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2017 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Subaru Forester gets a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. The headline change is a broad update that brings revised styling, a quieter cabin, quicker steering, and upgraded safety technology on equipped models.
About the 2017 Subaru Forester
4th generation (2014-2018), mid-cycle refresh year.
Subaru positions the Forester as a compact SUV for people who want everyday practicality without giving up bad-weather confidence or light-trail ability. The 2017 brochure leans on four core ideas: efficiency, versatility, safety, and space. In plain terms, it is a roomy, upright, easy-to-see-out-of SUV with standard AWD, useful cargo space, strong safety credentials, and enough ground clearance to handle rough roads better than many small crossovers.
The 2017 Forester ranges from the straightforward, roomy 2.5i with standard AWD to Touring trims focused on comfort and convenience. The 2.0XT models stand out with a 250-hp turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, while Touring versions add steering-responsive LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, driver’s-seat memory, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Styling
Subaru revised the front end and updated the rear lighting across the lineup. Touring trims also gained LED headlights that turn with the steering.
Safety
The camera-based EyeSight driver-assistance system gained wider-view color cameras and help keeping the vehicle in its lane. EyeSight-equipped Foresters also added automatic braking while reversing, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard on the 2.5i Limited.
Tech
Both Touring trims gained a heated steering wheel and driver’s-seat memory.
Structural
A quicker steering ratio sharpened response. Added sound insulation, thicker door glass, and an acoustic windshield reduced cabin noise.
2017 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, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Lineartronic | Auto, CVT Lineartronic | Auto, CVT Lineartronic | Auto, CVT Lineartronic | Auto, CVT Lnrtrnc Manual | Auto, CVT Lnrtrnc Manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74.7 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a full redesign?
No. The 2017 Forester is a mid-cycle update of the fourth-generation model, with refreshed styling, quicker steering, a quieter cabin, and upgraded safety technology rather than an all-new design.
What changed from the 2016 Forester to the 2017 Forester?
The 2017 Forester gained revised front and rear styling, quicker steering, more cabin sound insulation, and upgraded EyeSight driver-assistance features on equipped vehicles. Touring trims also added a heated steering wheel, driver’s-seat memory, and LED headlights that turn with the steering.
Did the 2017 Subaru Forester get new safety features?
Yes. EyeSight-equipped 2017 Foresters gained wider-view color cameras, help keeping the vehicle in its lane, and automatic braking while reversing. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert also became standard on the 2.5i Limited.
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester quieter than the 2016 model?
Yes. Subaru added more sound insulation, thicker door glass, and an acoustic windshield for 2017 to reduce noise inside the cabin.
Which 2017 Subaru Forester trims have the turbo engine?
The 2017 Forester 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring use a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. They also have a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and selectable driving modes.
2017 Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Subaru Forester.
4.3
2017 Subaru Forester
(1,068 reviews)
“I love my used subaru forester. It is the perfect size for me to haul my project supplies around and comfortable for my toddler's car seat. It has a slick touch screen and allows me to see the info of the music that's playing. My favorite part is it's large sun roof (much bigger than others I've seen).”
“The Subaru Forester XT is a very nice blend of comfort, performance, and utility of other Subaru models.”