2013 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 Subaru Forester is mostly a carryover, with standard Bluetooth phone and audio plus USB/iPod connectivity as its main update. Its engines, six-trim lineup, body design, and basic structure remain largely unchanged.
About the 2013 Subaru Forester
3rd generation (2009-2013), final year before the all-new 2014 redesign.
Subaru positions the Forester as a compact SUV built around balance: everyday usefulness, standard all-wheel drive, generous visibility, solid cargo flexibility, and genuine foul-weather confidence. In Subaru’s own brochure language, it is about versatility, safety, comfort, and control for daily adventures. Its key difference versus many small crossovers of the time is that AWD is standard across the lineup, and it pairs that traction with taller ground clearance and a practical, easy-to-use cabin rather than a style-first focus.
The 2013 Forester ranges from the practical 2.5X to comfort-focused Limited and Touring trims, all with standard AWD. The 2.5XT Premium and Touring add a stronger 224-hp turbocharged engine, while upper trims bring features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, a rear-view camera, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
2013 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/SportShift | Automatic, 4-Spd w/SportShift |
| 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 | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Subaru Forester?
The biggest change is standard phone and music connectivity across the lineup. Every 2013 Forester has Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio streaming, and USB/iPod integration.
Is the 2013 Subaru Forester redesigned?
No. The 2013 Forester is the final year of the third generation and keeps essentially the same body, engines, and structure as before. A full redesign follows for 2014.
Does every 2013 Subaru Forester have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming are standard on every 2013 Forester trim. On the base 2.5X, Bluetooth had been optional for 2012.
Is the 2013 Subaru Forester worth considering over the 2012 model?
The 2013 model is mainly worth considering for its improved standard connectivity. It adds lineup-wide Bluetooth and USB/iPod integration, but the engines, body design, and overall trim structure are otherwise largely unchanged from 2012.
Did the 2013 Subaru Forester get a new engine?
No. The engine lineup carries over, including the 170-hp 2.5-liter engine in 2.5X models and the 224-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in 2.5XT models.