Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester: generations — what actually changed in the numbers

The catalogue lists 12 generation records and 95 versions (some records claim more names than are listed; this article uses only listed versions). Body type is Estate 5-door through 1 generation and 1 generation, restyling, then SUV 5-doors from 2 generation onward. Drive is AWD on every listed version.

The catalogue lists 12 generation records and 95 versions (some records claim more names than are listed; this article uses only listed versions). Body type is Estate 5-door through 1 generation and 1 generation, restyling, then SUV 5-doors from 2 generation onward. Drive is AWD on every listed version.

Ground clearance is the cleanest generation marker. 1 generation sits at 190–200 mm. 2 generation is 190 mm on most versions, 200 mm on the 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT at 158 hp. 3 generation spreads 205–225 mm (diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp is 205 mm; Turbo 2.5 versions are 225 mm; one 2.5 AT 263 hp in 3 generation, restyling is 200 mm). 4 generation through 5 generation, restyling hold 220 mm on every listed version. 6 generation is the only record at 230 mm — 10 mm more than the fifth generation.

Fuel tank is 60 L from 1 generation through 4 generation, restyling 2, then 63 L on 5 generation, 5 generation, restyling (except 2.0 CVT e-BOXER 145 hp, 48 L), and 6 generation. Gross mass jumps with the fifth generation: 2223 kg on 5 generation gasoline versions versus 2015 kg on the 4 generation, restyling 2 2.5 pair and 1850 kg on several 4 generation gasoline versions.

Gearbox family also moves by generation. 1–3 generation pair Manual 5 or 6 with Automatic 4 or 5. 4 generation introduces Variable and keeps Manual 6 on selected 2.0 MT and 2.5 MT. 5 generation, 5 generation, restyling, and 6 generation list only Variable.

Engines and specs

Same name, different output: always split by horsepower. Cylinders are 4, layout Opposite, engine position Front, longitudinal, valves per cylinder 4, on every listed version that carries those fields.

Older generations add Automatic and more Turbo petrols: 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT 263 hp / 347 Nm, 2.5 MT 230 hp / 320 Nm, 2.0 MT 230 hp / 319 Nm; 2 generation 2.5 MT 265 hp / 347 Nm and 2.5 MT 230 hp / 320 Nm; 1 generation 2.0 MT 250 hp / 309 Nm. Injection is Direct injection (direct) on the fifth- and sixth-generation petrols and on selected Turbo 2.0 versions; most earlier naturally aspirated petrols are Distributed injection (multi-point). Diesel versions list injection as not measured.

Power per litre (hp ÷ litres from the cc figure): 4 generation 2.0 CVT 280 hp = 140.1 hp/L; 1 generation 2.0 MT 250 hp = 125.4 hp/L; 4 generation, restyling 2 2.0 CVT 241 hp = 120.6 hp/L; 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT 263 hp = 107.0 hp/L; 5 generation 1.8 CVT 177 hp = 98.6 hp/L; 6 generation 2.5 CVT 194 hp = 77.7 hp/L; 5 generation 2.0 CVT 150 hp = 75.2 hp/L; 5 generation 2.5 CVT 182 hp = 72.9 hp/L; 6 generation 2.5 CVT 180 hp = 72.1 hp/L. The small Turbo 1.8 CVT out-densifies every naturally aspirated 2.5 in the fifth and sixth generations.

Performance and economy

0–100 km/h (measured). Fastest listed: 2 generation, restyling 2.5 MT 230 hp 6.0 s; 2 generation 2.5 MT 230 hp 6.0 s. Next: 4 generation 2.0 CVT 280 hp 6.5 s; 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT 263 hp 6.5 s (both kerb figures 1585 kg and 1540 kg exist for that name — 6.03 and 5.86 kg/hp). 2 generation 2.5 MT 211 hp 6.3 s. 4 generation / 4 generation, restyling / 4 generation, restyling 2 2.0 CVT 241 hp 7.5 s. 5 generation 2.5 CVT 182 hp 9.3 s; 5 generation 2.0 CVT 150 hp 10.3 s. 6 generation both 2.5 CVT versions 9.9 s. 4 generation, restyling 2 2.0 CVT 150 hp 11.8 s versus the same-engine 2.0 MT 150 hp 10.6 s — the Manual 6 is 1.2 s quicker. 3 generation 2.0 AT 150 hp 12.7 s. Not measured: 5 generation 1.8 CVT, 5 generation, restyling 1.8 CVT and 2.0 CVT e-BOXER, several 2 generation Turbo 2.0 versions, and several 1 generation 2.5 versions.

Top speed (measured). Peak listed: 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT 263 hp 228 km/h; 2 generation 2.5 AT / 2.5 MT 211 hp 226 km/h; 4 generation 2.0 CVT 241 hp 221 km/h; 4 generation 2.0 CVT 280 hp 220 km/h. 5 generation 2.5 CVT 182 hp 207 km/h; 5 generation 2.0 CVT 150 hp 193 km/h; 6 generation both 2.5 CVT 196 km/h. Diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp in 4 generation, restyling 2 190 km/h; diesel 2.0 CVT 147 hp 188 km/h. Not measured where the table shows a dash in the source: 1.8 CVT in both fifth-generation records, 2.0 CVT e-BOXER, and the early Turbo 2.0 pair in 2 generation.

Fuel (L/100 km). Lowest mixed: 4 generation, restyling 2 diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp 5.7 (city 7.1, highway 4.9); diesel 2.0 CVT 147 hp mixed 6.1. 6 generation 2.5 CVT 194 hp Hybrid mixed 6.7 (city 6.7, highway 6.9) — 1.4 L/100 km less mixed than the 180 hp 2.5 CVT at 8.1. 5 generation 2.0 CVT 150 hp mixed 7.2; 1.8 CVT and 2.5 CVT 182 hp both 7.4. 5 generation, restyling 2.0 CVT e-BOXER mixed 7.1. 4 generation, restyling 2 gasoline 2.5 CVT mixed 8.3 versus 5 generation 2.5 CVT 7.4 — 0.9 L/100 km less mixed after the generation change, despite kerb rising from 1585 to 1622 kg. 3 generation, restyling Turbo 2.5 versions mixed 10.5. Not measured: 4 generation 2.0 CVT 280 hp city/highway/mixed; most 2 generation consumption fields; several 1 generation 2.5 versions.

CO2 (g/km), where measured. 5 generation, restyling 2.0 CVT e-BOXER 125; 5 generation 1.8 CVT 141; 4 generation, restyling 2 diesel 2.0 MT 148; diesel 2.0 CVT 158; 5 generation 2.5 CVT 182 hp 190; 4 generation 2.0 CVT 241 hp 197; 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT 172 hp 220. Eco class: Euro 6 on 5 generation 2.5 CVT 182 hp, on the diesels in 4 generation, restyling and restyling 2, and on 4 generation, restyling 2.0 MT 150 hp and 2.0 CVT 241 hp; Euro 5 on 4 generation, restyling 2 gasoline 2.5 and 2.0 150 hp versions; Euro 4 on 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT / 2.5 MT 172 hp. Elsewhere eco class is not measured.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb mass (kg) versus horsepower is the buyer’s load figure. Lightest listed with a kerb number: 3 generation / 3 generation, restyling diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp at 1405 kg (9.56 kg/hp). Heaviest: 6 generation 2.5 CVT 194 hp at 1759 kg (9.07 kg/hp). 5 generation 1.8 CVT 1599 kg / 177 hp = 9.03 kg/hp; 5 generation, restyling 1.8 CVT 1570 kg = 8.87 kg/hp (29 kg less than the pre-restyle 1.8 CVT). 5 generation 2.0 CVT 150 hp 1599/150 = 10.66 kg/hp. 5 generation, restyling 2.0 CVT e-BOXER 1640/145 = 11.31 kg/hp — the heaviest per horsepower among fifth-generation versions. 4 generation 2.0 CVT 280 hp 1590/280 = 5.68 kg/hp. 4 generation, restyling 2 2.0 CVT 241 hp 1702/241 = 7.06 kg/hp. 4 generation, restyling 2 2.5 MT 1507/171 = 8.81 kg/hp versus 2.5 CVT 1585/171 = 9.27 kg/hp — the Manual saves 78 kg.

Gross mass, where measured: 2223 kg on 5 generation and 6 generation (and 5 generation, restyling 2.0 CVT / 2.5 CVT); 2185 kg on 2.0 CVT e-BOXER; 2015 kg on 4 generation, restyling 2 gasoline 2.0/2.5 150/171 hp; 2080 kg on the diesels of that restyling; 2110 kg on 2.0 CVT 241 hp there; 1850 kg on several 4 generation versions — 373 kg less gross than 5 generation. Not measured on 4 generation, restyling for several versions and on many 1–2 generation Automatics.

Wheels, where listed: 225/60 R17 and 225/55 R18 from 4 generation through 5 generation, restyling. 6 generation adds 235/50 R19. Elsewhere wheel size is not measured.

Front/rear suspension on listed versions that carry the field: Independent, spring. Front brakes Ventilated disc. Rear brakes Disc ventilated on 5 generation and later listed versions; Disc on 4 generation, restyling 2 (label as in the data).

Which version to choose

If the car must be new-generation and still a 2.5. 6 generation offers only two names, both 2.5 CVT, both 246 Nm, both 9.9 s / 196 km/h, both 230 mm clearance, both 63 L, both 2223 kg gross. The 194 hp Hybrid cuts mixed consumption from 8.1 to 6.7 (17% less) and city from 9.0 to 6.7, while adding 99 kg kerb (1660 → 1759). Highway is 6.9 versus 7.1 — almost a wash. Extra output is 14 hp (7.8%). Buy 194 hp if mixed litres matter; buy 180 hp if kerb mass matters. Neither 0–100 nor top speed changes.

If the car must be a fifth-generation SUV (2018-03 to 2024-01). Three jobs, three names. 1.8 CVT 177 hp: 300 Nm at 3600 rpm, 98.6 hp/L, mixed 7.4, CO2 141, kerb 1599 (5 generation) or 1570 (restyling). 0–100 and top speed not measured. 2.0 CVT 150 hp: 196 Nm, 10.3 s, 193 km/h, mixed 7.2 — 0.2 L/100 km better mixed than the 1.8 CVT, but 104 Nm less torque and 27 hp less. 2.5 CVT 182 hp: 9.3 s, 207 km/h, mixed 7.4, Euro 6. In 5 generation torque is 243 Nm; in 5 generation, restyling the same name lists 182 Nm — 61 Nm less. Do not treat those two 2.5 CVT rows as the same engine output. 2.0 CVT e-BOXER 145 hp: smallest tank (48 L), lowest CO2 (125), mixed 7.1, kerb 1640, 0–100 not measured. Arithmetic: the restyle 1.8 CVT is 8.87 kg/hp; e-BOXER is 11.31 kg/hp. Choose 1.8 CVT for torque density, 2.5 CVT 182 hp (5 generation, 243 Nm) for measured speed, 2.0 CVT 150 hp for the lowest mixed litres among the three gasoline CVTs with a 0–100 figure, e-BOXER for the 48 L / 125 g/km pair.

If the car must be a fourth-generation SUV (2012-10 to 2018-02). Split by fuel and by Turbo. Diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp (4 generation, restyling 2): mixed 5.7, 350 Nm, 9.9 s, 190 km/h, Euro 6, kerb 1562. Diesel 2.0 CVT 147 hp: mixed 6.1, same 350 Nm, 9.9 s, 188 km/h, kerb 1625 — 63 kg heavier, 0.4 L/100 km more mixed, 2 km/h slower. Gasoline daily: 2.0 MT 150 hp is 10.6 s versus 2.0 CVT 150 hp 11.8 s. 2.5 CVT 171 hp is 9.8 s / 197 km/h in restyling 2 versus 9.9 s / 196 km/h in 4 generation — a 0.1 s / 1 km/h restyle delta. Turbo petrol: 2.0 CVT 241 hp 7.5 s / 221 km/h / mixed 8.5; 2.0 CVT 280 hp (4 generation only) 6.5 s / 220 km/h, consumption not measured. The 280 hp row is 39 hp above 241 and 1.0 s quicker; it is the only 280 hp Forester in the data. 2.5 CVT 175 hp in 4 generation is 4 hp above the 171 hp 2.5 CVT with the same 235 Nm, 9.9 s, and 196 km/h — a name collision resolved only by horsepower.

If the car must be a third-generation SUV (2007-12 to 2013-05). Naturally aspirated 2.5 AT 172 hp (restyling) is 10.2 s / 185 km/h / mixed 9.3 / Automatic 4; 2.5 MT 172 hp is 9.2 s / 194 km/h / mixed 9.3 / Manual 5 — 1.0 s and 9 km/h for the manual, same mixed litres. Turbo 2.5 AT 263 hp is 6.5 s / 228 km/h / mixed 10.5. Turbo 2.5 MT 230 hp is 7.1 s / 214 km/h. Diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp is 10.4 s / 186 km/h / mixed 6.4 / clearance 205 mm / kerb 1405 kg. 2.0 AT 150 hp 12.4 s is the slowest measured petrol in that restyling. 2.0 MT 230 hp and 2.0 AT 230 hp: 0–100, top speed, and consumption not measured.

If the car must be a second-generation SUV (2002-02 to 2008-02). The measured sprint champion of the whole model is 2.5 MT 230 hp: 6.0 s, 216 km/h, kerb 1455 kg (6.33 kg/hp), clearance 190 mm. 2.5 MT 211 hp is 6.3 s / 226 km/h. 2.5 MT 265 hp (Manual 6): 0–100 not measured, 347 Nm. Daily 2.0 MT 140 hp: 11.2 s / 185 km/h. 2.0 AT 140 hp: 12.7 s / 172 km/h. 2 generation, restyling adds 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT 158 hp with mixed 9.3, 200 mm clearance, 11.9 s / 190 km/h (AT) and 9.7 s / 197 km/h (MT).

If the car must be a first-generation Estate 5-door (1997-09 to 2002-01). Naturally aspirated 2.0 MT 122 hp is 10.8 s / 178 km/h / mixed 9.0. 2.0 MT 138 hp mixed 7.9 with the same 10.8 s / 178 km/h. Turbo 2.0 MT 170 hp: 8.4 s / 198 km/h / mixed 9.9. Turbo 2.0 MT 250 hp: 8.2 s / 198 km/h / mixed 9.6, 125.4 hp/L. 2.0 AT 250 hp: 8.4 s, mixed 10.6, kerb 1340 kg. 2.5 MT 165 hp in 1 generation, restyling: 9.5 s / 175 km/h, torque listed 162 Nm versus 235 Nm on the 2.5 AT 165 hp — same name family, different Nm, distinguish by gearbox. Many 2.5 0–100 and consumption figures in this generation are not measured.

What the extra displacement buys, in arithmetic only. On 5 generation, going from 2.0 CVT 150 hp to 2.5 CVT 182 hp costs +23 kg kerb, returns +32 hp, +47 Nm, −1.0 s to 100, +14 km/h, and mixed litres stay within 0.2 (7.2 vs 7.4). Going from that 2.0 CVT to 1.8 CVT 177 hp costs 0 kg kerb on 5 generation, returns +27 hp and +104 Nm, mixed +0.2 L/100 km, with 0–100 not measured. On 4 generation, restyling 2, going from gasoline 2.0 CVT 150 hp to diesel 2.0 CVT 147 hp returns +152 Nm, −1.9 s, mixed −2.1 L/100 km, kerb +74 kg. Going from 2.5 CVT 171 hp to 2.0 CVT 241 hp returns +70 hp, +115 Nm, −2.3 s, +24 km/h, mixed +0.2 L/100 km, kerb +117 kg.

Reliability and problems, as far as this data reaches. This catalogue has no failure rates, recalls, or service costs. What it does measure: eco class (Euro 4 / Euro 5 / Euro 6 or not measured), injection type, boost (Turbo vs No), and whether 0–100 and consumption exist. Versions with Turbo and Direct injection (direct) cluster in the high-hp 2.0 rows (241, 280 hp) and in the 1.8 CVT. Versions with Distributed injection (multi-point) and boost No cluster in the everyday 2.0 / 2.5 petrols of generations 1–4. Diesel rows leave injection not measured. Use those fields as the spec split; do not invent a fault list.

Short map. Daily fifth-generation: 2.0 CVT 150 hp or 1.8 CVT 177 hp. Fast fifth-generation: 2.5 CVT 182 hp (243 Nm, 5 generation). Current sixth-generation: 2.5 CVT 194 hp for litres, 180 hp for mass. Fast used: 4 generation 2.0 CVT 280 hp, else 2.0 CVT 241 hp, else 3 generation, restyling 2.5 AT 263 hp, else 2 generation 2.5 MT 230 hp. Cheap litres used: diesel 2.0 MT 147 hp. Manual feel used: 2.5 MT or 2.0 MT in generations 2–4. Estate shape: 1 generation only. Clearance 230 mm: 6 generation only.