 11 Nissan Rogue Alternatives: Abstract | CarMax

11 SUVs Similar to the Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is a popular compact SUV because it's good at just about everything. But what else is out there, and can the competition offer more than the value-conscious Rogue? We take a look at some alternatives to the Nissan Rogue.

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Subaru Forester inventory

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2022 Subaru Forester Premium

2022 Subaru Forester Premium

$26,998*39k Miles

Wichita, Kansas

2022 Subaru Forester Premium

2022 Subaru Forester Premium

$26,998*34k Miles

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2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness

2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness

$35,998*1k Miles

Merriam, Kansas

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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.

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