Best Subaru Forester Years & Years To Avoid [Detailed Guide]
The Subaru Forester is a well-known, in-demand vehicle for drivers due to its reliability, versatility, and rugged, compact SUV quality. It stands out in the SUV market and has become the best choice for its spacious interior design, which is impressive.
However, like many other vehicles, some of its years have great ratings and shine brighter, while certain years have more problems than their peers. This article will review the best Subaru Forester years to buy, their characteristics, which years you should avoid, and their reasons to ensure a better SUV ownership experience.
Overview Of The Subaru Forester
In November 1995, the Forester was first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show as the Streega concept, and in 1997, it was available for sale in Japan and the US. The idea of the Forester was inspired by Volkswagen (VW) and was one of the first crossover SUVs of that time. It soon becomes one of the top recognizable and well-loved auto brands, ideal for compatible SUV seekers.
Whether you’re driving in city streets or on a weekend adventure, the Forester is designed and trained to handle various conditions, ensuring a smooth driving experience. Once Subaru considered its first generation successful, it launched multiple generations with more improvements in design, technology features, and safety.
However, understanding which year is the best and which one is to avoid is essential because only some models are equal in terms of reliability and performance. This will also help you make a good selection.
Best Subaru Forester Years
Every model year of the Subaru Forester has unique qualities and strengths, which is why some of its models stand out as exceptional. However, here are the top 5 Subaru Forester best years that you can consider to buy:
- 2016 Subaru Forester
- 2018 Subaru Forester
- 2020 Subaru Forester
- 2021 Subaru Forester
- 2022 Subaru Forester
2016 Subaru Forester
The 2016 year is one of the most reliable Subaru Forester years, providing great value, reliability, and advanced technological features in an array. It is considered best due to the following factors:
- Reliability: According to the reliability perspective, the 2016 Subaru Forester has achieved high ratings from auto reviewers and consumers. A few reports about the critical mechanical issues make it a good choice for long-term running.
- Safety: It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute Highway Safety (IIHS) and an excellent safety score, and the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is also available.
- Features: The standard features, such as a well-designed infotainment system, ample interior space, and all-wheel drive, make it a great option for families.
- Fuel efficiency: This model offers impressive fuel economy with up to 32 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city.
2018 Subaru Forester
Due to its improved handling, advanced safety features, and higher resale value, 2018 is the 2nd number of the best Subaru Forester years. As it offers a great combination of cost and modern tech, it is a better SUV option in customers’ eyes. It stands out due to:
- Handling and comfortability: The 2018 Subaru Forester can be ideal for every day and long journeys as it offers comfortable rides with refined handling.
- Enhanced tech: This model year is equipped with modern tech like adaptive cruise control; EyeSight includes lane departure warning and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
- Cargo capacity: The 2018 model year is praised for its large cargo space, which makes it a perfect fit for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Resale value: The 2018 Forester also stands out for its retaining value quality and high resale value compared to other SUVs.
2020 Subaru Forester
The 2020 Subaru Forester is packed with advanced tech and good safety reviews and is one of the top choices for a modern, well-rounded SUV. The 2020 model year is a testament to Subaru’s innovation and good reputation for the following reasons:
- Advanced safety features: Similar to the 2016 Subaru Forester model, the 2020 model year includes EyeSight Driver Assist technology in every trim configuration. Moreover, this involves lane-keep assistance, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure prevention.
- Comfort and space: With plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers, this year provides a plush and comfortable cabin.
- Fuel economy: With 26 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway, you get an excellent fuel economy for an AWD ( all-wheel drive) SUV.
- Off-road capability: The 2020 Forester provides an 8.7-inch ground clearance, ideal for light off-roading and inclement weather.
2021 Subaru Forester
The 2021 year is also one of the best Subaru Forester years, offering the perfect combination of performance and safety. The characteristics that make it best are:Â
- Standard safety features: Like the 2018 and 2020 models, the 2021 model year of Forester comes in the market with advanced safety EyeSight features included as standard. Driver-assistance features like DriverFocs and Rear Automatic Braking are also added in that model that detects driver fatigue or inattention.
- All-Wheel Drive: All models of the Subaru have an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) feature as standard, providing a remarkable advantage in light off-road conditions and inclement weather.
- Capacious interior: With generous headroom and legroom, the 2021 Subaru Forester has the most spacious cabins compared to other compact SUVs.
2022 Subaru Forester
As we know, Subaru is famous for its reliability and safety, and the 2022 Subaru Forester continues that tradition. The 2022 model is a part of Forester’s fifth generation, introduced with more updates and improvements. The key features that enhance this model’s value include the following:
- Refreshed design: In this model, the headlights have been redesigned to look sharper and make the front grille more prominent. Additionally, a new Wilderness Edition trim was included that year to target adventure seekers.
- Engine capability: This year has an excellent engine capability, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine that generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
- Fuel economy: The 2022 Forester has an excellent fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This makes this model one of the more fuel-efficient compared to others.
- Cargo space: The 2022 Forester offers 28.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up. This dimension can be expanded to 74.2 cubic feet by folding the seats down.
- Advance infotainment: This year comes with Subaru’s Starlink Infotainment System, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard features.
Subaru Forester Years To Avoid
Undoubtedly, many of the Subaru Forester models have a good reputation, high ratings, and praise for their durability, while certain years have negative feedback and reports of problems. However, based on the actual data, consumer-reported problems, and expert reviews, here are some Subaru Forester years to avoid:
- 2009 Subaru Forester
- 2014 Subaru Forester
- 2015 Subaru Forester
2009 Subaru Forester
2009 belongs to the Forester’s third generation, which was introduced with a new design and refined interior capacity. Unfortunately, the Subaru Foresters years stand out as ones you should avoid.
However, excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure, transmission issues, and poor interior quality are some of the main problems that owners report and the reason for the downfall of that model.
2014 Subaru Forester
This year is a part of the fourth generation of the Forester and comes to the automotive market with significant upgrades in transmission (CVT). The 2014 Subaru Forester was the year that quickly lost its acceptance due to its troublesome CVT and other mechanical issues.
Therefore, according to the stats and reports, CVT transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, windshield cracking, and electrical and infotainment system issues are the problems experienced by its owners.
2015 Subaru Forester
The 2015 Subaru Forester is also included in the list of Foresters years to avoid. However, CVT transmission issues, excessive oil consumption, interior wear and tear, and infotainment glitches are some reported issues by the drivers.
Moreover, the older model years, such as 1998-1999, 2003, 2010-2013, 2014-2015, and 2019, are some other Subaru Forester years to avoid.
Also Check: 5 Best Toyota Camry Years To Buy
Conclusion: Which Subaru Forester You Should Buy?
The Subaru Forester is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and durable vehicles in compact SUVs, but like other vehicles, It has both advantages and disadvantages. However, the best Subaru Forester years to consider are 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. These are the models that offer excellent reliability, safety, and features.
Moreover, 2009, 2014, and 2015 are some models you can safely avoid because they have been reported and are notorious for issues such as CVT transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure, windshield cracking, and electrical issues.
It’s always recommended to consult your local mechanic to make a good choice. This helps you make decisions and save your money from having a bad ownership experience.
Martin Lee is an ASE-certified mechanic and contributing author at SincereMechanic. He uses his expertise to create captivating articles that align with our content strategy. Using his deep automobile knowledge, he does in-depth research, puts expertise into articles, and makes them very informative. That information ensures our readers receive many valuable insights about the Vehicles.