2024 Subaru Forester

Price Range: $27,095 - $37,395 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Aside from lackluster acceleration, there's a lot to like about the Subaru Forester. This crossover SUV delivers the feel and rugged attitude that buyers want, along with a comfortable cabin and plenty of features for the price.

Pricing

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$27,000

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4 Colors
5 Trims
5 Packages

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2024 Subaru Forester Review

byJosh Jacquot^{Correspondent
Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Above-average off-road capability
Comes standard with many driver assist features
Roomy cargo area

Cons

Engine is underpowered

What's new

No major changes for 2024
Part of the fifth Forested generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Economical, spacious and capable, the Subaru Forester checks all the boxes for a desirable compact crossover. Its base price is below $30,000 and highway fuel economy above 30 mpg. Those tall windows and high roof translate into lots of room in both rows of seating and a spacious cargo hold, and standard all-wheel drive along with more ground clearance than most vehicles in its class make the Forester popular in the snowbelt, where it can plow through deeper drifts without dragging its belly. The Forester also includes generous advanced driver aids as standard equipment, with more available as stand-alone options or bundled into higher trim levels.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2024 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$156/mo

$207/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Alternatively, you might check out other top picks for a small SUV, including the practical Honda CR-V, the stylish Hyundai Tucson or the upscale Mazda CX-50. Subaru's Crosstrek and Outback SUVs are also solid choices if you want to stick within the Subaru family.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.0/10

How does the Forester drive? A largely gutless engine holds the Forester back. The four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic take their time getting up to speed. The Forester accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a slow 9.3 seconds during Edmunds' testing. Its steering, handling and braking, on the other hand, are more respectable. While the Forester isn't sporty, especially not compared to top rivals, it feels planted and changes direction with speed and confidence.

The Forester does shine on dirt roads or easy to moderate off-road trails. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance plus an available X-Mode drive setting that tailors the Forester's powertrain and traction control to driving on dirt. The Wilderness model is especially suited for getting out into nature thanks to its slightly higher ground clearance, upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires. In general, the Forester offers more off-road prowess than a typical small crossover SUV.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Forester? Whether you've got a long daily commute or a refreshing retreat on the horizon, the Forester will keep you riding in comfort. The front seats are well padded and have good bolstering and lumbar support, and the suspension easily smooths out bumps and ruts in the road.

Road noise is kept to a minimum. The Forester's tall profile does produce some wind noise, but it's a small price to pay for the commanding seat position and great visibility. Climate control knobs are right where they should be and easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The available automatic climate control works well, and most Foresters come standard with heated seats.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2024 Subaru Forester pricing

in Columbus, OH

Edmunds suggests you pay

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2024 Subaru Forester
$27,095Starting MSRP
See All Trims
Subaru.com
*MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Forester Sport shown has an MSRP of $31,865.

Build & Price

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? All controls inside the Forester are clearly labeled and easy to reach. There's no fussing around or overdoing things. The available 8-inch center touchscreen is crisp and simple to navigate. Everything about the Forester seems to have been designed right. Getting in and out is aided by tall doors and an SUV-style ride height. There's enough room for four, and possibly five, seated adults. The driver's seat offers a wide range of adjustments, and the steering wheel has plenty of telescoping range.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Subaru provides infotainment features that any owner, tech-savvy or not, can appreciate. The dual-screen center layout is attractive and easy to use. The navigation system is clear and takes voice commands well. If Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are more your flavor, Subaru has you covered by making both smartphone integration systems standard. Multiple USB ports are in both the front and rear.

We're especially fans of the driving aids included with Subaru EyeSight. The adaptive cruise control system works well, and lane keeping assist, now with lane centering, prevents the Forester from drifting out of its lane. Forward collision mitigation is also included and never activated when it wasn't needed in our test.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Forester is slightly lower in total storage capacity than competitors such as the Honda CR-V, but a high roof and clever cargo layout make the space usable for large items. Parents will find the Forester a little disappointing when it comes to installing child safety seats, however. The car seat anchors are buried deep in the rear seats, and fitting large rear-facing seats will be a squeeze.

Towing isn't the Forester's strong suit. While the Wilderness trim level can handle up to 3,000 pounds, the rest are limited to just 1,500 pounds.

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the Forester at 29 mpg combined, which is near the top of the class. In testing, however, we found that the weak engine had us pinning the throttle more, which can make real-world fuel economy suffer a bit.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Forester a good value? The Forester gives buyers a lot of options depending on how much they want to spend and how fancy they like their cars. Interior build quality is high, and in general you'll feel like you got your money's worth. Subaru offers an average warranty for the class.

Wildcard

8.0/10

Acceleration is the Forester's only notable weak point. While it's a big one, it's certainly not enough to detract from all of the vehicle's standout areas. Everything else, from comfort to technology to driver aids to storage capacity to outdoor adventure credentials, is top-notch. Its upright style and rugged components lend the Forester a unique personality, and standard all-wheel drive with a strong ride height backs it up.

Which Forester does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest going with the Premium trim. It's the second most affordable trim yet offers an appealing mix of features: a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and starting, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Premium also includes a lot of standard safety gear, with more available at a reasonable price.

Subaru Forester models

The 2024 Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited and Touring. As with nearly all Subarus, all-wheel drive is standard on all trims. Feature highlights include:

Base
The base Forester is reasonably equipped with:

2.5-liter four-cylinder (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft of torque)
Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
17-inch steel wheels
LED headlights
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Four-speaker audio system
Satellite radio
Automatic climate control

You also get Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Forester and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Forester back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

Premium
Includes all of the base model's features and adds:

17-inch alloy wheels
Raised roof rails
Foglights
Keyless entry with push-button start
Panoramic sunroof
Tinted rear windows
Power-adjustable driver's seat
All-Weather package

Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Windshield wiper de-icer

Multiple drive modes for improved traction in specific conditions
Six-speaker audio system

Sport
It has the features of the Premium plus:

18-inch black-painted wheels
Black and orange interior and exterior accents
LED foglights
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

Wilderness
This trim is the most outdoorsy Forester by way of:

LED foglights
Exclusive 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires (includes full-size spare)
Higher ground clearance
Front skid plate
Anti-glare matte black hood decal
8-inch touchscreen display
Water-resistant seating surfaces
Roof rack
Enhanced maximum towing capacity (3,000 pounds vs. 1,500 pounds on the other trims)

Limited
A more luxurious Forester thanks to:

18-inch wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Power liftgate

Touring
The Touring tops the lineup with:

More adjustment and memory settings for the driver's seat
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Standard driver monitoring system (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
Integrated navigation system
Heated rear outboard seats
Heated steering wheel

Note that some of the features found on the upper trims are available as options on the lower trims.

Subaru Forester Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

27 reviews

5(70%)

4(7%)

3(8%)

2(4%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Loving my 2024 Forester in cascade green silica

Ava , 02/19/2024

2024 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

A week ago I took delivery of a 2024 Forester Touring trim ( Ontario Canada). Previously I had a 2020 Forester Convenience trim and wanted to get a new Forester before the redesign, I’m not a fan of the 2025. The touring trim offers excellent value and it has a lot of features. Heated seats ( front) and steering wheel, panoramic sun roof, power lift gate, larger screen. After driving …

from ford escape se to 2024 forester touring

zaine, 12/07/2023

2024 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

not yet delivered probably near end of January hopefully, but this will be my last new vehicle i buy, traded in my 2017 ford escape se, i have been looking around and researching online for over 6 months took numerous suvs for test drives and finally made the plunge, and ordered the 2024 forester touring after taking countless suvs for test drives i simply found the forester the most …

Great bang for the buck

Grant, 01/16/2024

2024 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I had a 2016 Kia that was paid off and wanted something with AWD. Did many days/hours of research, looking, and personal experiences from family and friends. Subaru was up there already as an eyeballing as my grandparents in MN had one they drive down to KS where I am every year in theirs. Racked up 300k miles and they still have it up there as a back up. Price wise, it was asinine to …

Subaru is solid

Ed, 08/29/2023

2024 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

This is my second Subaru Forester. I have 2006 and now a 2023. I love the build quality, the safety, visibility, and durability. I guess most folks want a turbo option but I find the performance is fine. I don't care about a couple of seconds difference going 0-60. I compared the Forester to the CRV and RAV 4 and preferred the Forester.

See all 27 reviews of the Subaru Forester

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2024 Subaru Forester video

Off-Road Tested: Kia Telluride X-Pro vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness | Just an Appearance Package?

NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Subaru Forester, but since the 2024 Subaru Forester is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

We know, we know: The Kia Telluride and Subaru Forester are different classes of SUV and not directly comparable. But that's not the point of this comparison test! In this video, we put these two family SUVs' off-road trims — the Telluride X-Pro and the Forester Wilderness — to the…

2024 Subaru Forester Features Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$27,095
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$156/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Subaru Forester

Compare selected vehiclesSee full list of Small SUVs rankings

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-50

Though no one will accuse the CX-50 of being a legit off-roader, that was at least partially in the design parameters for this wide-fendered crossover when Mazda laid it out. And it offers between 8.3 and 8.6 inches of ground clearance depending on the trim, which is almost as much as the standard Forester's 8.7 inches. The Mazda handles better and it offers an optional turbocharged engine. In the Forester's favor are more cargo space and more standard driver assist features.

Compare Subaru Forester & Mazda CX-50 features

Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback

If the Forester is appealing, you may also find its bigger brother, the Outback, worth considering. It has more cargo space behind the second row than the Forester, and it's available with a strong turbocharged engine that Subaru doesn't offer on the Forester. The Outback provides the same ground clearance as the Forester, too, which gives it some off-road chops. On the downside, the Outback is more expensive when you're comparing similarly equipped models.

Compare Subaru Forester & Subaru Outback features

Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V

If you just want a thoroughly competent compact SUV that's good at everything you'd be mistaken to overlook the CR-V. In both standard and hybrid versions, it manages to be comfortable, efficient, big inside, and easy to live with. It's all-new for 2023 and offers even more rear legroom than before. The massive 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat dwarfs the current Forester's 15.9 cubes. All-wheel drive is available in every trim, and it's a virtual wash with the current Forester in terms of EPA-estimated fuel economy.

Compare Subaru Forester & Honda CR-V features

2024 Subaru Forester

At a Glance:

4 Colors
5 Trims
5 Packages
$27,095starting MSRP

Build & PriceSubaru.com

*MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Forester Sport shown has an MSRP of $31,865.

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Forester safety features:

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Helps prevent accidents with features such as lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking.
Reverse Automatic Braking: Helps reduce collisions by applying the brakes if a vehicle is detected crossing the Forester's path while it's in reverse.
DriverFocus: Sounds an alert when the head-tracking system detects that you are distracted.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Acceptable
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Forester both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Forester gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Forester ranges from 26.9 to 28.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Forester. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Subaru Forester?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Subaru Forester:

No major changes for 2024
Part of the fifth Forested generation introduced for 2019

Learn more

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru Forester is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Forester. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Forester's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Subaru Forester a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Subaru Forester is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Forester and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Forester gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Forester is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Subaru Forester?

The least-expensive 2024 Subaru Forester is the 2024 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,095.

Other versions include:

4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,095
Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $30,295
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $30,295
Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $31,865
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $31,865
Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,975
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,975
Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $34,920
Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $34,920
Touring 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $37,395
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $37,395

Learn more

What are the different models of Subaru Forester?

If you're interested in the Subaru Forester, the next question is, which Forester model is right for you? Forester variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Forester models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Subaru Forester

Pricing

2024 Subaru Forester Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Performance

Comfort

Save as much as $2,121 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.

2024 Subaru Forester pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Forester does Edmunds recommend?

Subaru Forester models

Subaru Forester Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Loving my 2024 Forester in cascade green silica

from ford escape se to 2024 forester touring

Great bang for the buck

Subaru is solid

2024 Subaru Forester video

Off-Road Tested: Kia Telluride X-Pro vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness | Just an Appearance Package?

2024 Subaru Forester Features Specs

Compare the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-50

Subaru Forester vs. Subaru Outback

Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Forester safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

2024 Subaru Forester First Impressions

FAQ

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

What's new in the 2024 Subaru Forester?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

Is the 2024 Subaru Forester a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2024 Subaru Forester?

What are the different models of Subaru Forester?

Related 2024 Subaru Forester info

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Other popular Subaru reviews and ratings

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2024 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Save as much as $2,121 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}