What kind of gas does a Forester take?
The Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and all-wheel-drive capability. If you’re a Forester owner or considering purchasing one, you might be wondering what type of gas is best for your vehicle. Choosing the right fuel is essential for maintaining performance and ensuring the longevity of your engine.
Recommended Fuel for the Subaru Forester
Subaru recommends using regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher for most Forester models. This means you can fill up your tank with standard gas from any station without worrying about performance issues. However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
- Turbocharged Models: If you own a Forester with a turbocharged engine (such as the XT trim in older models), Subaru may recommend premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. This is because turbocharged engines operate at higher compression ratios and require higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking and ensure optimal performance.
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and specific fuel recommendations. Subaru provides detailed guidance based on the model year and engine type.
Why Octane Rating Matters
The octane rating of gasoline measures its ability to resist knocking during combustion. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders detonates prematurely, which can cause damage over time. Here’s why the correct octane rating is important:
- Regular Gasoline (87 Octane): Suitable for most naturally aspirated engines, including the majority of Subaru Forester models.
- Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane): Required for turbocharged engines to handle the higher pressures and temperatures without knocking.
Tips for Fueling Your Subaru Forester
To keep your Forester running smoothly, follow these tips when refueling:
- Avoid Lower-Octane Gas: Using gas with an octane rating lower than recommended can lead to engine knocking and reduced performance.
- Don’t Overfill the Tank: Stop fueling when the pump clicks off to avoid spills and potential damage to the evaporative emissions system.
- Use Quality Gasoline: Choose reputable gas stations that provide high-quality fuel to prevent contaminants from entering your engine.
Conclusion
For most Subaru Forester models, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 is perfectly fine. However, if you drive a turbocharged model, premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher may be required. Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information about your specific vehicle. By using the correct fuel, you’ll ensure your Forester delivers the performance and reliability you expect for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Foresters good on gas?
MPG Ratings by Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Drivers love that most 2025 Subaru Forester SUVs return up to an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).
What happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
What happens if you put the wrong gas in your car?
One of the most severe consequences of using the wrong fuel in your car is engine damage. If you mistakenly fill your diesel car with gasoline or vice versa, the fuel may not ignite correctly, causing engine performance problems.
Can I put 89 gas in my Subaru Forester?
Higher octane doesn't make your Subaru perform better unless it's required. If you drive a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy or Ascent, your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, or regular fuel.
Can you use 89 instead of 87?
If you opt for a higher octane than your manual recommends—say, 89 instead of 87—your car will be perfectly fine. It will not, however, improve your car's mileage or give it any sort of extra performance boost. The only thing it will do is cost you extra money, so don't do this.
What kind of gas does a Subaru Forester take?
Which Fuel Is Best? If you drive a Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, or Legacy, your vehicle is designed to run on 87-octane or regular fuel. It's the best grade for most Subaru models.
What happens if I put 89 instead of 87 in my car?
Adding mid-grade gas to a car that uses 87-octane will waste the extra money put into the tank. 89 gas will not make your car go faster. If a manufacturer recommends premium gas, you can still use 87-octane, but it might cause problems to your car's engine.
Should I use 87 or 91 gas?
The greater the octane number, the greater the fuel's ignition temperature. There is no benefit in using a higher octane fuel than your vehicle's engine needs, doing so is just wasting money. If your engine doesn't knock at regular octane (87), there is nothing to be gained from using a higher octane fuel.
What cars take 87 gas?
If you're interested in luxury cars that take regular gas, check out these automotive makes at Rusnak Auto Group:
- Acura.
- Audi.
- Bentley.
- BMW.
- Infiniti.
- Jaguar.
- Land Rover.
- Mercedes-Benz.
Does my Subaru need premium gas?
On ordinary Subaru family vehicles like the Ascent and Forester, regular gas is all you'll need. However, the engines found in the Subaru BRZ, the Subaru WRX, and the Subaru WRX STI are built for higher compression with a powerful turbocharger -- as a result, regular fuel can be problematic in these engines.
