2024 Subaru Forester SUV

　　

2024 Subaru Forester Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　Economical, spacious and capable, the Subaru Forester checks all the boxes for a desirable compact crossover. Its base price is below $30,000 and highway fuel economy above 30 mpg. Those tall windows and high roof translate into lots of room in both rows of seating and a spacious cargo hold, and standard all-wheel drive along with more ground clearance than most vehicles in its class make the Forester popular in the snowbelt, where it can plow through deeper drifts without dragging its belly. The Forester also includes generous advanced driver aids as standard equipment, with more available as stand-alone options or bundled into higher trim levels.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$131/mo  for Forester Base

　　Forester Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $27,095 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $30,295 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $30,295 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,865 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,865 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $33,975 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $33,975 MSRPWilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $34,920 MSRPWilderness 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $34,920 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $37,395 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/23 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $37,395 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Alternatively, you might check out other top picks for a small SUV, including the practical Honda CR-V, the stylish Hyundai Tucson or the upscale Mazda CX-50. Subaru's Crosstrek and Outback SUVs are also solid choices if you want to stick within the Subaru family.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Forester drive? A largely gutless engine holds the Forester back. The four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic take their time getting up to speed. The Forester accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a slow 9.3 seconds during zzdcar' testing. Its steering, handling and braking, on the other hand, are more respectable. While the Forester isn't sporty, especially not compared to top rivals, it feels planted and changes direction with speed and confidence.

　　The Forester does shine on dirt roads or easy to moderate off-road trails. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance plus an available X-Mode drive setting that tailors the Forester's powertrain and traction control to driving on dirt. The Wilderness model is especially suited for getting out into nature thanks to its slightly higher ground clearance, upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires. In general, the Forester offers more off-road prowess than a typical small crossover SUV.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Forester? Whether you've got a long daily commute or a refreshing retreat on the horizon, the Forester will keep you riding in comfort. The front seats are well padded and have good bolstering and lumbar support, and the suspension easily smooths out bumps and ruts in the road.

　　Road noise is kept to a minimum. The Forester's tall profile does produce some wind noise, but it's a small price to pay for the commanding seat position and great visibility. Climate control knobs are right where they should be and easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The available automatic climate control works well, and most Foresters come standard with heated seats.

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