How many Litres per 100km does a Subaru Forester take?
The Subaru Forester, in its most common US configuration with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT, typically averages about 8.0 L/100 km (roughly 29 mpg US) in combined driving. Actual numbers vary by year, trim, drivetrain, and wheel size.
What factors influence fuel consumption?
Fuel economy for the Forester is influenced by engine choice, transmission, drivetrain, tire/wheel size, cargo load, climate control usage, and driving style. Small changes in any of these can shift the litres-per-100-kilometre figure noticeably over a tank.
Engine choices and transmission
The most common Forester uses a 2.5-liter flat-four paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In markets where a turbocharged engine is offered, such as some European variants, consumption can differ. Hybrid or mild-hybrid options may also alter the figure.
Drivetrain and tires
All-wheel drive (AWD) typically adds some extra weight and drag versus 2WD, which can nudge litres-per-100-kilometre higher, especially in city driving. Larger or low-profile tires, plus frequent quick accelerations, can also raise the figure.
Typical figures by configuration
The following figures reflect representative combined-cycle values for common Forester setups. They are approximate and can vary by year, market, and wheel/tire choice.
- 2.5-liter flat-four with CVT and AWD (most common in US/Canada): approximately 7.8–8.4 L/100 km (about 28–31 mpg US) in combined driving.
- 2.0-liter turbo (where offered in some markets): approximately 8.5–9.6 L/100 km (roughly 24–28 mpg US) in combined driving.
- Hybrid/e‑Boxer variants (where offered in certain regions): approximately 6.5–7.5 L/100 km (about 31–36 mpg US) in combined driving.
These numbers are indicative and depend on the exact model year, market, driving conditions, and equipment. Always check the official EPA (US) or WLTP (EU) figures on the vehicle’s window sticker for a precise rating.
Regional variations and how tests differ
Fuel economy ratings come from different test cycles. In the United States, the EPA testing protocol tends to yield different numbers than the European WLTP cycle used in many other markets. Real-world results also vary with climate (air conditioning use in hot regions or heating in cold regions), traffic, and how the vehicle is loaded. When comparing, use the same test cycle to avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons.
Summary
For the common Subaru Forester with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT, expect around 8.0 L/100 km in combined driving, with a typical range of roughly 7.8–8.4 L/100 km depending on year, market, and setup. Other engine choices and regional variants can push the figure higher or lower, so consult the official sticker for your exact configuration. In practice, most drivers reporting highway and mixed trips tend to land near the 8 L/100 km mark, with hybrids offering the best leverage for lower consumption.
