Subaru Forester second generation

Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Subaru Forester second generation (2003–2008): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 17 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: SG

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,490 mm RDW	–	4,450–4,485 mm
Width	1,740–1,780 mm RDW	–	1,735 mm
Height	1,590 mm RDW	–	1,585–1,650 mm
Wheelbase	2,520–2,530 mm RDW	–	2,525 mm
Front track	1,495–1,530 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,485–1,530 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,335–1,485 kg RDW	–	1,320–1,560 kg
Mass in running order	1,435–1,585 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,880–2,000 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	1,500–2,000 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	500–750 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	5 RDW	–	–
Doors	4 RDW	–	–
Boot space	–	–	387 L
Luggage space (EPA)	–	878 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,690 L EPA	–
Fuel tank	–	–	60 L
Performance
Top speed	168–216 km/h RDW	–	168–226 km/h
Torque	186–350 Nm ASTRA	–	184–320 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/70R15, 215/60R16, 195/70R15, 215/65R15, 215/55R17

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	68.5% (67.7–69.3)	69.2%	13,793

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Suspension	48.7%	41.6%
Brakes	33.5%	36.4%
Lights and electrics	31.3%	28.8%
Body, chassis and structure	25.2%	18.6%
Tyres	24.7%	31.2%
Noise, emissions and leaks	15.1%	17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

711 complaints for model years 2003–2008. 75 crashes · 16 fires · 45 injuries · 2 deaths

Fuel system 223
Engine 115
Suspension 89
Speed control 75
Airbags 52
Body and structure 22

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 17 versions of the Subaru Forester second generation

Show all 17 versions

United Kingdom 11 versions

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	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2008–20102.0 AWD · 2.0 X · 2.0 XS	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	8.4 L/100 km NEDC	198 g/km
2008–20102.0 AWD · 2.0 X · 2.0 XS	2.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	8.4 L/100 km NEDC	199 g/km
2006–20092.0 AWD · 2.0 X · 2.0 XC and 1 more trim	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.3 L/100 km NEDC	220 g/km
2006–20092.0 AWD · 2.0 X · 2.0 XC and 1 more trim	2.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	9.3 L/100 km NEDC	220 g/km
2006–20092.5 AWD Turbo · 2.5 XT · 2.5 XTEn	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	10.7 L/100 km NEDC	254 g/km
2006–20092.5 AWD Turbo · 2.5 XT · 2.5 XTEn	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	10.5 L/100 km NEDC	250 g/km
2003–20062.0 AWD 5 Door	2.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	8.4–8.6 L/100 km NEDC	200–206 g/km
2003–20062.0 AWD 5 Door	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	8.5 L/100 km NEDC	204 g/km
2003–20062.0 AWD Turbo 5 Door	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.7–9.8 L/100 km NEDC	232–235 g/km
2003–20062.0 AWD Turbo 5 Door	2.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	9.6–9.8 L/100 km NEDC	230–236 g/km
20062.5 AWD Turbo 5 Door	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.0 L/100 km NEDC	261 g/km

United States 3 versions

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
2008–2009CLKUP · 2MODE CLKUP	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA	251 g/km
2004–2009	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Four- or all-wheel drive	18–23 MPG (10.2–13.1 L/100 km) EPA	240–307 g/km
2003–2008CLKUP	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	19–22 MPG (10.7–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	251–291 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
2003–2008Sport utility vehicle	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	10.4–13.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	239–299 g/km
2003–2008Sport utility vehicle	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	10.6–12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	244–292 g/km
2007Sport utility vehicle	2.5 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	265 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.