Is the Subaru Forester good on gas?
Yes — the Forester is generally a solid choice for fuel economy in the compact-SUV class, especially given its standard all-wheel drive. In real-world driving, most owners see mileage in the upper 20s to low 30s mpg range, depending on conditions and trim.
In this article, we break down the official fuel-economy numbers, how those figures translate to daily driving, how the Forester stacks up against peers, and practical tips to maximize efficiency. We’ll also note where the model fits within Subaru’s lineup and what to expect if fuel economy is a priority.
Fuel economy in numbers
A quick look at the baseline figures helps set expectations for most current Forester models. The US-spec Forester uses a 2.5-liter flat-four engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Government testing typically rates this setup at about 26 mpg in city driving, around 33 mpg on the highway, and roughly 29 mpg combined. Real-world results commonly land a bit below the highway number, with many drivers reporting mid-to-high 20s in city-heavy commuting and low-to-mid 30s on mainly highway trips.
Before you read the numbers below, note that there are variations by year, trim, wheel/tire size, and driving style. The Forester lineup has remained fairly consistent in relying on the 2.5L engine with AWD, and there isn’t a US-market hybrid version of the Forester as of 2025, which means its mpg sits between rivals that offer non-hybrid compact models and hybrids.
- EPA ratings for most current Forester models with the 2.5L engine and CVT: approximately 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
- Real-world driving tends to yield about 27–32 mpg combined, depending on mix of highway vs. city cruising, cargo load, and seasonal conditions.
- There is no dedicated hybrid Forester in the US market as of 2025; shoppers seeking higher efficiency in Subaru’s lineup typically consider the Crosstrek Hybrid or other brands offering hybrids in the compact-SUV segment.
Overall, the Forester’s efficiency is solid for its class, especially when you factor in standard all-wheel drive. If you want the absolute highest mpg available in a compact SUV, a non-hybrid competitor or a hybrid model may offer more aggressive fuel savings.
How it stacks up against peers
In the compact-SUV segment, the Forester’s mileage is competitive among non-hybrid models. Many rivals offer similar city/highway figures, and some provide hybrids that dramatically improve mpg. Here’s a qualitative snapshot of how it tends to compare:
Before listing, note that exact numbers vary by year and drivetrain, but the general upshot is stable: Forester delivers reliable, competitive efficiency, while hybrid options in rivals can push overall fuel economy higher.
- Honda CR-V: Typically close to or around similar overall economy in non-hybrid form; hybrid CR-V models push mileage higher still, offering notably better mpg than the Forester in many cases.
- Toyota RAV4: Similar non-hybrid efficiency, with hybrid variants delivering strong gains that can exceed Forester figures in combined mpg.
- Mazda CX-5: Generally in the upper 20s to around 30 mpg combined for non-hybrid configurations; no hybrid option in the core lineup for most model years, depending on market.
In short, the Forester holds its own against mainstream rivals on gas, especially for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive and practical utility. If maximizing mpg is the top criterion, several competitors offer hybrid versions that exceed the Forester’s non-hybrid numbers.
Maximizing fuel economy in daily use
Even with a solid baseline, there are practical steps you can take to wring more miles per gallon from each trip. The list below covers habits, maintenance, and minor adjustments that can add up over time.
Before the list, here’s a quick note on how the following tips help: they reduce drag, conserve energy, and keep the drivetrain operating efficiently, which all translate to better real-world mpg.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and maintain alignment; underinflated tires and misalignment reduce fuel efficiency and can increase tire wear.
- Use cruise control on highways and smooth, steady acceleration in city driving; aggressive acceleration and frequent braking lower mpg.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and avoid short, stop-and-go parcours that don’t allow the engine to warm up fully.
- Follow a regular maintenance schedule: replace air filters, use the correct grade of motor oil, and keep spark plugs and fluids up to date; a well-tuned engine runs more efficiently.
- Lighten the load and choose lower-rolling-resistance tires if you’re prioritizing economy over off-road capability; extra weight and heavy tires can reduce mpg.
Concluding, steady driving and proper maintenance can yield meaningful gains in real-world mpg for the Forester, even with standard AWD and the 2.5L engine.
Bottom line and practicality
The Subaru Forester offers solid fuel economy for a compact, all-wheel-drive crossover. Its EPA ratings around 26/33/29 (city/highway/combined) are competitive in its class, and real-world results often land in the upper 20s to low 30s mpg range. If fuel economy is a top priority and you’re open to a hybrid option, you’ll find rivals with higher mpg figures, but the Forester’s blend of practicality, AWD confidence, and efficiency remains appealing for many buyers.
Summary
The Forester remains a practical, fuel-efficient choice in the compact-SUV segment thanks to its 2.5L engine, CVT, and standard AWD. Expect EPA figures near 29 mpg combined and real-world results in the upper 20s to low 30s mpg, depending on driving conditions. As of 2025, there isn’t a US-spec hybrid Forester, so efficiency gains over rivals typically come from non-hybrid designs or from choosing a more efficient competitor. For buyers valuing all-weather capability and sensible fuel economy, the Forester delivers a strong, well-rounded package.
