Does the Subaru Forester have a lot of road noise?
Not particularly noisy for a compact SUV; it’s generally quiet on the highway, but wind and tire noise can be noticeable at higher speeds or on rough pavement.
What drives road noise in the Forester
Understanding the main sources helps explain why some drivers notice more sound in certain conditions than others. The Forester’s cabin quietness depends on powertrain characteristics, tire choice, aerodynamic factors, and road conditions.
Common sources
- Engine and drivetrain noise: The 2.5-liter flat-four paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) can produce a mild drone during steady highway cruising or brisk acceleration, though it’s generally subdued in everyday driving.
- Tire noise: Tire tread design and type greatly influence sound. Standard all-season tires are fairly quiet for a compact SUV, while performance or winter tires can add audible road hum.
- Wind noise: At highway speeds, airflow around mirrors, door frames, and the roof can introduce wind noise. Adding a sunroof or roof racks can increase this effect.
- Road surface: Rough or textured pavement and expansion joints transmit more noise into the cabin, even with a comfortable ride tuning.
In practice, you’ll hear some noise at higher speeds or on coarse surfaces, but the Forester generally remains competitive with other compact SUVs in terms of cabin quietness.
Model-year noise comparisons
Over recent years, Subaru has aimed to improve interior quietness with better insulation and modest aero refinements. The changes are incremental, and outcomes depend heavily on tires and road conditions.
Year-by-year notes
- Older models around 2019–2021 tended to show more noticeable CVT-related drone at highway speeds, with wind noise similar to rivals in breezy conditions.
- Mid-cycle refreshes around 2022–2023 brought modest improvements to cabin quietness through updated insulation and minor tweaks; highway noise was typically quieter than earlier versions, though wind noise could still be heard at speed.
- Latest models (2023–present) continue these trends, with continued gains in refinement, but tire choice and road surface remain the dominant factors for perceived noise levels.
Bottom line: newer Foresters generally offer a somewhat quieter cabin than earlier ones, but the difference is incremental rather than dramatic.
Tips to reduce road noise in your Forester
Investing a few practical changes can noticeably cut cabin intrusion without a major overhaul.
- Choose quiet tires: Opt for touring or low-noise all-season tires designed to minimize road hum.
- Maintain tires and alignment: Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure, rotate regularly, and address wear patterns to reduce noise and vibration.
- Seal and insulate: Ensure door seals, window seals, and sunroof gaskets are in good condition; replace worn seals to reduce wind leaks and squeaks.
- Limit roof noise sources: Remove roof racks when not in use and keep the sunroof closed at high speeds to cut wind noise.
- Add dampening where feasible: High-quality floor mats and aftermarket sound-deadening underlayment can help dampen road noise, especially on rough surfaces.
Even with these steps, some level of road noise is inherent to the design of a compact SUV, but many drivers report a noticeable improvement with careful tire and inspection choices.
Summary: The Subaru Forester typically offers a comfortable, reasonably quiet ride for its class. Noise levels are influenced most by tire choice and road conditions, with newer models showing incremental improvements in cabin quietness. For buyers who prioritize whisper-quiet interiors, some rivals may edge ahead, but the Forester remains a practical choice with solid overall refinement.
Are subarus quiet on the highway?
The Forester is a fantastic SUV—great safety ratings, excellent all-wheel drive, and solid fuel efficiency—but it's not the quietest option in its class. Compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the Forester tends to let in more noise, especially at higher speeds.
Is the Subaru Forester a quiet car?
The cabin in the new #Forester is quieter than ever before, allowing for clearer conversations not only in the front of the vehicle but between the front and rear as well. Less vehicle vibrations and sound pressure = happier travelling.
What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?
Common Subaru Forester cons include slow acceleration, a less refined engine, and potential issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other drawbacks are a bouncy ride over large bumps, lower-than-expected cargo capacity compared to some rivals, and a less innovative infotainment system. Older models also have a history of specific problems like head gasket failure, which buyers should be aware of, notes CoPilot for Car Shopping.
Performance and handling
- Lack of power: Acceleration is often described as leisurely due to the engine's modest horsepower and torque output.
- CVT issues: Some owners report shaking or jerking, particularly when accelerating from a stop, which can be related to the CVT.
- Ride quality: The ride can be uncomfortable over large bumps, feeling bouncy despite being generally pleasant.
- Refinement: The engine lacks the refinement of competitors, and the boxy shape contributes to wind noise.
Design and technology
- Cargo space: The cargo area is significantly smaller than some top competitors in the segment.
- Infotainment: The infotainment system can have touch sensitivity issues and may be less innovative than some rivals.
- Driver assist issues: Some owners have reported issues with the alerts from driver assistance features, notes Edmunds.
Reliability (older models)
- Engine problems: Older generations, particularly from 1998-2002, are known for head gasket failures. Subsequent models (2003, 2006, 2009-2010) have also seen issues with head gaskets and other engine problems.
- Oil consumption: Some model years, particularly between 2011-2013, have been plagued by excessive oil consumption.
Why is my Subaru so loud while driving?
Loud helicopter-like noise during driving can stem from worn wheel bearings or differential components. Even if diff fluid levels are normal, inspect the differential for metal shavings indicating wear. Check wheel bearings for play or roughness by lifting each wheel and rotating it.
