The Forester has truly come into its own in the last few years, receiving plenty of accolades and praise for its utilitarian personality and car-like refinement in this latest generation. Completely revised in 2014, the Forester gets a few updates for 2017 that make it even more a bargain to brag about. While the quirky little crossover isn’t fast, sporty, or particularly good-looking as some of its competition, it is outstandingly practical.

A small $200 price hike over the 2016 model covers a multitude of added features, including a revised front grille, bumper, and new headlights. The EyeSight system also gets an upgrade to include Lane Keep Assist. Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking are now standard. Lastly, the Forester 2.0XT Touring offers an available Active Torque Vectoring system.

Everything else that made the 2014 Forester a success has carried over, including an unchanged pair of engines and transmissions. Base models get the 2.5-liter flat-four mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The combo is good for 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The CVT remains an optional extra. The more powerful option is the 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four making 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. Unfortunately, upgrading to the turbo relegates the transmission choice to the CVT.

Trim levels for the 2.5-liter still include 2.5i, Premium, Limited, and Touring, while the more-upscale 2.0-liter turbo is only adorned with the Premium and Touring trims.

In all, the Forester is an honest crossover that works well. For some, it just takes getting past what looks to be a bland cover to find a multifaceted vehicle well positioned to tackle nearly any task the average American brood can throw at it.

{Update: Subaru has announced pricing for the 2018 Subaru Forester. As with the year before, prices increased marginally across the board. Check the prices section below for details.

{Continue reading for the full review}

2015 - 2017 Subaru Forester

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2017 Subaru Forester
  • Engine/Motor: flat-4
  • Horsepower: 170 @ 5800
  • Torque: 174 @ 4100
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Things have remained unchanged in this department for the Forester. The two body styles return for 2015, the less aggressive, more rounded front fascia of the 2.5-liter and the more sinister, angular look of the 2.0-liter turbo. The two styles seem to speak for Subaru designers knowing the types of customers who buy what models. More power equals more sporty looks. It’s a simple recipe, but one Subaru could use more of.

Three choices of alloy wheels return, one measuring 17 inches, the other two in 18. We’re particularly fond of the 18-inch dark grey wheels with the machined face. Combined with the more aggressive front fascia, along with the optional HID headlights on the 2.0XT Touring package, the trio of options adds some much needed character.

New for 2017

The 2017 model year brings a handful of changes for the Forester’s front end. The grille, lower fascia, and headlights all receive updates. The result is a more mature and sculpted look, one befitting the crossover’s attitude. The grille features three horizontal black bars with a single, chrome bar holding the Subaru logo. Below, the new bumper has an air intake that spans wider than the grille. The lower bumper section features redesigned fog light housings with chrome accents. The headlights are perhaps the most recognizable change, with LED accents main beams. Likewise, the taillights received a similar C-shape LED element to tie the Forester’s two ends together.

There’s also two new alloy wheel designs are available on certain trim levels. Both wheel designs feature a high-contrast black and machined finish look. 2.5i Premium models get the 17-inch wheels while the 2.0XT receives 18-inch rollers.

Beyond the changes, the Forester remains a capable crossover with wagon roots. Its large cargo area makes for easy hauling, especially with the 60/40 split rear seat folded flat. What’s more, the Forester’s relatively tall ground clearance gives it better “soft-roading” abilities than many of its competitors. Of course, the standard AWD system and available X-Mode are the foundation the Forester is built on.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

103.9 / 2,640

Length

180.9 / 4,595

Width

70.7 / 1,795

Height

With roof rail: 68.2 / 1,735 without roof rail: 66.4 / 1,687

Track

60.9 / 1,547
61.1 / 1,552

Ground clearance

8.7 / 220

Angle of approach

23.0 deg.

Angle of departure

25.0 deg.

Ramp breakover angle

21.0 deg.


Interior

Like the outside, things are basically the same for 2015. The only major difference centers around the center stack and its 4.3-inch multi-function screen perched up top. It’s now a standard feature in the base 2.5i, along with the backup camera. The multi-function screen is controlled with steering-wheel-mounted buttons, as is the smaller information screen within the gauge cluster. Both the tach and speedometer are clear and easy to read with their white on black color scheme.

A standard radio head unit or the infotainment screen inhabits the dash – based on trim level. The standard unit is simple and easy to use, and has plenty of buttons for quick changes in stations, volume, and media inputs. The navigation includes voice control and comes with either a six-speaker sound system or the optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon system.

The Forester’s rear cargo area is about as functional as it gets. Fold the 60/40 rear seats down for an enormous 74.7 cubic feet of space. Even with the seats upright, the rear area still offers 34.4 cubic feet or storage. Both cloth and leather seats are available on their respective trim levels. Since the Forester is so tall, the seating is upright with occupants’ knees nowhere near their chests.

New for 2017

Inside the Forester, the 2017 model year brings a new steering wheel with integrated audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control switches. Engineers also added improved soundproofing materials to quiet the ride, including thicker door glass, and acoustic windshield, revised door seals, and underfloor insulation.

Limited trim levels now come with dash panel trim work colored in silver metallic and gloss black finishes. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped. Range-topping Touring models now have an optional Saddle Brown leather option with contrast stitching. Matching door panels are present as well. For those cold-weather climates, the Touring trim also brings a heated steering wheel, an option not previously offered in the Forester.

Coming standard on all Forester models is Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system. The 2.5i base car gets a 6.2-inch screen with single-touch gesture control. Upgrade to the Premium, Limited, and Touring trims, and the 7.0-inch LCD screen comes standard with hands-free SMS text messaging, two USB ports, and SiriusXM.

New for 2017

- New SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security features

- New STARLINK Audio Systems

Drivetrain

The Forester lineup gets its power from two horizontally opposed four cylinders. The standard flat-four mill is a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated unit making 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. It comes with two transmission options: a fun six-speed honest-to-goodness manual or the not-so-fun CVT. If choosing the 2.5-liter, we’d save the money and skip the CVT every time. However, the manual is only available with the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium trim levels.

Filling the more premium roll is a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four making 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Though the engine would assuredly be a blast with the manual tranny, it’s not offered. Both Boxer engines come with variable valve timing to more precisely control the 16 valves.

As will all Subarus except the rear-wheel-drive BRZ->ke3973, the Forester comes with Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. New for 2014 and continued over is X-MODE – an electronic traction assist system with Hill Decent Control. It’s kind of like engaging "go-anywhere mode."

Fuel economy ratings for the 2.5-liter are 24 mpg city, 27 mpg combined and 32 mpg highway, while the 2.0-liter Turbo gets 23 mpg city, 25 mpg combined and 28 mpg highway.

Drivetrain Specifications

Model

2.5i

2.0XT

Configuration

2.5L 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed (Boxer); aluminum cylinder block and heads

2.0L 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed (Boxer), turbocharged/intercooled, aluminum cylinder block and heads

Displacement

2,498 cc

1,998 cc

Bore x Stroke

94.0 mm x 90.0 mm

86 mm x 86 mm

Compression ratio

10:1

10.6:1

Horsepower

170 @ 5,800 rpm

250 @ 5,600 rpm

Torque lb.-ft.

174 @ 4,100 rpm

258 @ 2,000-4,800 rpm


Prices

Pricing for the Forester starts at modest and rises to middle class. A base 2.5i will set you back $22,395 while the range-topping 2.0XT Touring starts at $33,795, both including an $850 destination charge. Choosing the CVT in either the 2.5i or 2.5i Premium costs $1,000 or $500 respectively. Otherwise, the CVT’s cost is included in the other 2.5i trim packages.

Subaru has no shortage of options and accessories for the Forester; from battery warmers and engine block heaters, to trailer hitches and ski racks – all at their own price with some dependent on dealer instillation charges.

2018 Subaru Forester - Prices

Pricing for 2018 has increased marginally across the board. Most models increase by $200 while the range-topping XT Touring trim increases by as much as $1,795.

Model

Transmission

Option Code

MSRP

2.5i

6MT

01

$22,795

2.5i

CVT

01,02

$23,795

2.5i Premium

6MT

11

$25,695

2.5i Premium

CVT

12,13,14,15,16

$26,195

2.5i Limited

CVT

21,22,23

$29,395

2.5i Touring

CVT

31,32

$33,090

2.0XT Premium

CVT

11

$29,495

2.0XT Touring

CVT

31,32

$36,090


Prices for 2017

Prices don’t rise dramatically for 2017 – only $200 for the base 2.5i. That’s the same jump the Forester made going from 2015 into 2016. There are still a multitude of option packages and features available throughout the Forester trim range, so check the chart below.

2017 Subaru Forester - Prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

Applicable Option Code

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery

2.5i PZEV

6MT

01

$22,595

$23,470

2.5i PZEV

CVT

01, 02

$23,595

$24,470

2.5i Premium PZEV

6MT

11

$25,495

$26,370

2.5i Premium PZEV

CVT

12,13,14,15

$25,995

$26,870

2.5i Limited PZEV

CVT

21, 22, 23

$29,195

$30,070

2.5i Touring PZEV

CVT

31, 32, 33, 34

$31,295

$32,170

2.0XT Premium

CVT

16

$29,295

$30,170

2.0XT Touring

CVT

31, 32, 33, 34

$34,295

$35,170


2017 Subaru Forester - Option Packages

CODE 01

Standard Model 2.5i

N/A

CODE 02

Alloy Wheel Package

$600

CODE 11

Standard Model 2.5i Premium 6MT

N/A

CODE 12

Standard Model 2.5i Premium CVT

N/A

Code 13

All Weather Package

$500

CODE 14

All Weather Package + EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert

$1,695

CODE 15

All Weather Package + EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Power Rear Gate

$2,145

CODE 16

Standard Model 2.0XT Premium

N/A

CODE 21

Standard Model 2.5i Limited

N/A

CODE 22

Navigation + Audio w/ Harman/Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers

$1,300

CODE 23

Navigation + Audio w/ Harman/Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers + EyeSight

$2,945

CODE 31

Standard Model 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring (Black interior)

N/A

CODE 32

Standard Model 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring (Saddle Brown interior)

N/A

CODE 33

EyeSight + Navigation (Black interior)

$1,595

CODE 34

EyeSight + Navigation (Saddle Brown interior)

N/A


2016 Subaru Forester - Prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery

2.5i

6MT

$22,395

$23,245

2.5i

CVT

$23,395

$24,245

2.5i Premium

6MT

$25,295

$26,145

2.5i Premium

CVT

$25,795

$26,645

2.5i Limited

CVT

$28,795

$29,645

2.5i Touring

CVT

$30,795

$31,645

2.0XT Premium

CVT

$29,195

$30,045

2.0XT Touring

CVT

$33,795

$34,645


2015 Subaru Forester - Prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery

2.5i

6MT

$22,195

$23,045

2.5i

CVT

$23,195

$24,045

2.5i Premium

6MT

$24,595

$25,445

2.5i Premium

CVT

$25,095

$25,945

2.5i Limited

CVT

$28,095

$28,945

2.5i Touring

CVT

$30,095

$30,945

2.0XT Premium

CVT

$28,495

$29,345

2.0XT Touring

CVT

$33,095

$33,945


Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery


Options

Alloy Wheel Package

$600

All Weather Package

$500

All Weather Package + EyeSight

$1,295

All Weather Package+ EyeSight+ Navigation

$2,395

Navi+ Audio w/Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers

$1,850

Navi + Audio w/Harman Kardon ®Amplifier and Speakers + EyeSIght

$2,645

EyeSight + Navigation

$1,895


Competition

2017 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is all-new for 2017 and brings new levels of refinement and tech. The Escape is now more angular, with a more grown-up appearance. Its six-sided grille and LED-encrusted headlights give it a premium look. Two brand new engines are available. A 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder slots as the standard engine and produces 180 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque – at least in its pre-production form. A revised 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is said to have better efficiency than before while delivering an impressive 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

Prices have not been released yet, but expect Ford to only boost its base price by a modest amount. The base Escape should start around $23,000. Opt for the range-topping Titanium trim and the price will exceed $30,000.

Read our full review on the Ford Escape here.

2016 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the liveliest of the bunch, coming with Mazda’s well-tuned suspension and peppy 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder. Updated for 2016 were soon reinforced with a rare mid-model-year update labeled 2016.5. This makes things like a backup camera and navigation standard across the board, among other changes. The CX-5, like the Escape, does comes standard with FWD, so those needing AWD will have to purchase the option.

The 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder makes 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, pushing the crossover to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. That’s not as quick as the 2.0-liter EcoBoost-equipped Escape, but it’s still respectable.

Prices start at $25,325 and crest into the mid-$30,000 range when fully optioned.

Read our full review on the Mazda CX-5 here.

Conclusion

The Forester is arguably the most utilitarian crossover on the market today. It’s combination of AWD, loads of interior cargo room, and creature comforts make it a smart choice for someone needing an all-in-one vehicle. Its on-road dynamics are more car-like while it somehow does a really respectable job off road. It’s great that Subaru still offers a manual transmission, but it’s a shame it can’t be matched with the 2.0-liter turbo.

For those who want the good driving characteristics of a car yet need the all-weather capabiltiy of a crossover should definitely give the Forester a look.

Update History

Updated 06/15/2015: Subaru announced prices for the 2016 Forester -- a model that remains pretty much unchanged from the previous year. The model received only a series of new standard features, translated into a price increase of $200. For 2016, the Forester starts from $22,395 for the 2.5i version.

Updated 05/19/2016: Subaru announced prices for the 2017 Forester which will arrive at retailers late summer 2016. Check the "Prices" section to see how much you will have to pay for it.