Subaru Forester third generation

Subaru Forester third generation
Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Subaru Forester third generation (2009–2013): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 51 versions in the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: SH

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationEuropeNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,560–4,600 mm RDW4,560 mm TC4,559 mm
Width1,780–1,800 mm RDW1,780 mm TC1,781 mm
Height1,700–1,740 mm RDW1,700 mm TC1,674–1,742 mm
Wheelbase2,620–2,640 mm RDW2,620 mm TC2,616 mm
Front track1,530–1,545 mm ASTRA1,530 mm TC–
Rear track1,530–1,550 mm ASTRA1,530 mm TC–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,440–1,493 kg RDW1,500–1,570 kg TC1,474 kg
Mass in running order1,540–1,593 kg RDW––
Gross vehicle weight2,015 kg RDW––
Towing, braked trailer1,500–2,000 kg RDW––
Towing, unbraked trailer750 kg RDW––
Seats and space
Seats5 RDW––
Doors4 RDW––
Luggage space (EPA)–963 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)–3,058 L EPA–
Performance
Top speed184–192 km/h RDW–190–196 km/h
Torque196–350 Nm ASTRA–198–235 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/65R16, 225/55R17, 225/60R17, 215/70R15

NHTSA overall safety rating (US): 2011–2013: ★★★★☆

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
9–12 years77.2% (76.1–78.2)77.9%5,994
13 years and older68.4% (66.8–69.9)69.2%3,531

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension50.6%32.6%
Brakes31.4%30.7%
Tyres24.9%31.2%
Lights and electrics23.0%21.7%
Body, chassis and structure10.1%11.7%
Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers)9.9%9.7%

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)

768 complaints for model years 2009–2013. 89 crashes · 26 fires · 38 injuries · 1 death

  • Engine 188
  • Airbags 141
  • Seats 91
  • Brakes 84
  • Speed control 79
  • Electrical system 56

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 51 versions of the Subaru Forester third generation

Show all 51 versions

European Union 20 versions

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 versionEnginePowerFuelCO₂EU registrations
2011–20132.0 L108 kW (147 PS)Diesel157–167 g/km34,892
2011–20132.0 L110 kW (150 PS)Petrol162–174 g/km18,496
20132.0 L177 kW (241 PS)Petrol197 g/km2,646
20132.0 L–Other fuel161 g/km548
2011–20132.0 L110 kW (150 PS)LPG155–160 g/km1,684
20132.0 L–Other fuel158 g/km304
2011–20132.0 L110 kW (150 PS)Petrol198–199 g/km2,182
2010–2013––Petrol172–211 g/km954
2010–2013––Diesel161–169 g/km550
2012–108 kW (147 PS)Diesel170 g/km156
2011–20122.0 L110 kW (150 PS)LPG181–183 g/km402
20112.5 L126 kW (171 PS)Petrol224 g/km106
20112.5 L169 kW (230 PS)Petrol248 g/km62
2011––LPG180 g/km10
20102.0 L–Diesel169 g/km15,786
20102.0 L–Petrol199 g/km5,830
20102.0 L–LPG182 g/km1,514
20102.5 L–Petrol244 g/km988
2010––Other fuel188 g/km346
20102.0 L–Petrol174 g/km42

United Kingdom 15 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 versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2013–20142.0i XE · 2.0i XE Premium2.0 LPetrolAutomatic6.5 L/100 km NEDC150 g/km
2013–20142.0i XE · 2.0i XE Premium2.0 LPetrolManual6.9 L/100 km NEDC160 g/km
2013–20142.0D X2.0 LDieselManual5.7–6.3 L/100 km NEDC150–167 g/km
2013–20142.0D XC · 2.0D XC Premium2.0 LDieselManual5.9 L/100 km NEDC156 g/km
2013–20142.0i XT Turbo2.0 LPetrolAutomatic8.5 L/100 km NEDC197 g/km
20132.0 X · 2.0 XS2.0 LPetrolManual7.5 L/100 km NEDC173 g/km
20132.0 X · 2.0 XS2.0 LPetrolAutomatic7.5 L/100 km NEDC174 g/km
20132.0D XC · 2.0D XS NavPlus · 2.0D XSn2.0 LDieselManual6.4 L/100 km NEDC170 g/km
20132.0D XC · 2.0D XS NavPlus2.0 LDieselManual6.0 L/100 km NEDC158 g/km
20122.0 X · 2.0 XS2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual7.5 L/100 km NEDC173 g/km
20122.0 X · 2.0 XS2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic7.5 L/100 km NEDC174 g/km
2009–20122.0D X2.0 LDiesel6-speed manual5.9–6.3 L/100 km NEDC155–167 g/km
20122.0D XC · 2.0D XS NavPlus · 2.0D XSn2.0 LDiesel6-speed manual6.4 L/100 km NEDC170 g/km
20122.0D XC · 2.0D XS NavPlus2.0 LDiesel6-speed manual6.0 L/100 km NEDC158 g/km
2009–20102.0D XC · 2.0D XSn · 2.0D XS NavPlus and 1 more trim2.0 LDiesel6-speed manual6.4 L/100 km NEDC170 g/km

France 9 versions

New cars on sale in France, from ADEME Car Labelling. NEDC figures until 2015, WLTP figures in the current catalogue.

Years and versionEnginePowerFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2012–2013FORESTER 2.0D XS & CLUB–108 kW (147 PS)Diesel6-speed manual6.0 L/100 km NEDC158 g/km
2012–2013FORESTER 2.0D X–108 kW (147 PS)Diesel6-speed manual5.9 L/100 km NEDC155 g/km
2013FORESTER 2.0D Premium Pack–108 kW (147 PS)Diesel6-speed manual5.9 L/100 km NEDC156 g/km
2013FORESTER 2.0D Sport / Sport Pack–108 kW (147 PS)Diesel6-speed manual5.9 L/100 km NEDC156 g/km
2012–2013FORESTER 2.0X BVM5–110 kW (150 PS)Petrol5-speed manual7.5 L/100 km NEDC173 g/km
2012–2013FORESTER 2.0X BVA4–110 kW (150 PS)Petrol4-speed automatic7.5 L/100 km NEDC174 g/km
2013FORESTER 2.0i Premium–110 kW (150 PS)Petrol6-speed manual6.9 L/100 km NEDC160 g/km
2013FORESTER 2.0i CVT Premium–110 kW (150 PS)PetrolContinuously variable (CVT)6.5 L/100 km NEDC150 g/km
2013FORESTER 2.0 XT Turbo CVT–177 kW (241 PS)PetrolContinuously variable (CVT)8.5 L/100 km NEDC197 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 versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
2010–20132.5 LPetrol5-speed manualAll-wheel drive22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA240–251 g/km
2010–20132.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticAll-wheel drive21–23 MPG (10.2–11.2 L/100 km) EPA240–266 g/km
20092MODE CLKUP2.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km

Canada 4 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2011–2013Sport utility vehicle · Sport utility vehicle: Small2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.2–11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle235–260 g/km
2011–2013Sport utility vehicle · Sport utility vehicle: Small2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual10.2 L/100 km 5-cycle235 g/km
2009–2011Sport utility vehicle2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.6–11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle244–269 g/km
2009–2010Sport utility vehicle2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle244 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.