Do all Subaru Foresters have CVT?
In the current Forester lineup, all models use a CVT. Historically, Subaru offered other transmissions in older generations or in some markets, but today’s Forester is CVT-only in the United States and most regions.
Current transmission setup
The Forester’s drivetrain in contemporary models uses Subaru’s CVT (Lineartronic) paired with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. All trims are CVT-equipped; there is no manual transmission option in the U.S. or most markets today.
Key characteristics of the current CVT Forester include:
- Efficient, smooth acceleration thanks to continuously varying gear ratios that optimize engine performance across speeds.
- Drive modes that simulate stepped gears, giving a more traditional feel for some drivers.
- No standard manual shifting; certain models offer paddle shifters to mimic gear changes while the transmission remains CVT.
- Maintenance considerations: follow the owner’s manual for periodic CVT fluid checks and changes to preserve performance and longevity.
Overall, Subaru uses CVT in the Forester to maximize fuel economy and simplify packaging, delivering modern, everyday drivability with a distinct throttle feel compared to traditional automatics.
Historical context
Looking back, Forester transmissions have evolved over the years. Early generations offered traditional automatics, and in some markets, manual gearboxes were available on certain trims. As Subaru refined its lineup, the company migrated toward CVT technology for efficiency and uniformity across models. In recent years, no new Forester models in the U.S. or most regions have been offered with a manual gearbox.
Market variations
There have been isolated cases in older foreign markets where different transmissions appeared on certain Forester generations, but these are not representative of the current global lineup. For buyers today, the expectation is a CVT-only Forester in most regions.
If a manual transmission is a must-have, it would require looking at older, used Forester models or considering other Subaru models that historically offered manuals, rather than a new Forester.
What to know when shopping
When evaluating a CVT-equipped Forester, understand how the transmission behaves and how it matches your driving needs. The CVT can provide very smooth, quiet operation and excellent fuel economy, but some drivers notice a different throttle response compared with traditional automatics. Be sure to review maintenance history, particularly regarding CVT fluid service, and take a thorough test drive to assess performance in merging, climbing hills, and highway driving.
Shopping considerations for CVT Foresters:
- Test drive to evaluate throttle response and how the CVT adapts at different speeds and loads.
- Check maintenance records for CVT fluid service and adherence to Subaru’s recommended service schedule.
- Review warranty coverage related to the transmission and discuss any concerns with the dealer before purchasing.
In short, today’s Forester is CVT-only in the vast majority of markets, and if you require a manual transmission, you would need to seek older model years or consider other Subaru models that offered manuals in the past.
Summary
The Subaru Forester today is defined by its CVT, delivering efficient, smooth daily driving. While older generations and some markets experimented with non-CVT options, the modern Forester lineup available to buyers now is CVT-only in the U.S. and most regions, with maintenance focused on proper CVT fluid service and adherence to Subaru’s recommended schedule.
