Subaru Forester
Purchase price from $29,995
Expert rating
5 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
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Car and Driver
Car and Driver's review of the Subaru Forester highlights its exceptional standard all-wheel drive, which remains a class-leading feature, providing confident traction in all weather conditions. The cabin is praised for its generous passenger and cargo space, with excellent outward visibility thanks to large windows and a low beltline—a rarity in modern SUVs. Ride comfort is notably smooth, absorbing bumps well, and the suspension tuning strikes a good balance between stability and softness. However, the review notes that the 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), is adequate but not peppy, and suffers from noticeable engine drone under hard acceleration. The infotainment system is also criticized for being dated compared to rivals, and interior materials are not as upscale as some competitors like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. Fuel economy is decent but not outstanding. Overall, the Forester appeals to buyers prioritizing practicality, safety (top crash-test scores), and off-road capability over driving excitement or tech features. Car and Driver recommends it as a smart, sensible choice for families, though enthusiasts should look elsewhere.
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Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2026 Subaru Forester emphasizes its strong value proposition, thanks to standard AWD and a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trims. The vehicle's rugged, boxy styling appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, and the generous ground clearance (8.7 inches) makes it capable on unpaved trails. KBB highlights the Forester's comfortable, spacious cabin with easy access and a large cargo hold (up to 74.6 cubic feet with seats folded). The ride is smooth and quiet at highway speeds, though some wind noise is noticeable. The 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power but achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway, which is competitive. KBB notes that the CVT is smooth in normal driving but can groan during steep climbs. The infotainment system has been updated with a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen on higher trims, but it still lacks some of the responsiveness and wireless Apple CarPlay integration found in rivals. The Forester's resale value is among the best in its segment, and its reliability rating is high. KBB recommends the Forester for buyers who prioritize weather capability, safety, and practicality over tech-laden interiors and sporty handling.
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MotorTrend
MotorTrend's appraisal of the Subaru Forester focuses on its off-road and all-weather credentials, noting that the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides superb traction and stability in slippery conditions—an attribute that sets it apart from front-drive-based rivals. The high ground clearance and X-Mode off-road driver aids enhance its trail capability, making it one of the most off-road-ready compact SUVs without a true body-on-frame design. On pavement, the Forester delivers a compliant ride, absorbing bumps with ease, and the steering is light and easy for city driving, though it lacks feedback. The interior is praised for its clean layout, ample storage, and user-friendly physical climate controls on lower trims. MotorTrend criticizes the CVT for drone under load and the rear seat center position as less comfortable. The engine's output is modest, but the Forester's boxer engine design lowers the center of gravity, aiding stability. Crash-test ratings are excellent, and the standard EyeSight suite is intuitive. MotorTrend concludes the Forester is a highly capable, practical choice that excels in utility and safety, though it won't excite driving enthusiasts. It offers a compelling balance of price, capability, and low ownership costs.
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Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports' road-test review of the Subaru Forester underscores its reputation for dependability and safety, earning top marks in crash-test evaluations and predicted reliability. The review praises the quiet, comfortable ride and the highly supportive front seats that reduce fatigue on long journeys. The cargo area is deemed versatile with a low load floor, and the interior is functional if not luxurious, with quality materials that feel durable. CR notes the engine delivers adequate acceleration, but the continuously variable transmission can produce a muted drone during hard throttle, and the engine noise is not well suppressed under load. The fuel economy is good for an AWD SUV, though front-drive rivals may do slightly better. Handling is secure but not sporty, with the car leaning a bit in corners. The controls are straightforward, and the large windows provide superb visibility, a highlight. However, CR reports lower owner satisfaction scores due to slower acceleration and the infotainment's occasional glitches. Overall, Consumer Reports ranks the Forester high in its class, recommending it primarily for its standard AWD, strong safety record, and expected longevity, making it a smart choice for families and those in harsh climates.
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Find Business Reviews
The search results provided the homepage of Find Business Reviews, an AI-powered platform that aggregates ratings from Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and other sources. While it could potentially list dealer ratings, the provided search content does not include any specific Subaru Forester review, editorial article, or automotive expert opinion. The page describes its general functionality but contains no vehicle-specific information. Since no actual review of the Subaru Forester was surfaced, this source cannot be used to generate a rating or a substantive summary. The result is therefore null for the requested automotive review.
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