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Which year to buy
Best bet2024Fewest serious problems: 0.4× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2017, 2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2014GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.1× usual Extended coverage
329 serious complaints of 403, the most about suspension (94) and engine (69); per car on the road, 1.1× this model's usual year. 2 recalls.
What owners report
“Rear driver's side coil spring broke while vehicle was stationary. It broke in the same spot as so many others have reported recently, having completely rusted from the inside out in a small spot on the bottom.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the suspension, Jul 2019
“The contact owns a 2014 subaru forester. While driving, the oil low warning light illuminated. The contact discovered that the oil level in the vehicle was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who acknowledged there was an oil consumption issue with the vehicle and offered to perform an oil consumption test.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, May 2015
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original… (02-157-14, Oct 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
403 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 24–27 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2014 trims and features
Every Forester year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2014
- New trim: 2.0XT Premium
- New trim: 2.0XT Touring
- New trim: 2.5i
- New trim: 2.5i Limited
- New trim: 2.5i Premium
- New trim: 2.5i Touring
- Trim dropped: 2.5X
- Trim dropped: 2.5X Limited
- Trim dropped: 2.5X Premium
- Trim dropped: 2.5X Touring
- Trim dropped: 2.5XT Premium
- Trim dropped: 2.5XT Touring
2014 Forester trims
| 2.0XT Premium | 2.0XT Touring | 2.5i | 2.5i Limited | 2.5i Premium | 2.5i Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||||
| Starting MSRP | $27,995 | $32,995 | — | $27,995 | — | $29,995 |
| Powertrain | ||||||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine | 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine | 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine | 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine | 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 250 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Transmission | High-torque Lineartronic CVT | High-torque Lineartronic CVT | Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic CVT 6-Speed Manual: 6-Speed Manual Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic CVT 6-Speed Manual: 6-Speed Manual Transmission | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | — | — | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: 6 | — | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: 6 | — |
| Drivetrain | Awd | Awd | Lineartronic CVT / 6-Speed Manual | Awd | Lineartronic CVT / 6-Speed Manual | Awd |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | Lineartronic CVT: 27 mpg 6-Speed Manual: 24 mpg | 27 mpg | Lineartronic CVT: 27 mpg 6-Speed Manual: 24 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Size and capability | ||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 34.4 cu ft | 34.4 cu ft | 34.4 cu ft | 34.4 cu ft | Lineartronic CVT: 31.5 cu ft 6-Speed Manual: 34.4 cu ft | 34.4 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 74.7 cu ft | 74.7 cu ft | 74.7 cu ft | 74.7 cu ft | Lineartronic CVT: 68.5 cu ft 6-Speed Manual: 74.7 cu ft | 74.7 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in |
| Length | 180.9 in | 180.9 in | 180.9 in | 180.9 in | 180.9 in | 180.9 in |
| Curb weight | 3,624 lb | 3,651 lb | Lineartronic CVT: 3,366 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,296 lb | 3,419 lb | Lineartronic CVT: 3,391 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,285 lb | 3,433 lb |
| Tech | ||||||
| Touchscreen | — | 6.1 in | — | Optional | Optional | 6.1 in |
| Apple CarPlay | — | — | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Android Auto | — | — | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Digital gauge cluster | 4.3 in | 4.3 in | — | 4.3 in | 4.3 in | 4.3 in |
| Audio | — | Harman Kardon | — | — | — | Harman Kardon |
| Speakers | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Driver assistance | ||||||
| Adaptive cruise control | — | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Lane keeping | — | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Automatic emergency braking | — | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Seats | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Leather + option |
| Heated seats | — | Front | — | Front | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: Front | Front |
| Climate zones | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Exterior | ||||||
| Sunroof | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof | — | Panoramic Moonroof | Lineartronic CVT: Panoramic Moonroof 6-Speed Manual: — | Panoramic Moonroof |
| Power liftgate | — | Power Liftgate | — | Power Liftgate | — | Power Liftgate |
| Wheels | 18 in | 18 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | — | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
Packages and options (31)
| 2.0XT Premium | 2.0XT Touring | 2.5i | 2.5i Limited | 2.5i Premium | 2.5i Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather Package $500 | — | Standard | — | Standard | — | Standard |
| Driver Assist Technology Package | — | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| Body Side Moldings | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Light Kit | Optional | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Heavy-Duty Roof Cargo Basket | Optional | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Air Deflector $122 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Cover $92 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Side Window Deflectors | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Trailer Hitch $622 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Arch Moldings | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net - Rear | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray $75 | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Interior Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Starter | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Starter - Smart Engine Start | — | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| 6.1-inch Touch-Screen Navigation System | — | Standard | — | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Burnished Bronze Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crystal Black Silica | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dark Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ice Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Jasmine Green Metallic | — | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Marine Blue Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satin White Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Venetian Red Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cloth | — | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Black Cloth with Sport Bolsters | Optional | — | — | — | — | — |
| Black Leather (2.0XT) | — | Optional | — | — | — | — |
| Black Leather (2.5i) | — | — | — | Optional | — | Optional |
| Platinum Cloth | — | — | Optional | — | Optional | — |
| Platinum Leather | — | — | — | Optional | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 162–180 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 162–180 hp | AWD | 26–35 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 22 | Unknown or other (5) | — |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 162–182 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 162–182 hp | AWD | 26–35 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 95 | Unknown or other (19) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 29 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 73 | Unknown or other (20) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 98 | Visibility/wiper (20) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 207 | Visibility/wiper (76) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 600 | Visibility/wiper (252) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 833 | Visibility/wiper (370) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 170 hp manual available | AWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 496 | Visibility/wiper (135) | No |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 170 hp manual available | AWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 586 | Air bags (164) | No |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 415 | Air bags (99) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 614 | Engine (131) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 24–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 403 | Suspension (94) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 12 | 77 | Engine (26) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 15 | 105 | Engine (27) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 147 | Engine (60) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–22 mpg | Not rated | 17 | 262 | Seats (76) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAWD or 4WDPower liftgateHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Forester 2019–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV HEV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER SUV N/A AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 22 |
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 | SUBARU FORESTER SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 95 |
| 2025 | SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2024 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 29 |
| 2024 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 29 |
| 2023 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 73 |
| 2023 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 98 |
| 2021 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 207 |
| 2020 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 600 |
| 2019 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 833 |
| 2018 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 496 |
| 2017 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 586 |
| 2016 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 415 |
| 2015 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 614 |
| 2014 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 403 |
| 2013 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 12 | 77 |
| 2012 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 15 | 105 |
| 2011 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD Later Release | 4 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | No | No | 16 | 147 |
| 2010 | Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 17 | 262 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2026 | Forester Hybrid AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 35 |
| 2026 | Forester Sport/Touring AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 28 |
| 2026 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2025 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2025 | Forester Hybrid AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 35 |
| 2025 | Forester Sport/Touring AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 28 |
| 2025 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2024 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2024 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2023 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2023 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2022 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2022 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2021 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2020 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2019 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2018 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–28 |
| 2017 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–28 |
| 2016 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2015 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2014 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–27 |
| 2013 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2012 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2011 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2010 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.