Why is the Subaru Forester so popular?

The Forester’s popularity stems from its standard all‑wheel drive, strong safety credentials, and a spacious, versatile interior that appeals to families and outdoor-minded buyers alike. Reliable performance, practical design, and solid resale value round out its broad appeal.

Core reasons for enduring popularity

All-wheel drive and year-round capability

Every Forester comes with symmetrical all‑wheel drive, giving confident traction across rain, snow, and uneven terrain. This baseline capability is a constant draw for buyers who live in regions with variable weather or who prize capability without paying a premium for a separate drivetrain option.

• Standard AWD on every trim


• Enhanced stability on wet or slippery surfaces


• Improved handling for outdoor adventures and family trips

That dependable drivetrain contributes to a perception of readiness for nearly any road condition, which many buyers value highly.

Practical interior and cargo versatility

The Forester prioritizes interior space, visibility, and flexible seating, making it a practical daily driver that also accommodates gear for weekend getaways or family outings.

• Spacious cabin with generous rear legroom


• Wide, easy-to-use cargo area and multiple storage solutions


• Split-folding rear seats that expand cargo without sacrificing passenger space

This blend of comfort and practicality helps the Forester serve as both a family vehicle and an adventure companion.

Safety and technology as differentiator

Advanced driver-assist suite and strong safety ratings

The Forester benefits from Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology and a track record of strong crash-test ratings, making safety a central selling point for families and safety-conscious buyers.

• EyeSight features such as pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist


• Automatic emergency braking and other active safety aids on many trims


• Consistently high safety scores from IIHS and NHTSA

These safeguards contribute to peace of mind on daily commutes and long road trips alike.

Infotainment and connectivity

Recent Forester models have improved the user experience with larger touchscreens and better smartphone integration, helping to keep occupants connected and entertained on the go.

• Accessible infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto


• Wired or wireless connectivity options across model years


• Responsive interface and straightforward controls for everyday use

Tech improvements align with customer expectations for modern, connected utility in a compact SUV.

Value, reliability and ownership experience

Resale value and overall ownership costs

Subaru’s reputation for reliability and a loyal customer base translate into strong resale value and predictable maintenance costs, making the Forester a compelling long-term purchase for many buyers.

• Solid reliability history and lower depreciation over time


• Reasonable maintenance and repair costs relative to rivals


• Wide availability of service networks and parts

For buyers weighing total cost of ownership, the Forester’s dependable performance and durable design are meaningful advantages.

trims, updates and off-road-ready variants

Subaru has expanded the Forester lineup with trims that emphasize capability and comfort, including a rugged off-road variant that broadens the model’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts while keeping the core practicality intact.

• Popular trims offer a balance of features, comfort, and value


• Specialized variants with enhanced ground clearance, protective styling, and rugged tires for light off-road use


• Continual updates to infotainment and safety tech across model years

These additions help the Forester stay relevant across diverse buyer segments, from families to adventurers.

What buyers are saying and how it evolves

Owners frequently highlight the Forester’s reliability, spaciousness, and all-season practicality in reviews and forums. Dealers note steady demand across model years, with updates in technology and trims helping maintain interest among new buyers while keeping current owners satisfied.

Overall, the model’s blend of capability, safety, interior practicality, and affordable ownership continues to resonate in a competitive segment.

Summary

The Subaru Forester remains popular because it pairs standard all-wheel drive with a strong safety profile and a roomy, versatile interior. Its practical design, reliable performance, and value-leaning ownership experience create wide appeal for families, commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Ongoing updates—especially in safety tech, infotainment, and off-road-oriented trims—help the Forester stay competitive in a crowded market while reinforcing its core strengths: capability, practicality, and dependability.

What is the least stolen Subaru?

Another Kudo for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: It's on the “Least Stolen” List. Great news, Subie lovers! Not a single Subaru model is included on the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI)'s “Most-Stolen Vehicles” list.

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

Who typically buys Subarus?

Subaru has become a top brand for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as taking long road trips, going on off-road adventures, and camping in remote destinations.

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.