What is the advantage of a Subaru Forester?
The Forester’s main edge is its standard all-wheel drive across every trim, paired with a roomy interior and a strong safety technology suite that appeal to families and outdoor-minded buyers alike.
Core advantages at a glance
The Forester earns praise for AWD capability, interior practicality, and safety tech. The following sections break down these strengths.
All-Wheel Drive and traction
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim
- X-Mode and hill assistance to improve traction on snow, dirt, and slippery surfaces
- Balanced ride and chassis feel that instills confidence in adverse weather
These features provide confident grip in rain, snow, and loose surfaces without needing to chase higher trims.
Interior practicality and cargo
- Spacious five-seat cabin with generous headroom and excellent outward visibility
- Up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded
- Flexible seating and ample storage pockets for everyday gear
These traits translate to strong day-to-day usability for families, commuters, and weekend explorers alike.
Safety and driver-assist tech
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with features such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking (availability varies by trim)
- Robust crash-test performance and Subaru’s reputation for safety-focused design
- Easy-to-use infotainment integration for smartphones and apps
Safety tech and strong visibility help reduce risk and boost driver confidence in a range of conditions.
Performance and efficiency
Beyond capability, the Forester aims for balanced performance and reasonable fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV.
Efficient powertrain
- 2.5-liter horizontal four-cylinder engine delivering about 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) paired with standard AWD on all trims
- Stable highway manners and adequate power for city and light highway passing
Fuel economy varies by trim and driving conditions, but most buyers see mid-20s to low-30s mpg ranges depending on usage and configuration.
Ride and interior comfort
- Soft, composed ride that soaks up road imperfections
- Quiet cabin at cruising speeds with a calm, orderly interior design
- Comfortable seating for adults in both front and rear seats
This combination supports daily commuting and longer trips, contributing to overall practicality and satisfaction.
Who should consider the Forester?
The Forester suits buyers who prioritize capability, space, and safety without a premium price tag. It appeals to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values a practical, all-weather daily driver.
- Families needing flexible cargo space and AWD for diverse weather
- Outdoor lovers who regularly transport gear and kids
- Commuters who want safety tech and a comfortable daily ride
If these criteria align with your needs, the Forester’s combination of standard AWD, space, and safety features makes it a compelling option in the compact SUV segment.
Summary
The Forester’s principal advantages are its standard all-wheel drive across every trim, roomy interior with substantial cargo capacity, strong safety and driver-assist features, and a well-balanced powertrain that delivers practical performance and efficiency. This mix makes it a reliable, versatile choice for families, weekend adventurers, and everyday drivers seeking confidence in all weather conditions.
What are the benefits of owning a Subaru Forester?
The Forester's style, performance, safety, and accommodations have evolved with industry advancements and consumer demands, enabling it to evolve into one of Subaru's best-selling models, ranked at the top of the charts for best compact SUV because of its low cost, high value, car-like drive, roomy interior, high fuel ...
Which is more reliable, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester?
The Toyota RAV4 generally has a reputation for higher long-term reliability than the Subaru Forester, with lower average annual repair costs and less frequent, severe repairs. However, the Subaru Forester has a strong reputation and a higher rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, particularly with the newer models. Both are considered good choices, and recent model years of the Forester have been redesigned to be more reliable.
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of RAV4 and Forester: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Toyota RAV4
- Higher reliability rating: Often ranks higher in reliability surveys and has lower average annual repair costs.
- Longer-term ownership: Has a strong reputation for minimizing long-term issues and frequent maintenance, partly due to its engine technology and hybrid options.
- Lower repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $429, which is significantly lower than the Forester's $632.
Subaru Forester
- Strong safety and ratings: Earned a higher overall rating from Consumer Reports and a highest-tier safety rating from the IIHS.
- Improving reliability: Recent redesigns have made reliability improvements, such as reintroducing mechanical thermostats and eliminating less reliable systems.
- Average repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $632 and average frequency and severity of repairs compared to other vehicles.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose the RAV4 if: Your priority is maximum long-term reliability and the lowest ownership costs, especially over many years of ownership.
- Choose the Forester if: You want a vehicle with a strong safety record, good visibility, and a capable all-wheel-drive system. You should consider the model year, as reliability has been improving with recent redesigns.
This video compares the performance and features of RAV4 and Forester: 52sAutoMobiYouTube · Oct 30, 2025
Which car is better, Toyota or Subaru?
Neither brand is universally "better" as the choice depends on individual priorities; Toyota is often favored for overall reliability and fuel efficiency, especially in hybrid models, while Subaru is preferred for standard all-wheel drive, off-road capability, and standard safety features. Toyota typically leads in long-term reliability ratings, while Subaru excels in performance features like its Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive.
Choose Toyota if:
- Maximum reliability is your top priority: Toyota has a long-standing reputation for being the gold standard in reliability and lower maintenance costs.
- Fuel efficiency is most important: Toyota offers several highly efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
- You need a balance of practicality and modern features: Toyota's popular models, like the RAV4, are known for their spacious interiors and tech.
Choose Subaru if:
- You need all-wheel drive: Subaru provides standard all-wheel drive on all its models, which is ideal for snow, rain, or off-road conditions.
- Off-road capability is a must: Subaru vehicles often have higher ground clearance and a rugged design built for adventure.
- Standard safety features are important: Subaru includes its EyeSight safety tech as a standard feature across its lineup.
Consider the following when comparing:
- Older vs. newer models: While newer Subaru models have addressed issues like oil consumption found in some older models, older Subaru engines (1996-2004) were known for head gasket problems.
- Maintenance costs: Toyota's long-term maintenance costs are often lower than Subaru's, though both are considered reliable brands.
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.
