Do Subaru Foresters get good gas mileage?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and all-wheel-drive capability. One of the most common questions potential buyers and owners ask is whether the Forester delivers good gas mileage. In this article, we’ll explore the fuel efficiency of the Subaru Forester and what factors influence its performance.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings for the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is designed to balance performance with fuel economy, making it a competitive choice in the compact SUV market. According to EPA estimates, the 2025 Subaru Forester achieves:
- 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city
- 33 mpg on the highway
- 29 mpg combined
These figures are for the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Forester’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, is standard across all trims and contributes to its versatility without significantly compromising fuel efficiency.
How Does the Forester Compare to Competitors?
When compared to other compact SUVs in its class, the Subaru Forester holds its own in terms of gas mileage. For example:
- The Honda CR-V offers similar fuel efficiency, with up to 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
- The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid outperforms the Forester with an impressive 41 mpg combined, but it comes at a higher price point.
- The Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty handling, delivers slightly lower fuel efficiency at 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Overall, the Forester provides a solid balance of fuel economy and performance, especially for those who prioritize all-wheel drive and off-road capability.
Factors That Affect Gas Mileage
While the Subaru Forester’s EPA ratings are impressive, real-world fuel efficiency can vary based on several factors:
- Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration and braking can reduce fuel efficiency.
- Terrain: Driving in hilly or mountainous areas may lower gas mileage compared to flat terrain.
- Weather Conditions: Cold weather and the use of air conditioning or heating can impact fuel economy.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire pressure checks, ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Conclusion: Is the Subaru Forester Fuel-Efficient?
The Subaru Forester offers good gas mileage for a compact SUV, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. With an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, it strikes a balance between fuel efficiency, practicality, and performance. While it may not match the fuel economy of hybrid competitors, it remains a strong choice for drivers seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless Subaru Foresters over the years and can attest to their reliability and efficiency. If you’re considering a Forester or need maintenance to keep yours running smoothly, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put regular gas in my Subaru Forester?
For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate.
Are Subaru Foresters long lasting cars?
Forester: The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that offers a perfect blend of utility, comfort, and durability. Forester models are known for their long-lasting performance, with many drivers achieving 200,000 miles with minimal issues.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Excessive oil consumption, unexpected acceleration, engine stalling while driving, the check engine light staying on, engine reluctance when accelerating, and the engine catching fire or malfunctioning are among the top engine issues expressed by 2015 Forester owners.
Why is my Subaru Forester getting bad gas mileage?
A bad fuel pump can lead to a rough running engine because it is not getting enough fuel. This will lead to a decline in gas mileage. If this issue is not addressed it will lead to a rough, idle, sputtering and stalling. Clogged Fuel Filter: A clogged fuel filter will also cause problems with gas mileage.
Is the Forester or Outback better on gas?
2025 Subaru Forester Multimedia Touchscreens
Both vehicles have similar gas mileage, but the Forester has a slight edge over the Outback, with 33 MPG highway and 26 MPG city on all trims except the rugged Forester Wilderness.
Does Subaru Forester consume alot of fuel?
Subaru Forester : Basic Specifications
| Model name | Forester |
| Maximum Retail Price ($) | 27,822 |
| Engine Capacity | 1994 - 2498cc |
| Maximum power | 137 - 280ps |
| Fuel Consumption | 13 - 16km/L |
What has better gas mileage Outback or Forester?
2025 Subaru Forester Multimedia Touchscreens
Both vehicles have similar gas mileage, but the Forester has a slight edge over the Outback, with 33 MPG highway and 26 MPG city on all trims except the rugged Forester Wilderness.
Do Subaru Forester hold their value?
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2022 Subaru Forester is in the top 10-25% for depreciation among all 2022 SUVs. Over the last 3 years it retained 74% of its value. How much does a 2022 Subaru Forester depreciate each year?
Is the Subaru Forester good on gas?
Yes, the new Subaru Forester SUV gets good gas mileage. Most of the 2025 Subaru Forester trim levels earn an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).
Why is my Subaru using so much gas?
Check Tire Pressure and Alignment
Improper tire pressure and misaligned wheels can increase rolling resistance, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Ensure that your Subaru's tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels and have the wheel alignment checked regularly.
