Subaru Forester

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Subaru Forester appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 24 to 29 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,250 to $3,200 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average small sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 24 MPG), the Forester sits roughly 3 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Forester for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $11,250 to $16,000, averaging about $13,625 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Forester varies by about 5 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Forester check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Forester's average combined economy improved from about 26 to 29 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2020 Forester has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 29 MPG, while the 2016 is the lowest at about 26 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Forester at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the Forester against a rival, or go back to all Subaru models.