2010 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main 2010 change is a reshuffled trim lineup, led by the new standalone 2.5X Premium and its standard 10-way power driver's seat. Otherwise, the Forester carries over without an engine, body, safety, or chassis update.
About the 2010 Subaru Forester
3rd generation Forester (2009-2013), second model year before the 2011 engine and trim update.
Subaru positioned the 2010 Forester as an all-weather compact SUV built around standard AWD, good outward visibility, useful cargo space, and a low-mounted boxer engine for stable road manners. It was meant to feel more adventurous than a typical small crossover without becoming bulky or truck-like. Versus rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Subaru’s clearest differentiators were standard AWD on every trim and the availability of a much quicker turbocharged XT model.
The 2.5X is the straightforward version, while the 2.5X Premium adds a panoramic moonroof, raised roof rails, and a power driver's seat. Limited trims focus on leather, heated front seats, and automatic climate control, while the 224-hp turbo models provide stronger acceleration; every trim has AWD.
What changed, by category
2010 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & SportShift |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26–27 mpg | 26 mpg | 26–27 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 224 hp | 224 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 33.5 cu-ft | 30.8 cu-ft | 30.8 cu-ft | 30.8 cu-ft | 30.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Video Input | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Subaru Forester much different from the 2009 model?
No. The 2010 Forester is mostly a carryover, with revised trim names and lineup organization rather than a redesign. The headline update is the standalone 2.5X Premium trim and its standard 10-way power driver's seat.
Which Subaru Forester trims changed for 2010?
The 2010 lineup uses revised names and adds two Premium trims. X became 2.5X, X Limited became 2.5X Limited, and XT became 2.5XT Limited; 2.5X Premium and 2.5XT Premium joined the lineup, while X LL Bean Edition and the former XT Limited left it.
Did the 2010 Subaru Forester get new engines or transmissions?
No. Non-turbo trims retain the 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and turbo trims retain the 224-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The manual transmission remains limited to the 2.5X and 2.5X Premium.
What is different about the 2010 Forester 2.5X Premium?
The 2.5X Premium is a standalone trim for 2010 rather than a package, and it has a standard 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support. It also has a panoramic moonroof, raised roof rails, steering-wheel audio controls, and reclining rear seatbacks.
Did the 2010 Subaru Forester receive styling or safety updates?
No. The body, front-end design, lighting, and safety equipment carry over for 2010. Stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and side-curtain airbags remain part of the lineup.