Used Subaru Forester Quick Facts
- It’s tough to go wrong with any used Subaru Forester.
- Since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) began considering SUVs for its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ lists in 2007, the Subaru Forester has qualified for one or the other.
- In the latest Subaru Forester generation, we can easily recommend the 2020-2023 model years. All three posted solid scores for reliability and owner satisfaction. It’s too soon to tell about the 2024s.
William Jefferson Clinton was the United States president, and “Titanic” won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1998, the first model year of the Subaru Forester. As with all Subaru models of that era, the Forester was another quirky, hard-to-define, all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle. However, no one spent too much time attempting to pigeonhole it; after all, it was just another oddball Subaru. That, however, didn’t stop owners from loving the vehicle. They are loving it so much that the car represented roughly 25% of Subaru sales in recent years.
Never an off-roading powerhouse, this 5-passenger SUV has grown into a snowbelt darling. It will begin its sixth generation for the 2025 model year, but with five generations to its credit, there are more than 26 years of used examples available for your consideration. We’ll help you sift through them to find the best, used Subaru Forester for you.
- Best Subaru Forester Model Years
- Which Subaru Forester Should You Buy?
- What You Should Know About the Subaru Forester
- Is the Subaru Forester Reliable?
- Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback
- Is a Used Subaru Forester a Good Car?
- What Subaru Forester Would We Buy?
Best Subaru Forester Model Years
Since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) began considering SUVs for its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ lists in 2007, the Subaru Forester has qualified for one or the other.
- Fifth Generation (2019-2024): It’s too early to rate the 2024; however, we can easily recommend the 2020-2023 model years. All three posted solid scores for reliability and owner satisfaction.
- Fourth Generation (2014-2018): At least in terms of recalls, the 2014 redesign brought Subaru back on track (2.2 vs. 15.6). Reliability hovered around average for these model years. Because the best owner satisfaction numbers came from 2018, it is our pick for best among this generation.
- Third Generation (2009-2013): We are hard-pressed to pick a best model year out of this generation and not because they are all so good. However, we will indeed pick one because we said we would. As they say, in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. In this case, that would be the 2012 model year. It had average reliability and owner satisfaction scores and fewer recalls (15) than the average for this generation (15.6). Yes, this is the Forester’s recall generation.
- Second Generation (2003-2008): Owner satisfaction scores are high for the 2003-2006 model years and moderate for 2007 and 2008. Although 2003 had three recalls (the most of any model year from this generation), it ranked highest for reliability. Our nod for best from this group is the 2003 model year.
- First Generation (1998-2002): Reliability and owner satisfaction scores for this generation are sketchy at best. What you need to know is that, generally, Subaru has one of the most loyal owner bases in the industry. So, even first-gen Forester models get lots of love from those who drive or have driven them. The first numbers we can locate are from 2000, and they are remarkably favorable both for reliability and owner satisfaction. If you are hunting for a cheap project car or even a taste of nostalgia, the 2000 Forester looks like a good bet. However, the 2001 and 2002 editions would fill the bill nearly as well. We don’t put much emphasis on recalls, but out of these three years, the single recall we could find was for 2002.
See current and used Subaru Foresters for sale near you.
Which Subaru Forester Should You Buy?
Let’s look at each generation of the Forester, beginning with the upcoming sixth generation, which will be arriving for the 2025 model year.
Sixth Generation (2025-TBD)
The 2025 model year will mark the beginning of the sixth-generation Forester.
Fifth Generation (2019-2024)
Somehow, Subaru figured out how to make the 2019 Forester bigger on the inside without making it noticeably larger on the outside. Rear-seat legroom is up by 1.4 inches and there is an extra inch that separates the two front seats. Gone is the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, leaving the 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine to propel the entire Forester lineup. However, it is 90% new, and output is up slightly from 170 horsepower to 182. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) still transfers engine torque to all wheels, but Subaru made it lighter and quieter with imitation upshifts and downshifts during aggressive driving. The base infotainment screen is 6.5 inches; however, upper trims use an 8-inch unit. The EyeSight advanced-tech bundle with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking is standard for every grade. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) added the Forester to its Top Safety Pick+ list in 2019-2022. For 2023 and 2024, it made the IIHS Top Safety Pick list. Yearly changes or improvements include:
- 2020 — Subaru enhanced the tire-pressure-monitoring and EyeSight systems.
- 2021 — Adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction the front tires are turned and some other trim-specific upgrades became standard.
- 2022 — A restyled front end and a wider-view EyeSight camera led the list of upgrades. Subaru also added its Wilderness off-road-intensive trim to the grade lineup.
See 2019 to 2024 Subaru Foresters for sale near you
What Is the Subaru Forester Wilderness?
Built off the Premium trim, the Wilderness increases the Forester’s off-road capability over and above the rest of the trim-level lineup. For example, ground clearance grows to 9.2 inches, up from the regular 8.7 inches. A specially tuned suspension maintains the Forester’s comfortable ride despite the added ground clearance. Traction on mud and gravel is elevated by the Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch matte black wheels. It also gets a front skid plate and larger wheel arch cladding. Waterproof upholstery protects the seats. Finally, a ladder-type roof rack can haul 220 pounds or hold up to 880 pounds when parked for a rooftop tent.
Fourth Generation (2014-2018)
Virtually every aspect of the Forester was improved in its 2014 redesign. Larger inside and out, the maximum cargo space ballooned to 74.7 cubic feet. Subaru carried over the base engine but replaced the old turbo with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 250 hp. Gone are the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, replaced by a 6-speed manual and a CVT. All trims, beginning with the 2.5i Limited grade, got X-Mode with hill-descent control to maximize performance and low-speed operational capabilities on inclines and slick surfaces. Subaru’s EyeSight bundle of advanced safety tech became available. Model years 2014-2017 made the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list. The 2018 Forester made the Top Safety Pick list. Other model-year improvements or changes:
- 2015—All Forester trim levels got a backup camera.
- 2016—The Starlink touchscreen infotainment interface became standard across all trim levels, with a 6.2-inch screen on the base model and a 7-inch screen on upper grades.
- 2017—Turbocharged models received an updated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with improved traction. Blind-spot monitoring became available.
- 2018—The available (standard on Touring) EyeSight system adds reverse automatic braking and high-beam assist.
See 2014 to 2018 Subaru Foresters for sale near you
Third Generation (2009-2013)
More rear legroom and a quieter ride were a couple of the results of the 2009 Forester arriving on an all-new platform with a double-wishbone rear suspension. With its softened lines, the fresh exterior styling gave the Forester a more sophisticated, if not more aggressive, appearance. It’s taller and longer, too. Subaru carried over the base (now with 170 hp) and the turbo engines. The 5-speed manual transmission only remained standard for the base trim. All others got the 4-speed automatic. Ground clearance increased to 8.7 inches. Again, as this generation progresses, it is all over the map with the number and names of the trim levels. All five model years in this generation made the IIHS Top Safety Pick lists. Other model-year improvements:
- 2010 — All trims receive a new instrument cluster. The LL Bean trim disappears.
- 2011 — Touring makes its debut as a trim level. A new base 2.5-liter engine delivers the same horsepower but ups the torque a tad and improves mileage.
- 2012 — The passenger seat in all trims is now height adjustable.
- 2013 — A new radio with built-in Bluetooth and steaming capabilities becomes standard on all 2.5X models.
See 2014 to 2018 Subaru Foresters for sale near you.
Second Generation (2003-2008)
For its 2003 redesign, Subaru increased the Forester’s height and jettisoned the first generation’s Toontown grilles in favor of a more conservative 2-slat design. An aluminum hood reduced the poundage the carryover 4-cylinder engine had to motivate. Cargo space inflated to a maximum of 64 cubic feet with the second row folded. Subaru renamed the trims 2.5X and 2.5XS. The number and names of the trim levels fluctuated wildly during this generation from as few as three to as many as seven. The IIHS didn’t begin testing SUVs for its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards until 2007. It put the 2007 and 2008 on its Top Safety Pick list. Other model-year changes:
- 2004 — A 210-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powered the new XT trim.
- 2005 — An LL Bean Edition joined the trim-level lineup.
- 2006—Both engines received a power bump: the base engine, 173 hp, and the turbo, 224 hp. Subaru refreshed the Forester with updated headlights and taillights and a few tweaks to the front-end styling. Ground clearance received a boost to 8.0 inches.
See 2003 to 2008 Subaru Foresters for sale near you.
First Generation (1998-2002)
Sharing a platform with the Impreza and its 165-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with the Outback, the 1998 Forester also provided 7.5 inches of ground clearance. It, of course, propelled itself with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Hustling engine output to the wheels was a 5-speed manual or an available 4-speed automatic transmission. Subaru separated the Forester into three grades: Base, L, and S. Even the Base trim arrived with air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. Yearly changes included:
- 2000 — The trim levels dropped from three to just the L and S grades.
See 1998 to 2002 Subaru Foresters for sale near you.
What You Should Know About Subaru Forester
We suspect that high on your list of concerns about a used Forester are cost and fuel economy. We’ll tackle those first and then move on to a couple of other often-asked questions.
Can You Go Off-Roading in a Subaru Forester?
Although it’s not engineered for intense off-roading, it can certainly get you to the trailhead for hiking and biking. It’s fine on dirt and gravel trails, as well as snow. If you want a little more, we suggest Wilderness models from the fifth generation. These offer the most off-road capability of all the model years.
How Much Can a Subaru Forester Tow?
Towing capability for any particular model is primarily a function of the engine and transmission. Furthermore, the maximum towing weight can vary depending on whether or not the load (trailer) has its own brakes. Previous to 2014, the Forester could tow between 2,000 and 2,400 pounds depending on the model year. From 2014 until the present, 1,500 pounds was the limit. However, with the introduction of the Wilderness trim in 2022, the Forester can tug up to 3,000 pounds.
Is the Subaru Forester Reliable?
Overall, we’d say the Forester is generally reliable. Please keep in mind that, more than anything, long-term reliability is a function of how previous owners have treated and maintained a used vehicle. Consequently, when considering any used car purchase, we advise securing a vehicle history report from providers like AutoCheck or Carfax. Furthermore, we recommend getting an inspection by a professional mechanic. With that said, let’s look at the best and the worst of Forester model years.
Tip: A blanket statement for the reliability exercise is that the older the model year, the greater the likelihood of expensive repairs.
Subaru Forester Model Years to Avoid
Out of the 25 model years we’ve researched for reliability and owner satisfaction, there are only a handful we wouldn’t recommend. If you can find any, we’d steer clear of the 1998 and 1999 model years because of the lack of information. We also think there are enough red flags concerning the third generation (2009-2013), so we’d avoid those, as well.
Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback
In the world of Subaru, the Forester and Outback are huge players. Although they share many similarities, like their Symmetrical all-wheel drive and their 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback is significantly longer and somewhat wider than the Forester. On the other hand, the Forester is taller. The Outback is heavier (about 200 pounds) than the Forester. Oddly, though, they have about the same amount of passenger room. The cargo room advantage goes to the Outback. Both rely on a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder as their base engine; however, over the years, both have had turbo upgrades. Both boast the best fuel economy among their respective classes.
Is a Used Subaru Forester a Good Car?
With only a few exceptions, we find the Subaru Forester is a good car. Other than the model years we just mentioned, the Forester is a solid, used car pick.
What Would We Buy?
If affordability was a major concern, we’d go with the 2013 or 2018 Forester. When cost was less of a factor, we’d pick from 2020-2023. But, really, it’s tough to go wrong with just about any model-year Subaru Forester.
See used Subaru Foresters for sale near you.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.
