What engine does my Subaru Forester have?
The engine in a Subaru Forester varies by model year and market. In recent North American models, the Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine (FB25) in most trims, while older Forester XT versions used a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (FA20). Across different regions, there have been other engine options as well. To be certain, check your vehicle’s engine code on the engine block or consult your VIN/build sheet.
Engine options by era and region
Below is a concise guide to the common engines you may encounter in Forester models from different generations and regions.
- Current North American lineups (most trims): 2.5-liter flat-four engine (engine code FB25), naturally aspirated, around 182 horsepower.
- Older Forester XT trims (approximately mid-2010s): 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (engine code FA20), about 250 horsepower.
- Export markets and various generations: some markets offered smaller or different-displacement engines (including non-turbo 2.0L variants). Engine offerings can vary by country and model year.
Engine availability can differ significantly by year and market, so confirming the exact engine for your vehicle requires checking the specific build information for your Forester.
How to identify the exact engine in your Forester
Use these steps to confirm your Forester’s engine type. The process works for most model years and helps you avoid guessing based on trim alone.
- Locate the engine code plate or label under the hood. Many engines display a two- or three-letter code such as FB25 or FA20 on the valve cover or near the ignition components.
- Check the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or the window sticker (for new vehicles) for the engine specification listed there.
- Find your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the dashboard correlating with the driver’s side door jamb, then use Subaru’s official VIN decoder or contact a dealer to pull the exact engine specification for your VIN.
- If you can access the engine bay, look for a stamped or stickered engine code on the engine block itself; this is often the quickest in-person verification.
Using these steps will give you a definitive answer about which engine your Forester has, regardless of what you remember or assume based on trim alone.
Common engine codes you might see
Here are two engine code examples that commonly appear on Foresters in the United States and other markets:
- FB25 — 2.5-liter flat-four engine, typically NA
- FA20 — 2.0-liter turbocharged engine used in older Forester XT models
Knowing these codes helps you quickly verify horsepower, torque, and maintenance needs, and it also informs which parts or service intervals apply to your specific model.
Summary
For most of today’s Foresters sold in North America, the standard engine is a 2.5-liter flat-four (FB25). A turbocharged 2.0-liter (FA20) was used in earlier Forester XT variants. Engine options can vary by region and model year, so the most reliable way to know is to check the engine code on the block or hood label, review the window sticker or owner’s manual, or decode the VIN through Subaru’s official resources or your dealer. If you’re shopping or planning maintenance, identifying the exact engine code will ensure you source the correct parts and service information.
