Subaru Forester Gas Mileage: Estimation, Cost and Guide!

Subaru Forester Gas Mileage

Fuel efficiency is becoming more and more critical due to skyrocketing gas prices. Off-road capabilities and impressive performance are the highlights of the 2023 Subaru Forester. But what about the Subaru Forester Gas Mileage? What is the 2023 Subaru Forester’s fuel economy? 

Regarding gas mileage, the estimated 2023 Subaru Forester reaches 33 mpg. Below, we cover some other important engine specs and 2023 Subaru Forester gas mileage. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents


What are the Specifications of the Subaru Forester?

SUBARU BOXER® engines deliver 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque-enough power for everyday driving. Additionally, the Forester offers responsive steering and firm brakes, so you feel composed on the road and zip around town.

An SUV like this is built to take you on all sorts of adventures, even those off the beaten track. The vehicle has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so you can easily navigate hills.

Also available is the X-MODE®, which optimises Symmetrical AWD’s performance on slick surfaces. You can also choose between two settings with the X-MODE® feature:

  • Deep Snow
  • Mud

No matter what terrain you travel on, each one gives you optimal grip, providing you with greater peace of mind. A detailed specification is provided below.

Overview 
Engine TypeGas
TransmissionContinuously variable-speed automatic
Drive TypeAll wheel drive
CylindersFlat 4
Engine
Base engine size2.5 L
CylindersFlat 4
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Drivetrain
TransmissionContinuously variable-speed automatic
Drive typeAll wheel drive
Center limited slip differentialStandard
Descent controlStandard
Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspensionStandard
Front and rear stabilizer barStandard

Why Should You Choose Subaru Forester?

Why Should You Choose Subaru Forester

Versatile Capability

Whether you’re going to the backwoods or just downtown, the Forester is ready for any adventure. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Foresters are ready for weather or road conditions. There are more standard features on the Ford Escape than on the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, or Honda CR-V.

Subaru EyeSight 

In the 2023 Forester, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology acts as an extra set of eyes on the road and a foot on the brake if necessary. EyeSight has several active safety systems to protect you and your family while driving. If there is enough space, Automatic Emergency Steering can provide automatic steering and pre-collision braking support to help you avoid collisions

Pre-Collision Braking

In emergencies, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking alerts you and applies full braking force. In the event of a frontal impact, Pre-Collision Throttle Management reduces the power from the engine to minimise potential impact force and damage.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Thanks to Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, it provides extra convenience and safety while driving. Using this feature, you can steer, brake and throttle control your car while maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of you.

Subaru DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System

Forester’s 2023 model features a system that helps new and experienced drivers reduce distracted driving. Approximately 1,000 people are injured every day in crashes involving distracted drivers in the United States. Utilising our award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the DriverFocus system is like having an attentive co-pilot along for the ride, providing helpful alerts if a driver becomes distracted or drowsy. Besides recognising up to five drivers, DriverFocus can also remember their preferences, including seat position, climate settings, and outside mirror positions.

High-Strength Crash Protection

Thanks to high-strength steel, Subaru’s Global Platform gives the 2023 Forester a quieter cabin, enhanced safety, and long-lasting quality. The Forester is equipped with seven airbags, height-adjustable head restraints, and a ring-shaped reinforcement frame to provide all-around impact protection.

Comfortable and Connected

Stylish contrast stitching and texture adorn the cabin of the Forester 5-passenger SUV from 2023. Every passenger gets more interior space, with 111.6 cubic feet of interior space, than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, or Ford Escape. Enjoy every trip with connected entertainment technology like SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia and an available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot15.

What Is Gas Mileage?

Your car’s gas mileage, or miles per gallon (MPG), measures how many miles it can travel on one gallon of fuel. You get better gas mileage when your car can cover more distance on one gas tank.

You can achieve good gas mileage by using less fuel for a greater distance per mile. The amount of gas you get per gallon is measured in miles per gallon. A vehicle that gets 30 mpg travels 30 miles per gallon if it gets 30 mpg.

Due to slower speeds, idle time, and higher revolutions per minute (rpm), highway mpg is generally higher than city mpg. Autolists estimate that most vehicles achieve at least five more mpg on the highway than in the city.

What is Good Gas Mileage for an SUV?

The weight of a gas-powered SUV is typically much greater than that of a standard car, so their overall MPG ratings are lower. On the highway, SUVs average less than 30 miles per gallon; in the city, they average even less. 

It is considered good if the gas mileage is over 22 MPG for highway miles on non-hybrid models. In some cases, models achieve better fuel economy; for example, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD gets 40 MPG. This model’s efficiency depends partly on its hybrid capabilities and smaller size.

How to Calculate Your MPG for Subaru Forester?

Gas mileage is displayed in real-time on some vehicles. To calculate your mileage most accurately, you should drive the vehicle for about 100 miles on a full tank before calculating your mileage. After that, fill up the tank with gas.

Calculate how many miles you drove per gallon of gas you used. With a full tank and five gallons of gas, you can get 10 miles per gallon if you drive 100 miles.

It is essential to know how much your vehicle costs you each time you drive regarding gas mileage. With mpg, you can determine whether a vehicle will save you money at the pump by knowing how much fuel it consumes. You can also become a more efficient driver by learning how to calculate your mpg.

Subaru Forester Gas Mileage By Trim

For the 2023 model year, Subaru Foresters come in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. There are many different models, and each brings something different to Bethel Park roads, but one thing remains the same: fuel efficiency! Below you will find Subaru Forester MPG ratings for each trim:

2023 Forester Base, Premium, Sport, Limited & Touring Trim Fuel Economy

  • Highway: 33 mpg* 
  • City: 26 mpg* 

2023 Forester Wilderness Trim Fuel Economy: 

  • Highway: 28 mpg* 
  • City: 25 mpg*
Trim LevelEPA-Estimated MPG*
Forester26 city/33 highway MPG
Forester Premium26 city/33 highway MPG
Forester Sport26 city/33 highway MPG
Forester Wilderness25 city/28 highway MPG
Forester Limited26 city/33 highway MPG
Forester Touring26 city/33 highway MPG

In addition to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), this vehicle has several other features that make it efficient. This system distributes power evenly between the front and rear wheels when slippery. In any driving situation, you stay in control with maximum traction.

Despite this, Symmetrical AWD provides more than just a faster response to road conditions; it also improves handling and efficiency. You can use the vehicle to get home if you suddenly get caught driving in a snowstorm or rainstorm.

Which Generation of Subaru Forester Gets the Best Gas Mileage?

It is essential to consider many factors when getting a new Subaru Forester if you want it to be a success. Nevertheless, most car owners are looking for a valuable gas regulation that will save them money and allow them to travel considerably longer distances.

The MPG, or miles per gallon, indicates how many kilometres your Subaru Forester travelled using only one gallon of fuel. You can be confident that your vehicle will run more efficiently with a higher MPG. Similarly, a small MPG for your Subaru Forester would be more serious for the functionality of your vehicle. To drive long distances, all car drivers must learn such vital specifications.

Furthermore, the Subaru Forester MPG can also turn under certain conditions. Various features can be adjusted by a car driver for improved performance. In this scenario, excessive short-distance driving or freezing weather would not affect MPG if the vehicle is heated for longer. 

The speeding and towing capacity of your vehicle, as well as the velocity, should also be taken into consideration. For each Subaru Forester, our industry experts have created acute and convenient tables that can help you organise it

There is nothing new about the fact that the 2022 Forester provides such an efficient performance. Any model-year Forester will leave you plenty of fuel in the tank when you arrive at your destination, regardless of the model year. Listed below are a few examples.

Trim LevelEPA-Estimated MPG*
2016 Forester24 city/32 highway MPG
2018 Forester26 city/32 highway MPG
2019 Forester26 city/33 highway MPG
2020 Forester26 city/33 highway MPG
2021 Forester26 city/33 highway MPG

Subaru Forester Hybrid MPG

Compared to the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage hybrids, Subaru’s Forester hybrid could achieve better fuel economy, with an official figure of just under 35mpg.

According to Subaru, the Forester can drive up to 25mph in pure-electric mode, but the electric motor needs more power to keep up with traffic, so we can’t drive for longer than a brief period in electric mode. With a mix of motorway and town driving, we managed 33mpg, while off-roading quickly dipped below 30mpg.

How Does Your Driving Affect the Fuel Economy of Subaru Forester?

Fuel Economy of Subaru Forester

It is important to drive safely and efficiently so that you arrive on time, stay safe, and get a good gas mileage. Five habits can significantly impact your MPG. 

1. Frequent short trips

Warming up your engine makes it more efficient. Your car uses more fuel when you travel mostly short distances because it doesn’t have time to warm up fully.

2. Traveling in cold weather frequently

Your car’s engine takes longer to warm up during cold weather, so it spends less time at the desired temperature for fuel efficiency.  You won’t get better gas mileage by letting your car idle while it warms up.

3. Excessive braking or acceleration

Driving aggressively causes your car to switch gears more frequently than is optimal for fuel efficiency. Driving on highways with frequent, heavy braking and rapid acceleration can reduce fuel economy by up to 33%.

4. Excessive vehicle or towing weight

Your engine has to work harder when your car is loaded down. There may be extra weight from a cargo or bike rack, a heavy interior load, or a trailer.

5. Driving too fast

In addition to the cost of a speeding ticket, speeding uses more gas. Increasing your speed to 80 mph or faster results in higher air resistance, reducing fuel economy.

How Does Your Subaru Forester’s Condition Alter Gas Mileage?

Your car may use more gas when the engine isn’t running smoothly. Several physical characteristics can affect fuel economy, including those listed below.

1. Problems with fuel injectors

The fuel injector controls how much gas enters the engine. Injector problems or leaks may reduce the amount of fuel reaching the engine, making your car run less efficiently.

 2. Type of oil

The motor oil in your engine reduces friction and can improve your gas mileage by as much as 12%. You should use a synthetic friction-reducing fuel for optimal fuel performance.

3. Lack of maintenance

The systems in your car, including those directly related to fuel economy, run less efficiently when the maintenance is neglected. A clogged air filter, for instance, can adversely affect engine performance and fuel consumption.

4. Problems with spark plugs

You may have problems with fuel consumption if your spark plugs misfire. Your fuel economy is reduced when your engine doesn’t get enough combustion power.

5. Alignment or tire problems

Wearing out your tires or misaligning your wheels can cause your vehicle to pull against its motion. The additional strain can reduce your gas mileage. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, replace worn-out tires, and check your alignment regularly. Pay attention to your driving habits and your car’s health to optimise fuel efficiency.

11 Easy Ways to Increase Subaru Forester Gas Mileage

A driver can save money by improving fuel economy while also benefiting the environment by releasing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on imported oil.

1. Take it easy on the pedal

Fast acceleration, braking, and speeding are all waste gas. In mid-2023, regular gasoline prices were hovering around $3.66 per gallon. If you drive sensibly, rather than like a race car driver, you can save between 37 cents and $1.46 per gallon.

2. Slow Down

Over 50 mph, gas mileage efficiency tends to decrease.

Every five miles per hour, a driver goes over 50 mph resulting in an equivalent 22-cent increase in gas prices, according to fueleconomy.gov. There is an optimal speed for each vehicle, but speeding can reduce fuel economy by 7% to 14%. Gas savings can range from 26 cents to 51 cents per gallon when driving at slower speeds.

3. Do not take extras with you

As the weight of your car increases, your gas mileage decreases by up to 1%. Weight reduction varies with vehicle size: Smaller vehicles are more affected by added weight than larger vehicles. Expect to pay up to 4 cents more per gallon for every 100 pounds of extra weight.

4. Whenever possible, use cruise control

Under appropriate conditions, cruise control can improve fuel economy by up to 14%, according to Edmunds. It is appropriate to avoid using cruise control when the terrain is especially hilly.

The savings per gallon are about 43 cents.

5. Turn off the engine

The US Department of Energy estimates that idle cars consume several billion gallons of fuel annually.

If the expected wait is longer than 10 seconds, the California Energy Commission (CEC) recommends turning off the vehicle. Depending on how much air conditioning is used, an idling vehicle can burn half a gallon of gas in an hour.

6. Inspect the tire pressure

It is possible to improve gas mileage by performing a little vehicle maintenance.

The US Department of Energy estimates that 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline are wasted yearly on underinflated tires. The pressure in tires can drop by about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month.

The fuel economy of each tire underinflated by 10 psi is reduced by about 3.3%. If four tires are underinflated by 10 psi, a vehicle’s fuel economy would be reduced by about 10%, costing an additional 31 cents per gallon.

7. Check and replace spark plugs

According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, 94 cents per gallon is about the cost of a bad spark plug. Misfiring spark plugs are likely to cause a sudden drop in gas mileage.

The interval between replacing spark plugs is recommended between 20,000 and 100,000 miles. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide the best schedule.

8. Verify alignment

A misaligned tire drags instead of rolling freely. A poor alignment can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%, about 31 cents per gallon. Furthermore, the tires will wear out more quickly.

Vibrations in the steering wheel are the main symptom of poor alignment. For improved tire performance and fuel efficiency, balance and rotate tires as the owner’s manual directs.

9. Change the air filter

A dirty air filter can reduce fuel efficiency by about 10%. If you get your oil changed regularly, consider replacing it.

10. Fill up early in the morning or late at night

There is a volumetric dispense of fuel. It is best to fill your tank when it is cool outside – early in the morning or late at night – to avoid the day’s heat. Consequently, you will get more gas for your money.

11. Try to avoid rush hour

You can benefit from some flexibility in your work hours in several ways. Avoiding rush hour is one of them. It is stressful, it wastes time, and it wastes gas.

Subaru Forester Real World Highway MPG Test

Conclusion: Subaru Forester Gas Mileage

Fuel economy is a notable feature of the Subaru Forester that makes it appealing to consumers. Providing a balance between performance and sustainability, the Forester stands out among compact SUVs with its efficient fuel economy. Its advanced engineering and technology optimise fuel efficiency, making it an eco-friendly choice among reliable and economical SUVs.


FAQs

Do Subaru Foresters get good gas mileage?

2022 Subaru Forester Base Gas Mileage: 33 mpg hwy/26 mpg city* 2022 Subaru Forester Premium Gas Mileage: 33 mpg hwy/26 mpg city*

Which Subaru Has the Best Gas Mileage?

The Subaru vehicle with the highest mpg ratings is the 2022 Subaru Impreza, which offers up to 36 highway mpg and 28 city mpg.

Are Subarus expensive to maintain?

Yes, Subarus is more costly to fix. At least when compared to domestic brands, they are. Subarus are less common, so finding an independent mechanic may be challenging. That means many owners will be forced to pay higher dealership prices

Is Subaru Forester powerful?

The 2024 Subaru Forester comes in six trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited and Touring. Each trim is equipped with a 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

Does Subaru consume a lot of fuel?

Subaru is the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive brand on the market. However, next time you’re at the pump, think about this: better fuel economy starts with better vehicle maintenance.