# Subaru Forester specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2026
- **MPG (combined):** 26-35
- **Drive:** AWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2026

## Quick answer

The 2026 Subaru Forester is a small SUV rated at 26-35 mpg combined. Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid.

## Every 2026 Subaru Forester version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Forester Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | AWD | CVT | 35/34 | 35 mpg | $1,900 | 255 g/mi |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | CVT | 26/33 | 29 mpg | $2,300 | 310 g/mi |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | CVT | 25/32 | 28 mpg | $2,400 | 317 g/mi |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | AWD | CVT | 24/28 | 26 mpg | $2,600 | 347 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Subaru Forester specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 26-35 |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 26-35 |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 26-29 |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 26-29 |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 26-29 |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 29 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 29 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 29 |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual, CVT | AWD | 24-28 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo; 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT, Manual | AWD | 24-28 |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual, CVT | AWD | 25-27 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual, CVT | AWD | 25-27 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the Forester changed over the years?

- **2025:** added 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid.
- **2022:** combined mpg went from 29 to 26-29.
- **2019:** dropped 2.0L 4-cyl turbo.
- **2017:** combined mpg went from 25-27 to 24-28.

## What does it cost to run a Forester?

The EPA puts the 2026 Subaru Forester's fuel cost at **$1,900-$2,600 a year**, against about $2,287 for other current small SUVs: about average. Over five years at 15,000 miles a year that is about $11,250 in fuel.

## Forester vs rivals

| Model | Powertrains | Fuel economy | Fuel cost / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Toyota RAV4](/vehicles/toyota-rav4) | Hybrid | 38-43 mpg | $1,550-$1,750 |
| [Kia Sportage](/vehicles/kia-sportage) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 24-42 mpg | $1,600-$2,800 |
| [Toyota Corolla Cross](/vehicles/toyota-corolla-cross) | Gas, Hybrid | 30-42 mpg | $1,600-$2,250 |
| [Ford Escape](/vehicles/ford-escape) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 26-40 mpg | $1,700-$2,600 |
| [Honda CR-V](/vehicles/honda-cr-v) | Gas, Hybrid, Hydrogen | 29-40 mpg | $1,700-$2,300 |
| [Lexus NX](/vehicles/lexus-nx) | Gas, Hybrid | 24-40 mpg | $2,050-$3,400 |
| [Hyundai Tucson](/vehicles/hyundai-tucson) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 26-38 mpg | $1,750-$2,600 |
| [Mazda CX-50](/vehicles/mazda-cx-50) | Gas, Hybrid | 25-38 mpg | $1,750-$2,700 |

Other current small SUVs from other makes, most efficient first.

## Subaru Forester problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1035 |
| Electrical System | 662 |
| Air Bags | 520 |
| Engine | 516 |
| Power Train | 317 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 255 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 188 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 177 |

From 4,113 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2019**.

## Guides for common Subaru Forester problems

- **Electrical** (662 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Engine** (516 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)
- **Transmission and drivetrain** (317 complaints): [Why is my transmission slipping](/symptoms/transmission-slipping) - [Why won't my car go into gear](/symptoms/car-wont-go-into-gear) - [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating) - [transmission replacement cost](/cost/transmission-replacement) - [transmission fluid change cost](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) - [clutch replacement cost](/cost/clutch-replacement)

## Subaru Forester warning lights

- [Forester: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/subaru-forester): 280 complaints
- [Forester: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-forester): 179 complaints
- [Forester: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/subaru-forester): 43 complaints
- [Forester: Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-forester): 38 complaints
- [Forester: Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-forester): 26 complaints
- [Forester: Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-forester): 26 complaints
- [Forester: Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure/subaru-forester): 21 complaints
- [Forester: ABS warning light](/warning-lights/abs/subaru-forester): 20 complaints
- [Forester: Tire pressure (TPMS) light](/warning-lights/tire-pressure/subaru-forester): 15 complaints

## Subaru Forester recalls (17)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [26V685000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V685000) | 2026 | Suspension: Front | 2026-10-19 |
| [26V436000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V436000) | 2025-2026 | Equipment: Other | 2026-07-08 |
| [26V346000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V346000) | 2026 | Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly | 2026-05-28 |
| [25V889000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V889000) | 2026 | Structure: Body | 2025-12-19 |
| [25V419000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V419000) | 2025 | Child Seat | 2025-06-19 |
| [25V033000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V033000) | 2025 | Wheels | 2025-01-23 |
| [23V754000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V754000) | 2023-2024 | Power Train: Driveline | 2023-11-09 |
| [23V755000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V755000) | 2022 | Power Train: Automatic Transmission | 2023-11-09 |
| [23V723000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V723000) | 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2023-10-26 |
| [21V587000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V587000) | 2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery | 2021-07-29 |
| [21V263000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V263000) | 2019 | Suspension: Rear | 2021-04-15 |
| [19V856000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V856000) | 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System | 2019-12-02 |
| [19V701000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V701000) | 2015-2018 | Air Bags: Sensor | 2019-10-03 |
| [19V149000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V149000) | 2015-2016 | Exterior Lighting: Brake Lights | 2019-02-28 |
| [19V065000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V065000) | 2019 | Steering: Electric Power Assist System | 2019-02-06 |
| [18V455000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V455000) | 2018 | Tires | 2018-07-10 |
| [16V162000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V162000) | 2015-2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine | 2016-03-21 |

Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2026 Subaru Forester get?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is EPA-rated at 26-35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?

The 2026 Subaru Forester comes with: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid. It uses cvt transmission and is offered with AWD.

### Is there a hybrid Subaru Forester?

Yes. The Subaru Forester has been offered as a hybrid in some model years; the table above shows which.

### Which Subaru Forester year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2026 Subaru Forester has the highest combined rating, up to 35 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Subaru Forester for a year?

About $1,900-$2,600 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2026 Subaru Forester?

The most efficient 2026 version, the Forester Hybrid AWD, is rated 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (35 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2026 Subaru Forester emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 255-347 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### Does the 2026 Subaru Forester come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 Subaru Forester is offered with AWD. All- or four-wheel drive usually costs 1-3 mpg compared with the two-wheel-drive version of the same engine, as the versions table shows.

### Is the Subaru Forester cheap to run compared with other small SUVs?

About average: its EPA annual fuel cost of $1,900-$2,600 compares with about $2,287 for other current small SUV models. Fuel is only part of running costs; insurance, tires and repairs also differ.

### How many recalls does the Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA lists 17 recalls for 2015-2026 Subaru Forester models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2026-10-19 (26V685000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is visibility/wiper, followed by electrical system. The 2019 model year has the most complaints (834), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

## All Subaru SUVs

- [Subaru Crosstrek](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-crosstrek)
- [Subaru Outback](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-outback)
- [Subaru Solterra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-solterra)
- [Subaru Ascent](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-ascent)

## More Subaru models

- [Subaru BRZ](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-brz)
- [Subaru Impreza](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-impreza)
- [Subaru WRX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-wrx)
- [Subaru Legacy](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-legacy): discontinued

## Other small SUVs

- [Tesla Model Y](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/tesla-model-y)
- [Toyota bZ4X](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-bz4x)
- [Toyota C-HR](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-c-hr)
- [Toyota Corolla Cross](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-corolla-cross)
- [Toyota RAV4](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4)
- [Toyota RAV4 Prime](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4-prime)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-forester
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.