Home FAQ

What is the difference between S and I Subaru Forester?

The meaning of the S and I trim designations for the Subaru Forester is not universal; it varies by market and model year. The exact equipment and features tied to each label depend on where and when the vehicle was sold. To know precisely what each trim includes for a specific car, consult the official brochure, window sticker, or a dealer’s build sheet for that market and year.

What the S and I labels typically signify

In several markets outside the United States, Subaru has used S and I to label different trim packages. The S designation is commonly associated with sport-oriented or base-grade equipment, while I tends to denote a higher-content or interior-focused package. Keep in mind that these meanings are not universal and can shift from generation to generation and country to country.

S: Often signals a Sport-oriented or entry-level package, depending on market and year.

I: Often signals a more interior-focused or higher-content package, depending on market and year.

Because Subaru's trim naming has varied by region and time, the exact equipment swapped between S and I differs. The only reliable source is the official paperwork for the specific vehicle.

How to confirm the exact differences for your Forester

To be sure what your S and I include, rely on primary sources and the vehicle's documentation rather than generalizations.

Check the original brochure or build sheet for your model year and market to compare listed features and standard vs optional equipment.

Review the window sticker (Monroney label) or dealer invoice to see which amenities and options are included in each trim.

Look up the official Subaru site or the regional dealer site for the same year and market to cross-check equipment lists.

If you have the vehicle's VIN, ask a Subaru dealer to pull the exact trim package and build sheet tied to that VIN.

In practice, the exact difference hinges on regional naming conventions and production year. Always verify with documentation tied to the car.

Summary

The S and I trim codes for the Subaru Forester are not globally standardized. Their meaning varies by market and model year, affecting features, interior content, and sometimes performance-oriented equipment. Always verify with official paperwork or a dealer based on your vehicle's year and market to understand precisely what each trim includes.

What does S mean on Subaru?

On a Subaru, "S" usually means Sport mode, part of the SI-DRIVE system, which provides more responsive acceleration and performance than the default Intelligent (I) mode. It can also indicate a problem with the vehicle's dynamics control system, especially if it's flashing, which requires a diagnostic check.
SI-DRIVE modes

S (Sport) Mode: This is the most common meaning and provides a balance between performance and efficiency. The throttle is more responsive, and the engine and transmission are tuned for better acceleration, making it ideal for highways or spirited driving.
S# (Sport Sharp) Mode: Some models have this mode, which offers the most aggressive performance with the quickest throttle response and highest-RPM engine behavior.
Flashing "S": If you see a flashing "S" on the dashboard, it likely indicates a problem with the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. This can occur due to a faulty sensor or wiring issue, which may also disable other safety features like Eyesight.
Snow Mode: In some non-Subaru vehicles, "S" can mean "Snow" or "S-AWC" (Super All Wheel Control), which is a setting designed to help with traction in slippery conditions. However, this is less common on Subarus compared to the SI-DRIVE system.

How to tell the difference:

If you can manually switch between "I" and "S" modes using a button on your steering wheel or center console, it's the SI-DRIVE system.
If the "S" is on your gear shift indicator but you don't have an SI-DRIVE selector, it could be a "Sport" mode for the automatic transmission, or a "Snow" mode if your car has that feature.
If the "S" is flashing and is accompanied by other warning lights, it's a serious issue that needs to be diagnosed by a mechanic.

What is the difference between Subaru Forester S and L?

Forester S adds a viscous limited-slip differential for the 2000 Model Year, rear disc brakes, 16 × 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires (the L uses 15 × 6-inch steel wheels), upgraded moquette upholstery, heated front seats with net storage pockets in back, dual vanity mirrors, heated side-view mirrors, heated ...

Can I switch from D to S while driving?

Yes, you can switch from D to S while driving in most modern cars, as it is an electronically controlled function that adjusts the transmission's shift points for better performance. However, you should not shift into reverse (R) or park (P) while moving, as this can cause major damage.
How it works

Shifting from D (Drive) to S (Sport) is an electronic command, not a mechanical one, and is handled by the car's computer.
When you switch to S mode, the car's computer adjusts the engine's throttle response and will hold the gears longer before shifting, giving you more power and performance.
It's generally safe to switch at any speed, but releasing the accelerator pedal briefly while shifting is recommended to ensure a smooth transition.

This video explains what happens when you switch gears from D to S while driving: 48sInnoRativeYouTube · Oct 31, 2020
Things to remember

Avoid R and P: Never shift into Reverse or Park while moving, as this can cause significant damage to the transmission.
Check your manual: It's always best to consult your owner's manual to confirm the specific capabilities and limitations of your vehicle's transmission.
Drive responsibly: Use S mode for situations where you need extra power, such as passing or driving up a steep hill, and be aware of the change in your car's performance and responsiveness.

What is the S and I mode on a Subaru Forester?

In a Subaru Forester, I (Intelligent) mode prioritizes fuel efficiency for daily driving by smoothing out throttle response, while S (Sport) mode provides more responsive acceleration for spirited driving by making the throttle quicker and increasing engine revs. The SI-DRIVE system adjusts engine and transmission characteristics to optimize for either efficiency or performance, with a third option, Sport Sharp (S#) mode, for maximum performance.

You can watch this video to learn how to switch between the different SI-DRIVE modes: 56sMarin AcuraYouTube · Oct 17, 2020
Intelligent (I) Mode

What it is: The default and most fuel-efficient setting.
How it works: The throttle opens more gradually, requiring less fuel for the same acceleration compared to Sport mode.
Best for: Daily commuting, city driving, and any situation where fuel economy is the priority.
Driving experience: Smoother and more linear acceleration.

Sport (S) Mode

What it is: A balanced mode for a more responsive driving experience.
How it works: The throttle response is quicker, making the engine feel more responsive to input.
Best for: Merging onto highways, passing other cars, and driving on winding roads.
Driving experience: More direct and energetic acceleration, with a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.