Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, reputation for durability and safety
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape
Utility:
Spacious interior, good cargo volume, elevated ground clearance for light off-roading
Performance Feel:
Engaging driving dynamics for its class, predictable AWD system
Reliability Perception:
Strong brand loyalty and reputation for long-term reliability, especially with proper maintenance
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, turbocharger system (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), driveshafts, axles, hubs
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (5-speed, 6-speed for XT), Automatic Transmission (4-speed)
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD, VDC), chassis frame, body mounting
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), power distribution, lighting, instrument cluster, audio system, HVAC controls, keyless entry, security system
Body And Interior:
Exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, seats, airbags, interior trim, HVAC ducting
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), accessory installation, sensor replacement
Calibration:
Steering angle sensor calibration, electronic throttle control (ETC) relearn, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) relearn
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts
Displacement Na:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Configuration Na:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Valve Train Na:
DOHC, 16 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower Na:
173 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque Na:
174 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Fuel Induction Na:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Displacement Turbo:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration Turbo:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder, Turbocharged
Valve Train Turbo:
DOHC, 16 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower Turbo:
224 hp @ 5,200 rpm (XT models)
Torque Turbo:
236 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (XT models)
Fuel Induction Turbo:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI), Turbocharged with Intercooler
Fuel Type Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 or higher recommended for XT models)
Type Auto:
4-Speed Automatic (with manual mode on some trims)
Type Manual Xt:
6-Speed Manual (standard on XT models)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Continuous AWD for automatic, Variable AWD for manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (Check owner's manual for specific PN and capacity)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru EXTRA S SYNTHETIC GEAR OIL 75W-90 (Check owner's manual for specific PN and capacity)
Differential Fluid:
Subaru DIFFERENTIAL OIL LX-80 (Check owner's manual for specific PN and capacity)
Length:
179.9 inches (4570 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
65.4 inches (1660 mm) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches (2615 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches (206 mm)
Passenger Volume:
approx. 97.7 cubic feet (2767 L)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
approx. 31.1 cubic feet (881 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
approx. 63.0 cubic feet (1784 L)
Curb Weight:
approx. 3300 - 3600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on trim and transmission
Towing Capacity:
2,400 lbs (1089 kg) (when properly equipped)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4/5 Stars (as per typical for this generation)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely achieved Top Safety Pick status for this generation
Vehicle Dynamics Control:
Standard VDC with traction control and stability control
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard EBD
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard ABS
Airbags:
Front, front side-impact, and side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Head Unit:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio systems and touch-screen navigation units were available.
Display:
Multi-information display in instrument cluster, optional LCD display for climate and navigation.
Traction Control:
Integrated into VDC system.
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Standard TPMS, manual details calibration procedures.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Bluetooth:
Available on higher trims or as an accessory, manual may cover integration.
Service Intervals Engine Oil
Interval Miles:
3,750 miles (severe service) / 7,500 miles (normal service) or 6 months / 12 months
Interval Km:
6,000 km (severe) / 12,000 km (normal) or 6 months / 12 months
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 (Recommended for most conditions, check manual for specifics)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.5L NA
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Subaru 15208AA12A (Verify for specific engine)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) - Subaru P/N K03000001 (or equivalent silicate-free OAT)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.1 US quarts (6.7 L) (Check manual for exact)
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Replacement Interval:
60,000 miles (Iridium type)
Service Intervals Timing Belt
Timing Belt System:
Not applicable, uses a timing chain which is generally maintenance-free under normal operation.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent in this generation than earlier ones, head gasket leaks can still occur. The EJ25 engine design is susceptible. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines can exhibit higher-than-average oil consumption. Regular checks are advised. Manual will cover oil system diagnostics.
Catalytic Converter:
Early failure or clogging can occur, often due to unaddressed engine misfires or oil consumption. Manual details exhaust system diagnostics.
Cv Axle Boots:
Tearing of front CV axle boots is common, leading to grease loss and eventual joint failure. Manual provides replacement procedures.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Rear wheel bearings can sometimes fail prematurely. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Brand Focus:
Subaru's heritage is deeply tied to aviation engineering, reflected in its Boxer engines and AWD systems, emphasizing durability, capability, and safety.
Generation:
Second Generation Forester (2009-2013)
Design Philosophy Shift:
This generation saw a move towards a more conventional SUV-like design compared to the earlier wagon-based appearance, while retaining core Subaru DNA.
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Gunma Plant, Japan