What year did Subaru put CVT in Forester?
Subaru put a CVT in the Forester starting with the 2014 model year.
The Forester has evolved through several generations since its 1997 introduction. Subaru’s broader rollout of its Lineartronic CVT aimed at improving fuel economy and smoother power delivery across its lineup, and the Forester joined that shift with the 2014 redesign for the U.S. market.
Context: CVT technology and the Forester
Subaru’s CVT, marketed as Lineartronic, began appearing in multiple models around the early 2010s as part of an industry-wide push toward more efficient transmissions. The Forester’s adoption followed the broadly aligned strategy, with the 2014 Forester marking the first year in the United States where the CVT became standard for most trims.
Key milestones in Forester’s CVT history:
- 2014 model year: Fourth-generation Forester debuts in the U.S. with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT as the standard transmission for most trims.
- 2015–2023: CVT remains the default transmission for Forester models across trims, contributing to enhanced efficiency and smoother everyday driving.
- 2024–present: Forester continues with the CVT, with ongoing calibration updates to balance performance and fuel economy.
In short, the Forester’s move to CVT came with the 2014 redesign, and the transmission has remained the core drivetrain choice for the model in the U.S. since then.
Why CVT makes sense for the Forester
Subaru chose the Lineartronic CVT for the Forester to maximize fuel efficiency and provide smooth, steady power delivery—well-suited to a compact SUV used for family duties and outdoor adventures. The CVT pairs with the Forester’s commonly used 2.5-liter engine to optimize highway and city efficiency, while maintaining a practical, everyday driving character. Some drivers self-select for a more traditional automatic feel, where CVTs can appear less responsive during aggressive acceleration, but modern calibrations have reduced this perception.
Pros and cons for buyers
Below is a concise look at how CVT affects Forester ownership experience:
- Pros: smoother acceleration feel in daily driving, potential fuel-economy gains, lighter transmission weight, and efficient power delivery.
- Cons: some drivers notice a different feel during rapid, hard acceleration, and CVT-specific maintenance considerations can differ from traditional automatics.
Overall, the CVT offers clear efficiency and smoothness advantages for most Forester customers, with a driving experience that may differ from traditional automatic transmissions.
Summary
Subaru introduced the CVT to the Forester with the 2014 model year as part of the 4th-generation redesign in the U.S. Since then, the transmission has been the standard choice for Forester models, with ongoing refinements to balance efficiency and performance. For buyers, the decision often comes down to a preference for the CVT’s smooth operation and fuel savings versus the slightly different feel during aggressive acceleration.
