Subaru Forester 2018–2021 car dimensions: 4625 mm long, 1815 mm wide and 1730 mm high. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin feels roomy with good legroom and a practical layout for daily use. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every model, while higher trims step up to an 8-inch unit. Automatic climate control comes on all grades, with dual-zone on Limited and Touring. EyeSight is standard across the range and brings adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist. Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is available on mid and upper trims, and reverse automatic braking with rear sensors appears on select packages and higher grades. The rear-vision camera is standard.
Boot space is generous for the class. With the rear seats up you get a square, usable load area that takes everyday shopping or luggage easily. Fold the 60/40 split seats flat and the floor becomes long and level, opening up space for larger items. The wide rear opening and low liftover make loading simple, and a power tailgate is available on higher trims.
Towing capacity sits at 1500 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked on the petrol models, with trailer stability assist standard. Payload is around 650 kg depending on trim and equipment. The standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-Mode on most grades and 220 mm ground clearance support light off-road or rough-road work use. No heavy-duty cooling package or reinforced suspension is listed as available.
The cabin is the roomiest Forester yet with more rear legroom, headroom, hip and shoulder space for a spacious feel. Soft-touch materials and contrast stitching appear throughout. It is the quietest thanks to the platform reducing road noise and vibration. Standard automatic climate control (dual-zone on higher trims) keeps temperatures steady, with rear vents on many grades. Higher trims add power seats with lumbar, heated fronts and rears, heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof for an open airy ride on long trips.
EPA fuel economy 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg on regular unleaded
Engine oil and filter change every 6 months or 6,000 miles
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Superior front crash prevention
NHTSA overall 5-star crash rating
Euro NCAP 5-star rating (97% adult occupant)
Standard EyeSight suite plus 7 airbags on all models
The 2.5-liter boxer engine with direct injection pairs with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. It returns 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined on regular unleaded fuel. Auto stop-start helps cut fuel use in traffic. Tank capacity supports over 500 miles of range in highway driving.
Follow the maker schedule for oil and filter every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Tire rotation and inspections come at the same interval. Cabin filter replacement is due every 12,000 miles. Brake fluid and other fluids need attention around 30,000 miles. CVT fluid is inspected periodically.
Every model includes standard EyeSight with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist and more. Seven airbags cover front, side, curtain and knee. The global platform and high-strength steel raise crash protection. IIHS rates it Top Safety Pick+ with Superior crash prevention. NHTSA gives 5 stars overall. Euro NCAP awards 5 stars.
Symmetrical all-wheel drive and available X-Mode aid traction in varied conditions. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot detection appear on higher grades. DriverFocus monitors fatigue on top trims. Regular service keeps the durable platform and AWD system reliable for long ownership.
Length 4625 mm, Width 1815 mm, Height 1730 mm, Wheelbase 2670 mm (Forester 2018–2021)
Sources: manufacturer data, subaru.co.jp.