Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking AWD capability and practicality
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Xterra
Drivetrain:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Practicality:
Spacious interior, excellent cargo volume, elevated ride height
Performance:
Reliable boxer engines, comfortable ride, capable handling
Engine:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255, EJ257 - XT models)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (TY756), 4-Speed Automatic (4EAT/430) - All Wheel Drive Systems (Symmetrical AWD)
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs (ABS, EBD)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Independent
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting, Body Control Modules, ECU, Immobilizer
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation System Operation and Repair
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seals, Interior Trim, Body Repair
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections/Replacements, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Fault Code Interpretation, Sensor Testing, Component Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Bushing Replacement, Steering System Repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for common and complex issues
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Displacement Base:
2.5 Liters (2498cc)
Configuration Base:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Horsepower Base:
173 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque Base:
166 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
Engine Code Xt:
EJ255 (Phase 1/2), EJ257
Displacement Xt:
2.5 Liters (2498cc)
Configuration Xt:
Turbocharged, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Horsepower Xt:
210-230 hp (varies by specific XT model/year)
Torque Xt:
235-250 lb-ft (varies by specific XT model/year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Required Octane Base:
87 AKI (Premium Recommended for optimal performance)
Required Octane Xt:
91 AKI or higher
ECM:
Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) for diagnostics
Type:
5-Speed Manual (TY756)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT / 430)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic)
Type:
GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
Type:
Subaru Genuine ATF HP or equivalent
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Rear Seat:
5-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Available
Airbags:
Front Dual-Stage SRS Airbags, Front Side-Impact SRS Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (available on some trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional satellite radio, speaker configurations (e.g., 6-speaker system)
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (severe conditions), 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal conditions)
Engine Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plugs Naturally Aspirated:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) - Iridium type
Spark Plugs Turbocharged:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) - Platinum type
Timing Belt:
Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. (Note: This manual covers engines with timing belts.)
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter (EJ253, EJ255), 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter (EJ257)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than earlier generations, some models can still experience head gasket leaks. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures and replacement.
Turbocharger Lag Xt:
Turbo lag is characteristic of the EJ255/EJ257 engines. Manual covers turbo system inspection and maintenance.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure can occur if engine runs rich or misfires. Manual details diagnostic and replacement.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ engines can consume oil, especially under high load. Manual guides on checking oil level and engine health.
Subaru Legacy:
Shared platform and engine technology with Subaru Legacy models of the era.
Generation:
Second Generation (SG Chassis)
Design Philosophy:
Evolved from the first generation, with updated styling, improved interior, and enhanced safety features.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Production Years:
2003-2008 (SG Chassis)
Car And Driver Alist:
Subaru Forester often featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its class and capability.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Consistently received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its generation.
Epa Fuel Economy Base:
Approx. 20 MPG City / 26 MPG Highway (Manual transmission)
Epa Fuel Economy Xt:
Approx. 19 MPG City / 23 MPG Highway (Automatic transmission)
