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Subaru Forester

The first Forester set a 24-hour world record at an average 180.082 km/h.1

Researched November 2, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • Shingeki ForesterName used for the Forester's Attack on Titan collaboration.2

At a glance

0150300
145–265 hpPower
07.515
5.4–11.8 s0–100 km/h
0125250
171–230 km/hTop speed
0200400
196–350 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,320–1,771 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3457111213

Engine
2.0–2.5 L boxer fours; gas, turbo gas/diesel and hybrid versions4101213
Layout
Front-engine, all-wheel drive4
Gearbox
5-/6-speed manuals; 4-/5-speed autos; later Lineartronic CVT4610
Built at
Gunma Yajima, Japan (1996); Indiana Automotive, U.S. (2026)1414
Units built
1,000,018 by February 17, 20061

The story

Created to blend SUV utility with passenger-car comfort, the Forester reached Japan in February 1997. Its original recipe put a tall wagon body on Impreza foundations, with all-wheel drive as standard.134

1995: Streega at the Tokyo Motor Show19951996: 24 hours averaging 180.082 km/h19961997: Japan first, then the U.S. and Europe19972004: Japan gets a six-speed Forester STi20042006: The millionth Forester20062011: FB boxer trades belts for chains20112019: Direct injection and a stiffer platform20192023: Sixth generation tightens the structure20232025: U.S. Hybrid: 194 hp, up to 581 miles2025 Subaru Impreza wagon (GF): 1992–2000GFSubaru Impreza Gravel Express: 1995–1996Subaru Streega concept: 1995Subaru Streega conceptForester (first generation) (SF): 1997–2002SFForester (second generation) (SG): 2002–2008SGForester (third generation) (SH): 2008–2013SHForester (fourth generation): 2013–2018Forester (sixth generation): 2024–present 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones467912132527
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1992–2000Subaru Impreza wagon (GF)
1995–1996Subaru Impreza Gravel Express
1995Subaru Streega concept
1997–2002Forester (first generation) (SF)
2002–2008Forester (second generation) (SG)
2008–2013Forester (third generation) (SH)
2013–2018Forester (fourth generation)
2024–presentForester (sixth generation)
1995Streega at the Tokyo Motor Show
199624 hours averaging 180.082 km/h
1997Japan first, then the U.S. and Europe
2004Japan gets a six-speed Forester STi
2006The millionth Forester
2011FB boxer trades belts for chains
2019Direct injection and a stiffer platform
2023Sixth generation tightens the structure
2025U.S. Hybrid: 194 hp, up to 581 miles
  1. 1995

    Streega at the Tokyo Motor Show

    The Streega concept previews the Forester at the Tokyo Motor Show, ahead of its tall-wagon production form on the Impreza platform.4

  2. 1996

    24 hours averaging 180.082 km/h

    On October 30, the first generation sets a 24-hour world record at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, certified by FIA and ACCUS.1

  3. 1997

    Japan first, then the U.S. and Europe

    Sales start in Japan in February, followed by the U.S. in July and Europe in September.1

  4. 2004

    Japan gets a six-speed Forester STi

    The SG STi combines a 265 hp turbo flat-four with a six-speed manual and WRX STi-derived running gear, exclusively for Japan.45

  5. 2006

    The millionth Forester

    The family reaches one million built on February 17, 2006; its production run began at the Gunma Yajima Plant in December 1996.1

  6. 2011

    FB boxer trades belts for chains

    Australia's MY2011 naturally aspirated 2.5 L swaps its belt-driven EJ for a chain-driven FB with two camshafts per bank.6

  7. 2019

    Direct injection and a stiffer platform

    The fifth generation adds front-suspension K-braces and a direct-injected 2.5 L flat-four on a stiffer platform; the 2019 Touring makes 182 hp.78

  8. 2023

    Sixth generation tightens the structure

    Unveiled for 2025, the U.S. model adds a full inner frame, 10% more torsional rigidity, dual-pinion steering and the latest EyeSight.9

  9. 2025

    U.S. Hybrid: 194 hp, up to 581 miles

    Series-parallel drive retains mechanical AWD and earns 35 mpg combined. Testing yields 8.6 seconds to 60 mph and a 16.5-second quarter-mile, both 0.2 ahead of gas.1011

Every generation

  • Subaru Impreza wagon
    GF1992–2000
  • Subaru Impreza Gravel Express
    Subaru Impreza Gravel Express1995–1996
  • Forester (first generation)
    SF1997–2002
  • Forester (second generation)
    SG2002–2008
  • Forester (third generation)
    SH2008–2013
  • Forester (fourth generation)
    Forester (fourth generation)2013–2018
  • Forester (sixth generation)
    Forester (sixth generation)2024–present

Power over the years

From 165 hp to 265 hp in 6 years.

0100200300 200020052010201520202025 hp 1998 · 165 hp · U.S. 2.5 L2003 · 150 hp · Australia X/XS2003 · 208 hp · Australia XT2004 · 210 hp · U.S. 2.5XT2004 · 265 hp · Japan STi2005 · 227 hp · Australia Series II XT2011 · 259 hp · Australia S-Edition2013 · 145 hp · UK 2.0 L diesel2013 · 148 hp · UK 2.0 L naturally aspirated2013 · 237 hp · UK 2.0 XT2019 · 182 hp · 2.5 L Touring2025 · 194 hp · U.S. Hybrid; gas model: 180 hp 265 hp Japan STi 165 hp U.S. 2.5 L
45678101516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998165U.S. 2.5 L
2003150Australia X/XS
2003208Australia XT
2004210U.S. 2.5XT
2004265Japan STi
2005227Australia Series II XT
2011259Australia S-Edition
2013145UK 2.0 L diesel
2013148UK 2.0 L naturally aspirated
2013237UK 2.0 XT
20191822.5 L Touring
2025194U.S. Hybrid; gas model: 180 hp

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    X / XS (early SG, Australia)

    2002–2005

    150 hp

  • Special

    L.L. Bean Edition (SG)

    2005–2008

  • Sports 2.5 X / Sports 2.5 XT (U.S.)

    Special

    Sports 2.5 X / Sports 2.5 XT (U.S.)

    2007

  • Performance

    S-Edition (Australia)

    2011

    259 hp
  • Wilderness (2022)

    Special

    Wilderness (2022)

    2022

  • Special

    Wilderness Hybrid (2027)

    2027

    194 hp

  • Special

    Sport Onyx Edition

    2026

    180 hp
  • STI Sport

    Performance

    STI Sport

    2022

  • Special

    XT-EDITION

    2022

  • tS (2010)

    Limited

    tS (2010)

    2010

  • Limited

    tS (2014)

    2014

How to spot one

Look for

  • A crossover SUV shape replaces the first two generations' tall-wagon outline from the third generation.4
  • 2014 models keep a boxy outline, tall windows and a high roof.24
  • 2025 models merge compact LED headlights into the grille.9
  • 2025 models visually link their rear lamps high across the tail.9
  • 2025 Hybrid: HYBRID badges appear on the fenders and rear hatch.10

Year by year

  1. 2001

    The original body gains reshaped headlights, a new chrome grille and revised bumpers and taillights.25

  2. 2006

    SG facelift brings redesigned headlights, taillights, hood, grille, front bumper and side moldings.4

  3. 2007

    Sports 2.5 X and XT get black mesh grilles and a different front bumper; roof-rail crossbars are omitted as standard.17

  4. 2011 (Australia)

    New grille; updated mirrors and wheels except on X; XT and S-Edition adopt a more aerodynamic roof spoiler.6

  5. 2016

    A redesigned grille, revised headlights and chrome bumper details mark the facelift.7

  6. 2025

    Compact LED headlights merge into the grille; rear lamps connect visually and the tailgate glass becomes steeper.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Chevrolet Forester (India)

    India's Chevrolet-badged version is mechanically identical; look for Chevrolet emblems.26

  • Subaru Impreza wagon

    1998 Forester: higher roof and a longer, wider body than the Impreza station wagon.25

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $1.6K–$5.3K425

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $1,600–$5,300 1998 · $19,500 · US estimated base, S AWD2004 · $25,520 · US base, 2.5XT manual2004 · $28,000 · Japan price, STi2009 · $20,660 · US base, 2.5X2014 · $30,820 · US base, 2.5i Touring2019 · $35,270 · US base, Touring2025 · $34,995 · US base, Hybrid2026 · $29,995 · US base2026 · $34,730 · US base, Premium Hybrid2027 · $40,495 · US base, Wilderness Hybrid 1998 · $19,500 · US estimated base price, 1998 model year 2025 · $11,250 · 2002 S, 40k miles, BaT2025 · $15,000 · 2004 2.5 XT 5-speed, BaT2025 · $8,800 · 2010 2.5X 5-speed, 55k miles, BaT2026 · $9,655 · 2000 S/tb-STi, ~77k miles, BaT2026 · $17,800 · 2004 2.5 XT 5-speed, 46k miles, BaT $17.8K BaT, 2026
345810141619242832333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1998Launch price$19,500US estimated base price, 1998 model year
1998Price when new$19,500US estimated base, S AWD
2004Price when new$25,520US base, 2.5XT manual
2004Price when new$28,000Japan price, STi
2009Price when new$20,660US base, 2.5X
2014Price when new$30,820US base, 2.5i Touring
2019Price when new$35,270US base, Touring
2025Price when new$34,995US base, Hybrid
2026Price when new$29,995US base
2026Price when new$34,730US base, Premium Hybrid
2027Price when new$40,495US base, Wilderness Hybrid
2025Auction sale$11,2502002 S, 40k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$15,0002004 2.5 XT 5-speed, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,8002010 2.5X 5-speed, 55k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,6552000 S/tb-STi, ~77k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,8002004 2.5 XT 5-speed, 46k miles, BaT
2026Value today$1,600–$5,300

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “180.082 km/h for 24 hours”
    • “The millionth Forester”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  2. Attack on Titan characters come alive in awesome new Subaru TV commercial | SoraNews24 —Japan News— soranews24.com
  3. Tested: 1998 Subaru Forester S AWD Alters the SUV Mold caranddriver.com
  4. Subaru Forester - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. 2005 Subaru Forester STi caranddriver.com
  6. Subaru Forester S-Edition 5-dr wagon Reviews | The Car | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  7. Used Subaru Forester (Mk4, 2013-2018) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Tested: 2019 Subaru Forester Delivers for Brand Loyalists caranddriver.com
  9. World Premier of All-New Subaru Forester | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  10. SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2025 FORESTER HYBRID WITH NEXT-GENERATION HYBRID POWERTRAIN prnewswire.com
  11. 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid First Test Review: Sensible-Shoes Hybrid motortrend.com
  12. Subaru Forester 2.0 XT review price and pictures | evo evo.co.uk
  13. Used Subaru Forester (Mk5, 2019-2024) buyer’s guide: great off road, less good on it | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. SUBARU FOCUSES ON CONSUMER AFFORDABILITY AND EXCELLENT VALUE WITH UPDATED PRICING ON 2026 SUBARU FORESTER GAS AND HYBRID MODELS, INCLUDING NEW FORESTER SPORT ONYX EDITION prnewswire.com
  15. Buying a used Subaru Forester (2002-2008) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  16. 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Test: Turbocharging Improves the Breed caranddriver.com
  17. SEMA: Subaru unveils updated Forester in 2.5 XT Sports form - Autoblog autoblog.com
  18. SUBARU DEBUTS FORESTER WILDERNESS IN NORTH AMERICA | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  19. SUBARU FOCUSES ON AFFORDABILITY WITH 2027 SUBARU FORESTER PRICING, ADDS NEW 2027 FORESTER WILDERNESS HYBRID prnewswire.com
  20. SUBARU　フォレスター「STI Sport」を公開 | ニュースリリース | 株式会社SUBARU（スバル） subaru.co.jp
  21. SUBARU　フォレスター特別仕様車「XT-EDITION」を発表 | ニュースリリース | 株式会社SUBARU（スバル） subaru.co.jp
  22. スバル フォレスター「tS」を発売 | ニュースリリース | 株式会社SUBARU（スバル） subaru.co.jp
  23. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  24. 2014 Crossovers Compared: RAV4 vs. Forester 2.5i and CX-5 2.5 caranddriver.com
  25. 1998-02 Subaru Forester | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  26. Did You Know That GM Offered Subaru's Forester As A Chevrolet Forester Back In The 2000s? | Carscoops carscoops.com
  27. Subaru Impreza - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  28. 2009 Subaru Forester - 2009 Motor Trend Sport/Utility Of The Year - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  29. La historia de Subaru a través de la pantalla (7) - Universo Subaru subaru.es
  30. 第6世代「フォレスター」開発ストーリー Vol.1 | 株式会社SUBARU（スバル） subaru.co.jp
  31. 2025 Subaru Forester Long-Term Road Test: 40,000-Mile Wrap caranddriver.com
  32. No Reserve: 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,800 on January 17, 2025 (Lot #177,491) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 46k-Mile 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,800 on September 10, 2026 (Lot #262,483) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2000 Subaru Forester S/tb-STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,655 on October 29, 2026 (Lot #271,196) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 40k-Mile 2002 Subaru Forester S for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,250 on December 11, 2025 (Lot #223,084) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • subaru.co.jp
  • soranews24.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • goauto.com.au
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • prnewswire.com
  • motortrend.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • carsales.com.au
  • autoblog.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • carscoops.com
  • subaru.es

Photo credits

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