Subaru Forester MPG by Year & Engine (EPA)
EPA fuel-economy ratings for every rated Subaru Forester model year from 1998 to 2026 — each engine and transmission with its official city, highway and combined figures. Over these years the Forester has been offered with 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl power plants; the most efficient version is the 2026 (up to 35 MPG combined). Data: U.S. Department of Energy & EPA, fueleconomy.gov; prices are live medians from VehiSales listings.
Subaru Forester fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined MPG | Engines | Median used price | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26–35 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $37,597 | 14,061 listings |
| 2025 | 26–35 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $34,274 | 1,512 listings |
| 2024 | 26–29 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $29,503 | 498 listings |
| 2023 | 26–29 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $27,920 | 1,754 listings |
| 2022 | 26–29 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $24,995 | 646 listings |
| 2021 | 29 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $22,995 | 707 listings |
| 2020 | 29 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $21,605 | 836 listings |
| 2019 | 29 | 2.5L 4-cyl | $19,479 | 588 listings |
| 2018 | 24–28 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | $16,900 | 789 listings |
| 2017 | 24–28 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | $14,963 | 488 listings |
| 2016 | 25–27 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | $12,998 | 632 listings |
| 2015 | 25–27 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | $12,400 | 971 listings |
| 2014 | 24–27 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2013 | 21–23 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2012 | 21–23 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2011 | 21–23 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2010 | 21–22 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2009 | 21–22 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2008 | 20–22 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2007 | 20–22 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2006 | 20–22 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2005 | 19–23 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2004 | 18–21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2003 | 21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2002 | 21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2001 | 21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2000 | 21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1999 | 20–21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1998 | 20–21 | 2.5L 4-cyl | — | — |
2026 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2026 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 35 MPG. Used 2026 models currently list for a median of $37,597 on VehiSales (14,061 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Regular | 35 | 34 | 35 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 25 | 32 | 28 MPG |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 24 | 28 | 26 MPG |
2025 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2025 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 35 MPG. Used 2025 models currently list for a median of $34,274 on VehiSales (1,512 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Hybrid AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Regular | 35 | 34 | 35 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
| Forester Sport/Touring AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 25 | 32 | 28 MPG |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 25 | 28 | 26 MPG |
2024 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2024 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 29 MPG. Used 2024 models currently list for a median of $29,503 on VehiSales (498 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 25 | 28 | 26 MPG |
2023 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2023 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 29 MPG. Used 2023 models currently list for a median of $27,920 on VehiSales (1,754 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 25 | 28 | 26 MPG |
2022 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2022 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 29 MPG. Used 2022 models currently list for a median of $24,995 on VehiSales (646 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Regular | 25 | 28 | 26 MPG |
2021 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2021 Forester was EPA-rated in 1 version (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 29 MPG. Used 2021 models currently list for a median of $22,995 on VehiSales (707 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
2020 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2020 Forester was EPA-rated in 1 version (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 29 MPG. Used 2020 models currently list for a median of $21,605 on VehiSales (836 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
2019 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2019 Forester was EPA-rated in 1 version (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 29 MPG. Used 2019 models currently list for a median of $19,479 on VehiSales (588 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Regular | 26 | 33 | 29 MPG |
2018 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2018 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 28 MPG. Used 2018 models currently list for a median of $16,900 on VehiSales (789 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Regular | 26 | 32 | 28 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Premium | 23 | 27 | 25 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 22 | 28 | 24 MPG |
2017 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2017 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 28 MPG. Used 2017 models currently list for a median of $14,963 on VehiSales (488 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 26 | 32 | 28 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Premium | 23 | 27 | 25 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 22 | 28 | 24 MPG |
2016 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2016 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 25 to 27 MPG. Used 2016 models currently list for a median of $12,998 on VehiSales (632 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 27 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Premium | 23 | 27 | 25 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 22 | 28 | 25 MPG |
2015 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2015 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 25 to 27 MPG. Used 2015 models currently list for a median of $12,400 on VehiSales (971 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 27 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 22 | 28 | 25 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Premium | 23 | 27 | 25 MPG |
2014 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2014 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 27 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 27 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Premium | 23 | 27 | 25 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 22 | 28 | 24 MPG |
2013 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2013 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 23 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 27 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Premium | 19 | 23 | 21 MPG |
2012 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2012 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 23 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 27 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Premium | 19 | 23 | 21 MPG |
2011 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2011 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 23 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 27 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Premium | 19 | 23 | 21 MPG |
2010 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2010 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 22 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Premium | 19 | 24 | 21 MPG |
2009 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2009 Forester was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 22 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Premium | 19 | 24 | 21 MPG |
2008 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2008 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 22 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 18 | 23 | 20 MPG |
2007 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2007 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 22 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 25 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 18 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 18 | 23 | 20 MPG |
2006 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2006 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 22 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 25 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 17 | 24 | 20 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 18 | 24 | 20 MPG |
2005 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2005 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 23 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 18 | 22 | 19 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 17 | 22 | 19 MPG |
2004 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2004 Forester was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 17 | 21 | 19 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 16 | 22 | 18 MPG |
2003 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2003 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 24 | 21 MPG |
2002 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2002 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
2001 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2001 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
2000 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 2000 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
1999 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 1999 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 18 | 24 | 20 MPG |
1998 Subaru Forester: engines & MPG
The 1998 Forester was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.5L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 21 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 MPG |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 18 | 24 | 20 MPG |
Frequently asked questions
What MPG does a Subaru Forester get?
Depending on year and engine, EPA combined economy for the Forester ranges from 18 to 35 MPG. The most efficient rated version is the 2026 model year.
What engines does the 2026 Subaru Forester have?
The 2026 Forester was EPA-rated with 2.5L 4-cyl — see the 2026 table above for each version's exact city/highway figures.
Does the Subaru Forester require premium gas?
Some versions do: EPA lists regular and premium depending on year and engine — check your year's table above.
Is there a hybrid or electric Forester?
Yes — the ratings above include hybrid versions; look for them in the per-year tables.
https://vehisales.com/research/fuel-economy/subaru/forester.
Underlying ratings are public-domain EPA/DOE data from fueleconomy.gov.
See also: Subaru Forester hub — live listings, prices & reliability · Most fuel-efficient cars by segment · Model price trends. Media inquiries: [email protected].