2017 Subaru Forester review
Subaru Forester highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious Interior
- Good fuel economy
- Available turbo engine
Cons
- Low tow rating
- CVT is not very responsive
- Not particularly sporty
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 27 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2017 Subaru Forester is a 5-passenger crossover SUV with standard all-wheel drive
One of the best-selling models in the Subaru lineup, the Forester slots between the entry-level Crosstrek and the larger Outback. Unlike many of its rivals, the Forester comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive and good ground clearance for the occasional off-pavement excursion. For the 2017 model year, the Subaru Forester gets a freshened exterior, more standard features, added noise insulation, and updates to the brand’s EyeSight® suite of advanced driver-assist systems.
Subaru offers the Forester in a range of trim levels with two available engines, including a powerful turbocharged engine that bumps up from the standard motor’s 170 horsepower to a healthy 250 hp. A manual gearbox is also available on the more basic models with the small engine—otherwise, the Forester gets a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Forester holds its own against popular competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue.
All Subaru Forester years
What is new for the 2017 Subaru Forester?
- Forester trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Heated Steering Wheel, Memory Seat(s), and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
- Remote Start and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
- The 2.0XT Touring trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I Limited trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I Premium trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I Touring trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I trim now comes with Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.
- The 2.0XT Premium trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
Subaru Forester photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Subaru Forester
What We Like
Comfort: The Forester has a spacious cabin that offers good legroom and headroom for passengers in front and back, as well as large doors for easy entry and exit. The seats are comfortable, with good padding, and the driver's seat gets 10-way power adjustability. Overall, the cabin has good-quality materials and feels solid and well built.
Utility: The Forester has a sizable cargo area that can handle up to 34.4 cubic feet of cargo, or almost 75 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. There’s also plenty of room for storage throughout the cabin, with space for smaller items in the center console as well as large door pockets that can handle a big water bottle.
Driving: While the base engine is rather underwhelming, the 2.5-liter turbocharged motor delivers excellent performance with instant throttle response and quick acceleration. Steering is good, and brakes offer predictable stopping power for smooth modulation. The Forester can confidently handle a twisty road, but with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the small crossover excels when the pavement ends. The ride is good across all surfaces, and the all-wheel drive provides more than adequate grip for slick or rough conditions.
What Needs Improvement
Technology: The high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen display is a significant improvement over the Forester’s previous infotainment display, but the lack of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ phone integration will disappoint many consumers.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.7 out of 5
13 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 10 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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
2.5I Limited 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- 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
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Remote Start
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
174
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
103.9"
Overall length
181.5"
Width
70.7"
Height
68.2"
Leg room
F 43"/R 38"
Head room
F 40"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P225/60HR17
Rear tires
P225/60HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Subaru Forester FAQ
The 2017 Subaru Forester is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5I Limited : 26 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Premium : 26 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.5I : 26 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 2.0XT Premium : 23 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.0XT Touring : 23 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Touring : 26 MPG City and 32 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 2017 Subaru Forester has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Subaru Forester, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Subaru Forester Reviews.
The 2017 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2017 Subaru Forester:
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Remote Start
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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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