2012 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Subaru Forester is largely a carryover. Its main change is a height-adjustable front passenger seat made standard on every trim.
About the 2012 Subaru Forester
3rd generation Forester (2009-2013), after the 2011 refresh and before the full 2014 redesign.
Subaru positions the 2012 Forester as a practical compact SUV that blends everyday usefulness with real foul-weather confidence. Its core pitch is simple: standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, a roomy cabin, and easy outward visibility in a size that still feels manageable around town. Compared with many rival compact SUVs of the time, the Forester leans less on fashion and more on traction, cargo flexibility, and a car-like driving feel.
The 2012 Forester range starts with the practical 2.5X, while the 2.5X Premium adds a panoramic moonroof, power driver’s seat, and Bluetooth. Limited and Touring models focus on comfort with leather upholstery, and the XT versions stand out with a stronger 224-horsepower turbo engine and standard all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
2012 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, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 4-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 4-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 4-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 4-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 4-Spd w/SptShft | Auto, 4-Spd w/SptShft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 224 hp | 224 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb | 2400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63 cu-ft | 63 cu-ft | 63 cu-ft | 63 cu-ft | 68.3 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2011 Forester to the 2012 Forester?
The main change for 2012 is a standard height-adjustable front passenger seat on every Forester trim. Satellite radio also changed from standard to optional on the two Touring trims, while the engines, transmissions, styling, safety equipment, and basic structure carried over.
Was the 2012 Subaru Forester redesigned?
No, the 2012 Subaru Forester was not redesigned. It belongs to the third generation introduced for 2009, follows the larger 2011 update, and precedes the full 2014 redesign.
Did the 2012 Subaru Forester get a new engine?
No, the 2012 Forester’s engines carried over. The 2.5X trims use a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5XT Premium and Touring use a 224-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Which 2012 Subaru Forester trims have the turbo engine?
The 2012 Forester 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Touring have the 224-horsepower turbocharged engine. Both also have all-wheel drive and a functional hood scoop that feeds air to the engine’s cooling system.
What distinguishes the 2012 Forester Touring trims?
The 2012 Forester Touring trims are the most fully equipped versions. They include leather-trimmed upholstery, HID low-beam headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera; the 2.5XT Touring adds the stronger turbo engine.