Subaru Forester Generations: Through the Years

Over a Quarter of a Century of Legacy

The Subaru Forester is now six generations old, and ever since the late ’90s, it’s been a versatile vehicle that capitalized on the demand for more crossovers. The Outback was popular, but it sat too much like a car, low to the ground and built on the same chassis as the Subaru Legacy station wagon. So, Subaru introduced the all-new Forester, built on the larger Impreza platform. Since then, it’s continued to get bigger and better and so have its sales.

The interior and cargo space, the standard AWD, the great visibility, and the interesting design all helped make the Subaru Forester stand out and reach a 2,000% increase in sales since it first debuted. Take a look at its evolution and how it became a great choice for daily drivers and off-road adventurers.

First-Generation Subaru Forester (1997-2002)

• Originally named the Subaru Streega, the Forester was a concept car that was revealed at the 1995 Tokyo Auto Show and was subsequently for sale in both Japan and Australia. It arrived at U.S. Subaru dealerships in 1997.
• The debuting 1998 Forester was available in three trim levels: the base model, the L, and the more enhanced S. Each of the trims was equipped with AWD and a 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D boxer engine, the same as the Outback.
• There were two transmission options: a standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Either way, the powertrain delivered 165 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
• Measuring 175 inches long with a 99.41 wheelbase, the initial Forester fit five passengers, although most back-row passengers were probably touching shoulder-to-shoulder.

• From the start, the Forester was a vehicle for people who wanted to do more than drive from home to work. The rubber mats in the cargo area made it easier to clean for anyone storing muddy shoes or items that may leak. The 50/50 split-folding rear bench made it easier to expand cargo space when needed, too.
• The interior was mostly simplistic, without any flare or aura of luxury, but Subaru was going to focus on styling (inside and out) in the coming years.
• Beginning in 1999, Subaru changed the DOHC four-cylinder to a Single-Overhead-Cam 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The horsepower stayed the same, but torque moved up to 166 lb-ft of torque.
• This Forester was efficient enough, getting 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
• A few minor changes on the 2000 Subaru Forester included adding standard cruise control to the L and standard limited-slip differential to the S trim. Subaru also eliminated the base model.

• For the 2001 Forester, Subaru started its restyling efforts beginning with the front and rear bumpers. Subaru also gave this Forester a mesh grille with chrome accents and new headlights and taillights. The S trim was also given body-colored mirrors and titanium-color bumpers.
• Inside, the top trim received a larger instrument cluster and changed the size and shape of a few of the buttons. Subaru added new features, too, including cruise control, climate control, a roof rack, and a trailer harness.
• The first-generation Forester wrapped up with the 2002 model. Minimal changes included a retractable cargo-area cover.

Second-Generation Subaru Forester (2003-2008)

• This generation of the Forester, known as the SG in Subaru circles, was more fine-tuned than the first generation, but it still lacked when it came to design.
• It debuted at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, this time with less weight. Subaru used an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front sub-frame to lessen the load.
• The trims were changed over to the 2.5 X and 2.5 XS. Improvements in handling were welcomed by consumers. So was the extra 64 cu. ft. of space in the cargo hold.
• The powertrain remained unchanged, with the 2.5-liter engine still made 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. That was about to change, though.

• A new XT trim, powered by a new turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, was introduced on the 2004 Forester. The turbo increased output to 210 horsepower. The base engine also increased to 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque.
• This XT 2.5-liter turbo had a Subaru-designed active valve control system, using oil pressure to vary valve timing for optimal performance.
• For the 2005 Forester, Subaru produced a LL Bean edition, equipped with a load-leveling suspension, 10-spoke wheels, Alcantara trim around leather seats, and a special MOMO, or Moretti-Monza, steering wheel.
• The Forester was gaining a reputation as a safe and well-built crossover that was capable of some light off-road adventures. Subaru’s focus on safety paid off because, in 2005, the Forester received its first 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• A redesign gave the 2006 Subaru Forester new headlights, a more prominent chrome grille, and updated side moldings. Adding to the redesign, the body-colored bumpers, handles, and door mirrors became standard starting with this model.
• The only other notable change in the 2006 Forester is that the XS model was retired.

• Subaru changed the lineup in 2007, adding a Sports trim level. Some interior changes included bottle holders in the front door panels.
• Changes were minimal on the 2008 Forester, but Subaru refined the engine again, making stability control standard on all turbocharged, automatic models. At this point the turbocharged XT was making 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque.
• Despite the evolutions throughout the second generation of the Forester, it was still viewed as more of a station wagon than a crossover, but that was about to change.

Third-Generation Subaru Forester (2009-2013)

• By the time the 2009 Forester was released, the compact SUV grew longer, wider, and higher. The wheelbase increased by 3.5 inches, reaching the 103.0-inch mark. It also had a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.
• Its larger size and the sloping roofline put this version solidly into the crossover segment. The makeover included a sloped roofline, moving away from the station wagon shape and into more of a crossover. That’s because it was built on the body of a Japanese-spec Impreza mixed with a U.S.-Impreza in the rear.
• The trim lineup consisted of the 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium, 2.5 X LL Bean, 2.5 XT, and 2.5 XT Limited. The 2.5X model earned Subaru a PZEV emissions designation.
• Depending on the engine, the 2009 Forester produced between 170 horsepower and 224 horsepower with either 170 lb-ft of torque of 225 lb-ft of torque.

• Subaru gave customers the choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic Subaru transmission. AWD, as popular as ever, was still standard.
• The 2009 Forester featured a newer interior, updated with a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium six-speaker surround sound audio option, and steering wheel audio controls.
• Subaru gave all ’09 models Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a safety system monitoring wheel speed, steering wheel position, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration. Navigation was also added to the 2009 model.
• 2009 ended up being the last year that Subaru offered an LL Bean-edition Forester.

• With no real changes made to the 2010 model, 2011 Subaru Foresters received a rear backup camera and Tom-Tom navigation. Touring trims also picked up high-intensity discharge headlights.
• 2012 was another model that didn’t end up getting any updates or significant changes, and the 2013 Forester, the last of this generation, only ended up with a handful of tweaks, like making USB inputs and Bluetooth audio standard across the lineup.
• The 2013 Forester helped Subaru hit well over 100,000 units sold, ending its run at 123,592.

Fourth-Generation Subaru Forester (2014-2018)

• A completely redesigned fourth-generation 2014 Subaru Forester gave customers increased comfort in a variety of ways.
• With more interior space, the Forester had 43 inches of legroom up front and 41.7 inches in the rear. The extra space and improved, ergonomic seating made for a much more comfortable ride. The extra space also extended to the cargo hold, now maxing out at 74.7 cu. ft.
• An updated dashboard included more prominent climate and infotainment controls. A Harman-Kardon audio system and a push-button start were some of the other tech upgrades.
• For the first time, the Forester was equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), though a manual transmission was still available.

• The CVT decreased the Forester’s towing capacity from 2,400 lbs to 1,500 lbs, but it also increased fuel efficiency. The Forester now achieved and estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
• The Forester XT models were given a high-torque CVT to handle the extra demands of their turbocharged engines. The XT also got paddle shifters to increase performance.
• Higher-end Subaru Forester models came with an “X-Mode” AWD, giving better car control over slippery and uneven roads.
• Despite so many upgrades on the all-new 2014 Forester, 2015 models had quite a few updates of their own. Most of them were technology-based upgrades thanks to the Subaru EyeSight package.
• A rearview camera became standard across the lineup, and EyeSight driver assistance features included pre-collision braking, throttle management, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings.

• 2016 Foresters implemented a new touchscreen interface with a 6.2-inch screen for starting trims and a 7-inch screen for higher trims.
• Subaru Forester sales were steadily climbing throughout the 2010s and more updates gave buyers even more reasons to consider the 2017 Forester. It came with better noise insulation and more responsive steering. The EyeSight system was also enhanced with lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
• Add-ons included automatic high-beam headlight control, adaptive LED headlights, and even reverse automatic braking.

• The changes on the 2017 Forester didn’t stop there. The headlights, taillights, and grille were all freshened up with a bit of slight restyling.
• Although there were no major updates on this last model of the fourth generation, Subaru continued evolving the look of the 2018 Forester, offering a Black Edition package that came with black-finished wheels and trim.
• U.S. model fourth-generation Subaru Foresters did have some issues with excess oil consumption, so Subaru provided an extended eight-year warranty on the engine and any engine rebuilds.

Fifth-Generation Subaru Forester (2019 – 2024)

• Subaru introduced the 2019 Forester to the world at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. This time around, the Forester was updated with Subaru’s Global Platform, which increased interior space, comfort, and handling. The wheelbase, which went from 103.9 inches to 105.1 inches, ended up giving rear-seat passengers 39.4 inches of legroom.
• Shoppers could pick between five trims: the base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Since the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was discontinued, each trim was energized by a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder. It mated to a CVT to make 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
• With standard AWD, the Forester was given a fuel efficiency estimate of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

• Subaru continued to focus on safety, and technology, by delivering its new DriverFocus system, which was only available on the Touring trim. This system tracked head movements, alerting drivers if they nodded off or weren’t paying attention to the road.
• That facial recognition technology was also actually used in relation to driver’s seat memory settings. If a driver was recognized, the seats (and exterior mirrors) would automatically adjust to the preferred positions.
• The 2019 Forester has, so far, been the highest-selling model year with more than 180,000 units sold.
• The 2020 Subaru Forester didn’t have big updates, but a new lane centering function was included on the list of driving aids that was standard across the lineup. For the 2021 Forester, Subaru added automatic high beams and the turn-swiveling headlights as standard features.

• In addition to restyled front and rear taillights, an all-new Wilderness trim was introduced as part of the 2022 Forester. Appropriately named, the Wilderness adds additional off-roading elements like all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, a roof rack, a 3,000 lb towing capacity, and even higher ground clearance. Despite the extra features, the Wilderness still had the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the other 2022 Foresters.
• Subaru ended the fifth generation with a wider-angle camera on the 2023 Forester and no real changes for the 2024 model.

Sixth-Generation Subaru Forester (2025 – Present)

• Now, as one of Subaru’s most popular vehicles, this SUV is entering its sixth generation with the release of the 2025 Forester. The same 2.5-liter Boxer engine still produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque in conjunction with a Lineartronic CVT, but there are certainly some other features that are brand new for the 2025 model year.
• For instance, an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen is standard on all six trims. Those are the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and the Wilderness.
• Subaru is advertising a new seat design that not only increases comfort but also minimizes fatigue. The cabin is also supposed to be 99% quieter when it comes to noise from the roof panel.

• Some handy new features also include the hands-free power rear gate, which is equipped with a kick sensor, so owners can activate the gate by simply raising their foot underneath the rear bumper.
• Some convenient available features are a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, and heated seats, mirrors, and wipers.
• Although the 2025 Forester maintains it’s now recognizable trademark look, this model does show off a larger grille, with slimmed headlights that merge into the grille itself. This Forester still has the updated Subaru emblem up front, but it also stands out with its more modern aesthetic.

• In addition to that, the side profile has been updated, too, with higher, more angled wheel arches. You can see more photos and read about all of the new features in our 2025 Subaru Forester review.
• Style changes aren’t the only updates Subaru is looking to make, either. Subaru already announced that they plan to introduce a full hybrid model starting with the 2026 Forester.

Related Through the Years Articles

Chevy Blazer Through the Years

Read more

Chevrolet Suburban Generations Through the Years

Read more

Nissan Z Car Generations: Through the Years

Read more

Ford Sedans Through the Years

Read more