“The Forester is excellent, it has solid fuel economy, is a phenomenal value, and Subaru as a brand supports a lot of great things. Just keep in mind overall higher maintenance costs compared to other brands.”
2024 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2024 Subaru Forester is a carryover with no major changes. It is the final model year of the fifth-generation Forester, with only a few minor appearance and equipment updates on certain trims.
About the 2024 Subaru Forester
5th generation Forester (2019-2024), final model year after the 2022 refresh and just before the all-new 2025 redesign.
Subaru positions the Forester as a compact SUV for people who want everyday usefulness with built-in bad-weather and light-trail confidence. Its core appeal is that every trim gets all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, a roomy cabin, strong outward visibility, and a full EyeSight driver-assist suite. Compared with many rivals, the Forester leans less on flashy design and more on confidence, versatility, safety, and easy daily living for families, commuters, and outdoor-minded owners.
The 2024 lineup ranges from the straightforward base model and comfort-focused Premium to the more rugged Wilderness and upscale Touring. The Wilderness has 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a front skid plate, and water-repellent upholstery, while the Touring adds leather upholstery, navigation, premium audio, and heated rear seats. Every trim has a 2.5-liter engine and all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Styling
The Premium gains standard LED fog lights and a black rear roof spoiler. The Limited gets black geometric-textured fog-light trim, while the Touring adds black-and-chrome textured fog-light trim.
2024 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| 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 | 26 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 3000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74.2 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 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 | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2024 Subaru Forester redesigned?
No. The 2024 Forester carries over the fifth-generation body and cabin and is the final model year before the redesigned 2025 Forester.
What changed on the 2024 Subaru Forester compared with 2023?
There were no major model-wide changes. The Premium adds standard LED fog lights and a black rear roof spoiler, while the Limited and Touring receive updated fog-light trim details.
Does the 2024 Subaru Forester use the same engine and all-wheel-drive system as 2023?
Yes. Every 2024 Forester keeps the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive.
Did the 2024 Subaru Forester receive a new safety suite?
No. The EyeSight driver-assistance suite carries over without a lineup-wide upgrade for 2024. It includes features such as adaptive cruise control and lane centering.
Did the 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness change for this year?
No major changes were made to the 2024 Wilderness. It retains its trail-focused equipment, including 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a front skid plate, water-repellent upholstery, and a 3,000-pound towing capacity.
2024 Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2024 Subaru Forester.
4.4
2024 Subaru Forester
(134 reviews)
“The vehicle is safe and fuel efficient. It's comfortable and a great choice for families or individuals!”
“Great vehicle. Good gas mileage. Very safe. Adaptive cruise control works very well. iPhone Apps only work with carPlay when physically connected.”