Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking all-weather capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard across all trims
Visibility:
Excellent outward visibility, a hallmark of the Forester design
Cargo Space:
Spacious and practical cargo area with a low lift-over height
Ground Clearance:
Class-leading ground clearance for off-road capability
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Management:
ECU, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, diagnostic codes (DTCs)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism, gears, bearings
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic system, electronic controls
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, rear), drive shafts, CV joints, hub bearings
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering rack, tie rods
Brakes:
Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors), ABS, EBD, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, power windows, locks
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hoods, tailgates, interior trim, structural components, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS module, supplemental restraint systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plugs, belts
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, symptom-based diagnosis, error code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, calibration
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, live data interpretation, circuit testing
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Length:
179.9 inches (4570 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches (2640 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (220 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 101.9 cubic feet (2885 L)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 34.4 cubic feet (974 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 68.5 cubic feet (1940 L)
Curb Weight Base Model:
Approx. 3300 lbs (1497 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4715 lbs (2139 kg)
Towing Capacity:
1500 lbs (680 kg) (braked trailer)
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch alloy wheels
Optional Wheel Size:
18-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims)
Standard Tire Size:
225/60R17
Optional Tire Size:
225/55R18
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2014-2015 models, typically)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Vsc:
Vehicle Stability Control
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist:
Standard
Eye Sight Driver Assist:
Available on higher trims (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning)
Airbags:
Front, side-curtain, front-seat side airbags, driver's knee airbag
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Display Size:
6.2-inch or 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (depending on trim level)
Features Standard:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, USB port, auxiliary input, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, voice control
Features Optional:
HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, GPS navigation, Subaru's STARLINK infotainment system
Eye Sight Suite:
Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, (optional on some trims)
Rear Vision Camera:
Standard on most trims
Blind Spot Detection:
Available on higher trims
Rear Cross Traffic Alert:
Available on higher trims
Smartphone Integration:
Bluetooth connectivity for calls and audio; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not standard on this generation, but available via aftermarket solutions or later model years.
Usb Ports:
Standard USB port for media playback and charging
Service Intervals Oil Change
Frequency Normal Conditions:
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first.
Frequency Severe Conditions:
Every 3 months or 3,750 miles (6,000 km) (e.g., frequent short trips, dusty conditions, towing).
Service Intervals Filters
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, inspect more frequently.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, inspect more frequently.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Replacement Na Engine:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Replacement Turbo Engine:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: 70,000 miles (112,000 km)
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 138,000 miles (220,000 km), then every 75,000 miles (120,000 km)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Replacement:
CVT: Check condition, replace as needed based on severe service or mileage. Manual: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under severe conditions.
Engine Oil Type Na:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (e.g., SOA82009N13)
Engine Oil Type Turbo:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (e.g., SOA82009N13)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) - P/N K0999AA000 or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Head Gasket Failures:
Less common in this generation compared to older models, but internal coolant leaks can still occur.
Cv Joint Boots:
Potential for CV joint boot tears leading to wear if not addressed.
Hatch Liftgate Struts:
Some owners report early failure or weakness of the rear liftgate struts.
Cvt Hesitation:
Occasional reports of minor hesitation or rough engagement from the CVT, often addressable with fluid changes or software updates.
Oil Consumption:
Some reports of increased oil consumption with higher mileage, especially on the naturally aspirated engine.
Brand Origins:
Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) has a long history in aviation and automotive engineering, known for its horizontally opposed engines and All-Wheel Drive systems.
Forester Introduction:
The Subaru Forester was first introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending car-like handling with SUV utility.
Fourth Generation Debut:
The fourth generation (SJ) debuted in late 2012 for the 2014 model year, featuring a more refined design, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing plant in Gunma, Japan; also produced in Taiwan and Malaysia for respective markets.