beebs

2025 Subaru Forester review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Forester highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

View our Subaru Forester inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

Find your Forester
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our Forester inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

All Subaru Forester years

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2025 Subaru Forester is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

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.

Cost

According to RepairPal, cost is the average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle. Higher average cost alone does not necessarily mean a vehicle is less reliable.

The related cost of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Subaru Forester is $525, compared to an average of $473 for Compact SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Frequency

According to RepairPal, frequency is the average number of times the vehicle is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal reports that it calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year for each make and model; and that controls are included to omit small routine visits to shops (such as for oil changes).

The frequency of such visits for a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

According to RepairPal, Subaru Forester owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Compact SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Severity

According to RepairPal, severity measures the probability that a repair will be a major issue. RepairPal reports that an issue is considered severe if a repair costs three-times the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).

The severity of repairs for a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 15% for the Subaru Forester, compared to an average of 13% for Compact SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

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
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • 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
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

Actual features may vary per car. Visit a car's detail page for a list of its actual features or contact us for more details.

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Start
  • Rockford Fosgate Sound
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

180

Torque (ft-lbs)

178

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

16.6

Wheelbase

105.1"

Overall length

183.3"

Width

72"

Height

68.1"

Leg room

F 43.3"/R 39.4"

Head room

F 40"/R 37.7"

Front tires

P225/55VR18

Rear tires

P225/55VR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2025 Subaru Forester FAQ

Subaru Forester articles

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

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.
Best Used Crossover SUVs for 2023: Abstract | CarMax

Best Used Crossover SUVs for 2023

Are you looking for a vehicle that handles like a car but has the spaciousness of an SUV? Check out this list of the best used crossover SUVs for 2023 shoppers to find the one that's right for you.
Best Used AWD SUVs for 2023: Hero | CarMax

Best Used AWD SUVs for 2023

If you're the adventurous type, an AWD SUV will suit you down to the ground—no matter how rough that ground is. To help you choose what's best for you, check out our list of the best AWD SUVs for 2023 shoppers.

Want to view more trending articles?


* 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.

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.