The official data lists 267 versions of the Subaru Forester (1998–2026), in the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Canada. Each market publishes its own figures, measured on its own test procedure.
At a glance
Years in the data
1998–2026
Markets
European Union, United Kingdom, France, United States, Canada
Engines
2.0 L to 2.5 L
Power
100 kW (136 PS) to 177 kW (241 PS)
Fuels
Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid, LPG, Natural gas
Lowest consumption (France)
5.7 L/100 km (NEDC)
Lowest consumption (United Kingdom)
5.7 L/100 km (NEDC)
Lowest consumption (United States)
6.7 L/100 km (EPA)
Plug-in hybrid, weighted (European Union)
8.1 L/100 km (WLTP)
New registrations in the EU
250,793
What kind of car is the Subaru Forester?
The Forester is a compact SUV with a practical, upright shape, made for everyday driving and family trips. It sits between the smaller Crosstrek and the larger Outback in Subaru’s SUV range. Subaru introduced it in 1998 as an SUV smaller than the Outback but larger than the Impreza.
The Forester reflects Subaru’s longstanding use of horizontally opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a combination found across much of the brand’s range.
Forester generations
The Forester has six generations: the first (SF) ran from 1998–2002, the second (SG) from 2003–2008, the third (SH) from 2009–2013, the fourth (SJ) from 2014–2018, the fifth (SK) from 2019–2024, and the sixth (SL) from 2025 onward.
The fifth generation introduced Subaru’s Global Platform. In some markets, it was also offered with e-BOXER hybrid assistance, pairing a Boxer engine with an electric motor.
Engines and power
Engine and fuel choices vary by market. In the EU, UK, US and Canada, engine sizes range from 2.0 L to 2.5 L. EU versions span 100 kW (136 PS) to 177 kW (241 PS), while the UK range is 100 kW (136 PS) to 147 kW (200 PS). The European Union lineup includes petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, among other fuels.
How economical is the Subaru Forester?
The lowest listed EU consumption is 7.9 L/100 km on the WLTP test for petrol, diesel and hybrid versions. The plug-in hybrid’s official weighted figure is 8.1 L/100 km WLTP and assumes that part of the driving is electric. In the UK, the lowest listed figure is 5.7 L/100 km on NEDC. The US EPA figure is 6.7 L/100 km, with a best combined rating of 35 MPG. Canada’s lowest listed figure is 6.9 L/100 km on the 5-cycle test.
These figures use different test procedures: Europe uses WLTP or the older NEDC, the US uses EPA testing, and Canada uses its 5-cycle procedure. Official EU registration figures total 250,793 for 2010–2025.
Where was the Forester sold?
The Forester has been sold in the EU, UK, France, the United States and Canada. European versions have included diesel and, in some years, LPG, natural gas and plug-in hybrid options. US listings include petrol and hybrid versions, while Canadian listings cover petrol versions.
Questions and answers
When did the Subaru Forester first appear?
Subaru introduced the Forester in 1998 as an SUV smaller than the Outback but larger than the Impreza.
How many Forester generations are there?
The Forester has six generations, from the SF (1998–2002) through the SL (2025 onward).
What is the lowest listed Forester fuel consumption?
The lowest listed figure is 5.7 L/100 km on the UK NEDC test. WLTP, EPA and Canadian 5-cycle procedures differ, so their figures are not directly comparable.
Does the Forester have a hybrid version?
Yes. Hybrid versions are available in the EU, UK, France and US listings. Some European-market versions are plug-in hybrids.
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
Years and version
Engine
Power
Fuel
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
EU registrations
2025
2.0 L
100 kW (136 PS)
Hybrid
8.1 L/100 km WLTP
183 g/km
4,053
2025
2.0 L
110 kW (150 PS)
Hybrid
8.1 L/100 km WLTP
185 g/km
358
2025
2.0 L
100 kW (136 PS)
Petrol
8.1 L/100 km WLTP
183 g/km
145
2025
2.0 L
100 kW (136 PS)
Plug-in hybrid
8.1 L/100 km WLTP
183 g/km
85
United Kingdom 1 version
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
Years and version
Engine
Power
Fuel
Gearbox
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2025–2026Touring · Field · Limited
2.0 L
100 kW (136 PS)
Hybrid
Continuously variable (CVT)
8.1 L/100 km WLTP
183 g/km
France 1 version
New cars on sale in France, from ADEME Car Labelling. NEDC figures until 2015, WLTP figures in the current catalogue.
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
Years and version
Engine
Fuel
Gearbox
Drive
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2025–2026SIDI
2.5 L
Petrol
Continuously variable (CVT)
All-wheel drive
28 MPG (8.4 L/100 km) EPA
197 g/km
2025–2026SIDI; Hybrid
2.5 L
Hybrid
Continuously variable (CVT)
All-wheel drive
35 MPG (6.7 L/100 km) EPA
158 g/km
2026SIDI
2.5 L
Petrol
Continuously variable (CVT)
All-wheel drive
26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA
216 g/km
Canada 3 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
Years and version
Engine
Fuel
Gearbox
Consumption (combined)
CO₂
2025–2026Sport utility vehicle: Small
2.5 L
Petrol
Continuously variable (CVT)
8.3 L/100 km 5-cycle
194 g/km
2025–2026Sport utility vehicle: Small
2.5 L
Petrol
Continuously variable (CVT)
6.9 L/100 km 5-cycle
161 g/km
2026Sport utility vehicle: Small
2.5 L
Petrol
Continuously variable (CVT)
9.2 L/100 km 5-cycle
216 g/km
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.
