Does a Subaru Forester consume a lot of fuel?
In typical usage, the Forester does not consume an outsized amount of fuel for a compact SUV. With Subaru’s standard all‑wheel drive and a 2.5-liter engine, you can expect fuel economy in the mid‑range for the class, commonly around 29 mpg combined in modern US models. The exact numbers vary by model year, drivetrain, and driving conditions.
How efficient is the current Forester?
Here are representative figures for the US market with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT (all-wheel drive):
- EPA ratings for recent model years: about 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined
- Real‑world mixed-driving results typically fall around 24–28 mpg, depending on conditions
- On long highway trips with steady speeds and light loads, some drivers report 32–34 mpg or more under favorable conditions
Overall, the Forester sits in the middle of its compact-SUV peers when it comes to fuel economy. It is not designed as a high‑efficiency hybrid, but it balances practicality, all‑wheel-drive capability, and reasonable fuel use for daily urban driving and longer trips.
What affects its fuel economy?
Several factors influence how efficiently a Forester operates in real life. Consider these key elements:
- Engine and drivetrain: The US market Forester uses a 2.5-liter boxer engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all‑wheel drive; there isn’t a plug‑in hybrid option in the US lineup as of 2024–25.
- Terrain and driving style: Stop‑and‑go city driving reduces mpg, while steady highway cruising improves it.
- Tire type and condition: Worn or aggressive tires can reduce fuel economy; maintaining correct tire pressure helps.
- Vehicle payload: Heavier loads and roof racks increase aerodynamic drag and reduce efficiency.
- Maintenance: Regular servicing, clean air filters, proper oil changes, and timely spark plug replacement support better fuel economy.
- Weather and altitude: Cold temperatures and higher altitude can lower efficiency due to engine and air density effects.
Understanding how these factors interact helps set realistic expectations for daily use and long trips.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Implementing these practices can help you squeeze more mpg out of a Forester without sacrificing safety or comfort:
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and rotate tires as advised for even wear.
- Drive smoothly: anticipate stops, brake gradually, and accelerate gently to reduce fuel use.
- Use cruise control on highways when conditions permit to maintain steady speeds.
- Plan trips to combine errands and avoid unnecessary idling; turn off the engine if you expect to be stopped for long periods.
- Remove roof racks or carriers when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Schedule regular maintenance: clean air filters, spark plugs, and oil changes help sustain efficiency.
- Consider driving at moderate speeds; mpg typically drops at higher speeds due to wind resistance.
By adopting mindful driving habits and keeping the Forester well maintained, you can maximize fuel economy and keep running costs reasonable for a mid-sized, all‑wheel‑drive SUV.
Summary
The Subaru Forester offers solid, class-competitive fuel efficiency for a compact, all‑wheel‑drive SUV. With the current 2.5-liter engine and CVT, typical combined fuel economy hovers around 29 mpg in the United States, though real-world figures vary based on driving style, conditions, and equipment. It is not a plug‑in hybrid, so fuel savings rely on efficient driving and proper maintenance rather than an electrified powertrain. For many buyers, the Forester strikes a balance between practicality, AWD capability, and reasonable fuel use.
