How many miles does a 2012 Subaru Forester get?

The 2012 Subaru Forester typically gets about 24 miles per gallon combined, roughly 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, when equipped with the common CVT. Actual mileage can vary by trim, transmission, and driving conditions.

EPA mileage for 2012 Forester

In 2012, Subaru offered the Forester primarily with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT (with a manual option on a small subset of early/mid-year trims). The EPA figures below reflect the CVT-equipped configuration that dominated the lineup. The following numbers are the most commonly cited estimates for that year.

EPA fuel economy by configuration

Before listing the figures, note that official ratings come from the EPA and apply to 2012 models under standard testing. The two most relevant configurations for typical buyers were:

• 2.5-liter flat-4 with CVT: 22 miles per gallon city, 28 miles per gallon highway, about 24–25 miles per gallon combined.


• 2.5-liter with manual transmission (less common on 2012 Foresters): generally similar highway efficiency but slightly lower city mileage; exact figures vary by vehicle.

In practice, most 2012 Foresters with the CVT fall in the low-to-mid 20s in mixed driving, with highway mileage higher than city mileage.

What affects real-world mileage?

Several real-world factors influence how many miles per gallon a Forester actually delivers. The list below outlines the main drivers and how to optimize them.

• Maintenance and condition: a clean air filter, fresh spark plugs, proper engine tuning, and CVT fluid at the correct level can improve efficiency.


• Driving style: smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and gradual braking help maximize mpg.


• Terrain and load: hilly driving and carrying heavy loads reduce fuel economy compared with flat, light driving.


• Tire pressure and selection: underinflated tires or tires with high rolling resistance can lower mpg.

Addressing these factors can help a 2012 Forester approach its EPA estimates in everyday use.

Summary

Overall, the 2012 Subaru Forester achieves roughly 24 mpg combined on average, with about 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the widely installed CVT-powered models. Real-world mileage varies by transmission choice, trim, maintenance, and driving habits, so specific vehicles may differ. When shopping for a used Forester, check the exact configuration and current condition to gauge expected fuel efficiency.

Is 2012 a good year for Subaru Foresters?

A 2012 Subaru Forester is a good car for those who prioritize all-wheel drive performance, handling, and practicality, but it may require careful maintenance due to some potential reliability issues. It has a good reliability rating from some sources but a low one from others, with potential problems including oil burning and head gasket issues.
 
You can watch this video for a review of the 2012 Subaru Forester: 33sMatt Maran MotoringYouTube · Nov 5, 2012
Pros

• All-wheel drive: Standard full-time all-wheel drive provides excellent traction and performance, especially in off-road or adverse weather conditions. 
• Handling and visibility: Owners praise its great handling, sporty feel, and excellent visibility from the high driving position, with few blind spots. 
• Practicality: It offers plenty of passenger and cargo space, with easy entry and exit due to large doors and a high seat height. 
• Safety: It received a four-out-of-five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and includes standard safety features like side-curtain airbags. 

Cons

• Reliability concerns: Some sources, like Consumer Reports, give it a low reliability score due to potential issues with the 2.5-liter engine, such as the head gasket, and a tendency to burn oil. 
• Oil consumption: Several owners have reported that the engine burns oil, sometimes requiring a quart or more between oil changes. 
• Maintenance costs: Reddit users suggest that Subarus can be more expensive to maintain after 100,000 miles compared to some other brands. 
• Interior: Some critics find the interior plain, and some owners have noted issues with subpar cushioning and floor mats. 

Is it right for you?
A 2012 Forester is a good choice if you are an experienced car owner who is prepared to address potential engine issues like oil consumption and head gasket problems. It is a solid option for those who need its all-wheel-drive capability and practical features, especially since some years are considered more reliable than others. If you are looking for a completely trouble-free ownership experience, other vehicles might be a safer bet.

How many miles can you get out of a 2012 Subaru Forester?

A 2012 Subaru Forester can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with many reaching over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Key factors for achieving this longevity are regular oil changes, timely maintenance, and responsible driving habits. Be aware of potential issues like excessive oil consumption in the 2011-2014 models and head gasket failures in some earlier versions, though many of these have likely been addressed by now.
 
Factors affecting lifespan

• Regular maintenance: This is the most crucial factor for ensuring a long life. Staying on top of oil changes, tire rotations, and other recommended service can prevent major issues. 
• Driving habits: Gentle driving on highways generally contributes to a longer lifespan, while aggressive driving can accelerate wear and tear. 
• Driving environment: Extreme climates can put extra strain on a vehicle. For example, consistently driving in very hot or very cold weather without proper maintenance can shorten the lifespan. 

Potential issues to be aware of

• Excessive oil consumption: Some 2011-2014 Foresters are known to have higher-than-average oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed. 
• Head gasket issues: While more common in earlier models, some 1998-2011 Foresters experienced head gasket failure, which can cause coolant leaks and overheating. It's a good idea to check if head gaskets on a specific 2012 model have been replaced with more durable, multi-layer steel gaskets. 
• Oxygen sensor malfunctions: This can trigger a check engine light and affect fuel efficiency. 
• Timing belt: The 2012 Forester does not have a timing belt, which removes one common maintenance item to worry about. However, check the engine's maintenance history. 

What to do for longevity

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Adhere to Subaru's recommended maintenance schedule for things like oil changes and fluid checks. 
• Monitor oil levels: Because of the potential for oil consumption, it's especially important to check your oil level frequently and top it off as needed. 
• Address issues promptly: Don't ignore warning signs. If you hear strange noises or see dashboard lights, get the vehicle checked by a professional immediately. 

Can a Subaru Forester last 300,000 miles?

With proper care, most Foresters reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles, and some even surpass 300,000 miles, offering decades of reliable service. Subaru's Boxer engine design, combined with its well-balanced Symmetrical AWD, minimizes wear and tear on critical components, increasing longevity.

Is it worth buying a Subaru with over 200k miles?

You should only consider buying a Subaru with 200k miles if it has a complete maintenance history, has had major components replaced, and passes a thorough pre-purchase inspection. While Subarus can last beyond 200k miles, a vehicle at this mileage will have significant wear and tear and is likely to need costly repairs soon.
 
What to look for

• Maintenance records: A well-maintained Subaru is crucial for longevity. Look for consistent service, especially for the timing belt (if applicable), head gaskets, and other engine components. 
• History: An inspection of the vehicle history report is important to understand the car's past. Look for signs of accidents or a history of consistent use. A vehicle with one or two owners is often a better bet. 
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic thoroughly inspect the car, focusing on the engine, transmission, suspension, and any other potential failure points at this mileage. 
• Past repairs: Ideally, major repairs like the head gasket, water pump, and transmission should have already been completed. 

Potential issues at 200k miles

• Engine and transmission: These are the most expensive components to replace. Be prepared for potential failures or significant maintenance costs. 
• Suspension and brakes: Components like the suspension, brakes, and exhaust can rust out or wear out, requiring replacement. 
• Other components: Expect a higher likelihood of smaller issues like worn-out seals, bushings, and other small parts that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed. 

When to avoid

• No service history: Without records, it's a high-risk purchase. You won't know how well the car was maintained. 
• Major issues found in inspection: If a pre-purchase inspection reveals any major problems with the engine, transmission, or other core systems, walk away. 
• High number of owners: A car with many owners is more likely to have been poorly maintained or neglected.