Subaru Forester Generation 3 (2011–2013)

Subaru Forester Generation 3 (2011–2013) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Subaru Forester — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 2 2004–2010 —
Generation 3 2011–2013 —
Generation 4 2014–2018 —
Generation 5 2019–2025 —
Generation 6 2026–present —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Forester

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Subaru 2.5L Boxer (FB25/EJ25) 2011–2026 8 models 226
Subaru 2.0L 4-cylinder 2015–2023 6 models 17

Subaru Forester fuel economy: every year & engine (EPA) →

Used Subaru Forester prices by year → · Jeep Wrangler vs Subaru Forester · Ford Explorer vs Subaru Forester · Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester

About this generation

The fourth-generation Forester was unveiled at the November 2012 Guangzhou Motor Show, followed by the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The fourth-generation model had a major revamp of interior comfort. The passenger seat is higher, the sound system has been upgraded, the rear bench seats are higher and the console is re-positioned for the person riding in the center. The manual transmission models were also upgraded to a six-speed transmission instead of the previous generation's five-speed transmission.

Changes to the line-up include: Continuously Variable Transmission and decreased towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity was reduced to across all trim lines (in the United States; in other countries, the towing capacity is double that). Turbocharged variants use a high-torque CVT with optional steering wheel paddle shifter controls. Revised, sport-oriented suspension, wheels (18-inch), and chassis bracing for XT (turbo) variant, providing flatter cornering in turns and better handling overall with little impact on the ride.

Increased fuel economy, up to 32 mpg (7.35 L/100 km) highway (EPA rated) 1.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, 1 inch longer wheelbase Increased interior volume: rear seat legroom is and rear cargo volume (with seats folded down) is . New option on higher end CVT models is "X-MODE" AWD control system, which was developed for driving on uneven or slippery road conditions. Engine, Transmission and VDC are controlled cooperatively.

New option on top-of-the-line 2.5i and 2.0XT Touring models only: EyeSight Driver Assist System Japan models went on sale in November 2012. Early models include the 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L EyeSight, 2.0i-S EyeSight, 2.0XT (280 PS), and the 2.0XT EyeSight (280 PS). The 2.0i engine models include six-speed manual (2.0i, 2.0i-L) or Lineartronic CVT transmission; 2.0XT (280 PS) engine models include Lineartronic CVT transmission.

Asian models went on sale in March 2013 as the 2014 model year. Early models include 2.0i-L, 2.0i Premium and 2.0XT. Association of Southeast Asian Nations production of the Subaru Forester began in February 2016. Malaysia-based Tan Chong Motor Assemblies assembled approximately 10,000 Forester units annually for Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia respectively. US models went on sale in March 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles.

Early models include 2.5i in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions, and performance-oriented turbocharged 2.0XT (253 PS) in Premium and Touring versions. Base and Premium model 2014 Foresters can be equipped with the manual six-speed transmission or the Lineartronic CVT. All other models are equipped with the Lineartronic CVT. An option on Limited/Touring 2.5i and Premium/Touring 2.0XT is new X-Mode control and Hill Descent Control (HDC) features.

These are not available on other models. The 2014 Forester has a new feature called X Mode that allows owners to go through more extreme conditions both on the road and off. The concept is that any driver, regardless of skill level, can drive safely on wet roads or muddy areas. It works by monitoring wheel-slip on all four wheels; should one or more wheels begin to slip, X Mode kicks in and applies the brakes to the affected wheel which results in a transfer of power to the opposite wheel.

After it is engaged by a simple push button, X Mode stays engaged up until the vehicle's speed is about then disengages itself. It has been awarded Motor Trends 2009 and 2014 SUV of the Year and The Car Connection's Best Car To Buy 2014. According to IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), the 2014 Forester achieved Good crash test ratings in Small Overlap Front, Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, and Head Restraining & Seats categories.

The Forester had not been rated Good in the Small Overlap Front test until modifications were made for the 2014 model year.

Source: Wikipedia — Subaru Forester — Fourth generation (SJ; 2012), CC BY-SA.

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2011 16 147 Engine, Air Bags, Service Brakes
2012 15 105 Engine, Air Bags, Vehicle Speed Control
2013 12 77 Engine, Air Bags, Service Brakes

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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