2012 Subaru Forester Review
2012 Subaru Forester Review





+104
Used Forester for sale
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2012 Subaru Forester appraisal values can range from $4,522 - $8,071.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- roomy cabin with ample cargo space
- comfortable ride
- strong turbocharged engine on XT trims.
Cons
- Outdated four-speed automatic transmission dulls fuel economy and acceleration
- unimpressive fit and finish.
What’s new
For 2012, the Subaru Forester now comes with a standard height-adjustable passenger seat and a new optional navigation system with added functionality.
Edmunds says
Thanks to plenty of interior room and available turbocharged power, the 2012 Subaru Forester is a top pick in the highly competitive small-crossover-SUV segment.
Vehicle overview
To many, Subaru occupies a unique position among other, more conventional automakers. There's a certain buyer that has historically been drawn to the brand: a kind of rugged individual who enjoys the great outdoors, yet needs the sensibility of a car that is well suited to urban settings. In many ways, the 2012 Subaru Forester best represents this niche.
Where most crossover SUVs would likely get stranded on a rutted trail, the Forester seems at home wallowing in the mud and climbing rocky wooded paths. With standard all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, this SUV's gifts are certainly uncommon among crossovers that are relegated to carpool and commuting duties.
Fortunately, though, the Forester's off-road prowess doesn't come at the expense of civility. On the contrary, it provides a roomy cabin, plenty of cargo space and a comfortable ride. There's also a turbocharged version to tame the wilds of the freeway on-ramp. And while other vehicles in this class pursue the city-dwelling driver with sleek styling and numerous creature comforts, the Forester remains on the boxy side with just enough in the way of features to stay competitive.
Given the many strong picks in the small-crossover segment, picking the right model can be difficult. The redesigned Honda CR-V will deliver more refinement, and the Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4 can be optioned with a powerful V6 engine and a third row of seats. Meanwhile, choices like the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan will likely appeal to drivers who prefer a bit more engagement and excitement. But overall the 2012 Subaru Forester is competitive and well worth a look.
Performance & mpg
As is the case with all Subarus, the 2012 Forester comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The 2.5X models are powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (flat) four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The XT trims feature a turbocharged variant that produces 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.5X and 2.5X Premium, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option. The automatic is the only transmission available on the 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring.
With both the manual and automatic transmissions, 2.5X models earn EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, average figures for this segment. 2.5X models sold in states with more stringent emissions standards earn a squeaky-clean PZEV rating. With the XT's turbocharged engine, fuel economy dips to 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. In Edmunds performance testing, a 2.5XT went from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 6.8 seconds. A 2.5X model with the automatic turned in a rather sluggish 10.1-second acceleration run.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Subaru Forester include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. In Edmunds braking tests, the Forester 2.5X came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet, which is a good distance for this segment.
In government crash testing, the Forester earned an overall score of four out of five stars, with four stars for overall front-impact protection and three stars for side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Forester its top rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.
Driving
The 2012 Subaru Forester has one of the most comfortable rides in the segment. Its crisp steering and tight turning circle also make it surprisingly maneuverable in close quarters. Both engine choices are highly competitive in terms of power and fuel economy, although an automatic transmission with more gears than the Forester's four would make a big difference.
Not only would fuel economy and acceleration theoretically improve, but more narrowly spaced ratios would make gearshifts smoother and less noticeable as well. Brake feel also leaves much to be desired, as the pedal feels spongy and not at all confidence-inspiring. Still, the 2012 Subaru Forester is an able performer, especially in the 2.5XT trims.
The Forester's upright and boxy shape gives it much better outward visibility than you'll find in its sleeker rivals. Wind noise is detectable, but not any more intrusive than you'll find in the average SUV; the same holds true for road noise. Despite its prowess off-road, the Forester still manages to provide a suitably smooth and comfortable ride over bumpy surfaces.
Interior
The 2012 Subaru Forester features a pleasantly styled and highly functional cabin design, though fit and finish is a little hit-or-miss. Controls are mostly straightforward and easy to access. The Forester is one of the most spacious vehicles in the segment, comparing favorably with the RAV4, CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander, all of which straddle the line between compact and midsize SUVs.
This crossover's split-folding rear seat with optional reclining seatbacks deserves special mention here. The term "throne" appropriately describes this seat, as the cushion is so high that rear passengers will feel as though they're looking down on those in front. All but the longest of leg will actually be able to rest their hamstrings flush against the cushion -- a rarity in motorized conveyances without wings or bathrooms. The middle rear seat, however, is compromised by its dual purpose as an armrest and cupholder, making it more of a hard, segmented bench.
The cargo area is generous, boasting 33.5 cubic feet of space with the 60/40-split rear seatback raised and 68.3 cubes with it folded. The Forester's boxy shape also makes it well suited to hauling large bulky objects.
2012 Subaru Forester models
The 2012 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV available in six trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring.
The 2.5X is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, full power accessories, air-conditioning, automatic headlights, keyless entry, a tilt steering column, a height-adjustable passenger seat, a trip computer and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5X Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Bluetooth (with streaming audio), USB/iPod integration and reclining rear seatbacks.
The 2.5X Limited adds foglights, automatic climate control, the All-Weather package (including heated mirrors, heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer) and leather upholstery. The 2.5XT Premium is similar to the 2.5X Premium but has a more powerful engine, a hood scoop and a rear roof spoiler. The 2.5X Touring builds on the 2.5X Limited's list of amenities, adding bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a one-touch folding rear seatback, electroluminescent instrumentation, a rearview camera and a subwoofer. The 2.5XT Touring combines the 2.5XT Premium's features with those seen in the 2.5X Touring.
The All-Weather package is optional on the 2.5X Premium, as is a portable TomTom navigation system. Limited and Touring trims are available with a traditional dash-mounted navigation system that includes voice controls, text messaging capability, a rearview camera, a six-speaker sound system (seven with the Touring's subwoofer) and an auxiliary audio/video input jack. Satellite radio and a variety of exterior trim add-ons are offered as stand-alone options.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Subaru Forester.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.25 out of 5 stars
“Oil leak both cams and chang (sic) cover”
Jean Young,03/15/2015
2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
“Oil leak both cams and chang (sic) cover” noted by the Subaru technician on Wednesday. My 2012 Subaru Forester has been using huge and excessive amounts of oil since its purchase. First, I was told that it was part of the “break - in period. Under no circumstances should a new car or even one with just over 65,000 miles like mine that has been babied and maintained only by the dealer … present such major engine issues. This is my second Subaru and it will be my last. The first one, a 2003 Forester, though far from perfect, had over 150,000 miles before needing a new head gasket after exhibiting irregular oil use. This one has clocked with irregular oil usage since its purchase.
4.75 out of 5 stars
A lot of car for the money
methuselah38,04/22/2012
2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
As the title says, considering the cost of the vehicle, I'm very pleased.
My mileage is always above 31MPG (rural driving & warm weather).
I'm surprised by this - but happy of course.
Despite what the EPA says, I'm convinced that a gentle driver gets much better mileage with a manual transmission.
The car handles like a sports car which is amazing considering its high ground … clearance.
The ride is quite firm but not uncomfortable.
The high sitting position gives the driver wonderful 360 degree visibility.
Negligible blind areas.
Some road and wind noise which I don't find bothersome.
4.38 out of 5 stars
A Fine SUV Choice
mr_ruez,04/09/2012
2.5X Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
When it comes to finding a small AWD wagon with a sunroof and manual transmission, there are only two choices. One is the Jeep Patriot, but that car had some quality control issues that I'm not sure were overcome, plus it looks like a toaster on wheels.
The Forester fits the bill - not too fancy, not too plain, just right! There is plenty of room for full sized people. The black fabric … on the seats and doors has subtle copper colored accents that add a nice look.
You get easy entry and exit due to the large doors and seat height. Once behind the wheel it drives sporty with very few blind spots, and the huge sunroof brings in the great outdoors!
4.63 out of 5 stars
GReat Value - Best AWD design
pez11,07/21/2012
2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Love my new Forester.
I always wanted an Outback or Forester and finally pulled the trigger in March.
Great handling and performance for a sport utility vehicle.
Interior is a little plain and lacks the extra bells and whistles that come with the competition, but it makes up for that in cargo room, road feel, engine performance, and reliability.
If you are not use to the sound of a boxer … engine, it may seem a bit load when the RPMS get above 3500, but this engine produces less vibration and balance.
The AWD system is what stands out above the crowd. This system is designed to perform off road, not just in snow.
Just look on youtube for comparisons on off road performance vs the competition.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall3 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat4 / 5Back Seat2 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2012 Subaru Forester
Used 2012 Subaru Forester Overview
The Used 2012 Subaru Forester is offered in the following submodels: Forester SUV. Available styles include 2.5X Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5X Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5X Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5X PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), 2.5XT Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), 2.5X Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5X Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), 2.5XT Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), 2.5X Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M), 2.5X PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A), and 2.5X Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A). Pre-owned Subaru Forester models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 170 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2012 Subaru Forester comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2012 Subaru Forester comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2012 Subaru Forester?
Price comparisons for Used 2012 Subaru Forester trim styles:
- The Used 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited is priced between $12,798 and$18,990 with odometer readings between 69851 and141469 miles.
- The Used 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium is priced between $14,998 and$21,998 with odometer readings between 39474 and123987 miles.
- The Used 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium PZEV is priced between $9,288 and$13,999 with odometer readings between 117000 and131372 miles.
- The Used 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X is priced between $20,590 and$20,590 with odometer readings between 18955 and18955 miles.
- The Used 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X PZEV is priced between $10,000 and$10,000 with odometer readings between 141675 and141675 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2012 Subaru Foresters are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2012 Subaru Forester for sale near. There are currently 10 used and CPO 2012 Foresters listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $9,288 and mileage as low as 18955 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2012 Subaru Forester.
Can't find a used 2012 Subaru Foresters you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2012 Subaru Forester?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Subaru lease specials
Check out Subaru Forester lease specials
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