“My Subaru Forrester is zippy! It handles well with great performance and safety features. It has a moon roof. It's great on gas. Has stylish interior trim and details. It's great!”
Subaru Forester: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat compact SUV known for standard all-wheel drive, a roomy cabin, clear outward visibility, and practical everyday usability. In recent years, the lineup has included gas and hybrid versions.
Across generations, the Forester has grown roomier and more SUV-like while staying focused on all-weather confidence and easy daily use. Safety technology and passenger space have become stronger parts of the formula over time. Recent additions such as the Wilderness and Hybrid broaden that formula for light trail use and better fuel economy.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives every Forester added confidence in rain, snow, and on loose roads.
- The cabin is roomy for a compact SUV, and the 2026 model has 39.4 inches of rear legroom.
- Large windows and clear outward visibility make it easier to place the Forester in traffic and parking lots.
- Safety has been a consistent focus, with driver-assistance technology standard across the lineup since 2019.
- The 2026 hybrid is rated at 35 mpg in the city while keeping standard all-wheel drive.
- Wilderness models add useful capability for light trails, and the redesigned 2026 version can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Who it's for
The Forester suits shoppers who want one vehicle for commuting, family errands, road trips, and bad weather. It is especially appealing to buyers who value space, visibility, and predictable usefulness more than flashy performance or luxury.
Subaru Forester lineup
The long-running range follows a straightforward ladder from Base through Premium and Limited to Touring, with Touring serving as the top trim and carrying a history of added comfort and safety equipment. Sport has occupied the middle of the lineup since 2019, though its exact equipment varies by year. Pick Wilderness for the most trail-focused Forester; since 2022, it has stood apart with extra ground clearance, revised gearing, and greater towing ability. The Sport Onyx Edition is a 2026 addition for shoppers who prefer darker styling and added audio and convenience equipment.
Subaru Forester generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Forester spans four generations. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2025, following the 5th Generation (2019–2024).
6th Generation (2025–Present)
The sixth-generation Forester has a quieter cabin, updated safety technology, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen on most trims. A U.S.-market hybrid joined during 2025, while the redesigned Wilderness followed for 2026.
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2026Trim changes
The redesigned Wilderness returns with more ground clearance, revised gearing, and a 3,500-pound tow rating. The new Sport Onyx Edition also joins the lineup.
2025New generation
The main gas lineup moves to an all-new design with a quieter cabin, updated safety technology, and a larger touchscreen on most trims. The hybrid arrives later, while Wilderness carries over on the older body for this year.
5th Generation (2019–2024)
This generation moved to Subaru's newer platform, creating more passenger and cargo room and a stiffer structure. It also brought a new 2.5-liter engine, standard driver-assist technology, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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2024
A final carryover year with only small equipment and appearance updates.
2023
Most of the lineup carries over. The Base trim gets a revised 6.5-inch touchscreen setup.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling and an updated driver-assist system arrive across the lineup. The trail-focused Wilderness trim also joins.
2021
Steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams and a rear seatbelt reminder become standard.
2020
The standard driver-assist suite adds lane centering and improved lane-departure prevention. A rear-seat reminder also becomes standard.
2019New generation
A full redesign brings a newer platform, more interior room, a new 2.5-liter engine, and standard driver-assist technology. The Sport trim joins the lineup.
4th Generation — SJ (2014–2018)
The fourth-generation Forester grew roomier, with more rear-seat space and cargo capacity. It introduced updated transmissions, added trail-driving assistance on upper trims, and gave turbo models a new 2.0-liter engine.
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2018
The new Black Edition package arrives, and several safety and handling features spread to more versions.
2017Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling joins quicker steering, a quieter cabin, and upgraded safety technology on equipped models.
2016
New touchscreen systems become standard across the lineup, with a 6.2-inch screen on the base model and a 7-inch screen on higher trims.
2015
A rearview camera becomes standard across the lineup. Touring trims receive modest lighting and wheel updates.
2014New generation
The full redesign brings a roomier body and cabin, updated transmissions, added safety equipment, and a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
3rd Generation — SH (2009–2013)
The third-generation Forester adopted a larger, more SUV-like body with a longer wheelbase and more room for people and cargo. Revised engines improved everyday response, while stability control and rollover-sensing side-curtain airbags became standard.
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2013
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity plus USB and iPod integration become standard across the lineup.
2012
A height-adjustable front passenger seat becomes standard on every trim.
2011Mid-cycle update
Non-turbo models get a revised 2.5-liter engine, while the grille and dashboard are updated across the lineup. New Touring trims also join.
2010Trim changes
The former Premium package becomes the standalone 2.5X Premium trim and gains a power driver's seat.
2009New generation
The full redesign brings a longer wheelbase, a larger body, more interior room, revised engines, and added standard safety equipment.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Subaru Forester.
2026 Subaru Forester2025 Subaru Forester2024 Subaru Forester2023 Subaru Forester2022 Subaru Forester2021 Subaru Forester2020 Subaru Forester2019 Subaru Forester2018 Subaru Forester2017 Subaru Forester2016 Subaru Forester2015 Subaru Forester2014 Subaru Forester2013 Subaru Forester2012 Subaru Forester2011 Subaru Forester2010 Subaru Forester2009 Subaru Forester
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is the Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is a four-door compact SUV with seating for five. It is built around a roomy cabin, clear outward visibility, flexible cargo space, and standard all-wheel drive rather than sporty handling or luxury-focused design.
Does every Subaru Forester have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is a standard part of the Forester formula, including gas and hybrid versions. That makes any trim suitable for commuting in rain or snow without having to seek out a separate AWD version.
Does the Subaru Forester come as a hybrid?
Yes. The first U.S.-market Forester Hybrid joined the range during the 2025 model year in Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring forms. The latest hybrid system makes 194 horsepower and keeps all-wheel drive.
Is the Subaru Forester roomy enough for a family?
Yes. The Forester seats five and emphasizes passenger room, easy visibility, and everyday cargo flexibility. In the latest generation, rear legroom is 39.4 inches and maximum cargo space ranges from 69.1 to 74.4 cubic feet, depending on the version.
How much can a Subaru Forester tow?
Towing ability depends on the year and version. In the latest lineup, most Foresters are rated for 1,500 pounds, while the trail-focused Wilderness reaches 3,500 pounds with revised gearing. Check the exact vehicle before towing.
Which Subaru Forester years belong to each generation?
The third generation covers 2009–2013, the fourth covers 2014–2018, and the fifth covers 2019–2024. The sixth generation starts with 2025. Those redesign points matter because cabin space, technology, engines, and trim names can change substantially.
Are there turbocharged Subaru Foresters?
Yes, but they are older XT models. Forester XT versions sold from 2009 through 2018, with 224-hp 2.5XT and later 250-hp 2.0XT variants. Newer gas Foresters use a non-turbo 2.5-liter engine, while the newest hybrid uses a 194-hp system.
Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the Subaru Forester.
4.3
Subaru Forester
(5,754 reviews)
“Great gas mileage. Very good vision. Many useful advanced safety features. Handles well in traffic and on hills and country roads. Great lifetime reputation.”
“It is reliable and drives smoothly. It is comfortable and has many safety features.”
“I often recommend Foresters to others. They are safe, reliable, last forever and are great in the winter.”
“Sporty, comfy, with a splash of style. Handles heavy rain and tight turn arounds like a champ.”
“Go for it! It's a great value for money. Top safety, reliability and performance.”
Sources
- subaru.com — About / Company News / Subaru Focuses Consumer Affordability Excellent Value Updated Pricing
- subaru.com — Forester / Gas / 2026
- subaru.com — About / Company News / 2025 subaru forester earns IIHS top safety pick award
- subaru.com — Gas / 2026 / Features
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2026 / FOR
- subaru.com — Forester / Hybrid / 2026
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Forester Brochure 011326
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / FOR
- subaru.com — Wilderness / 2026 / Features
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Forester Brochure 051524
- subaru.com — Gas / 2025 / Features
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2024 / FOR