2024 Subaru Forester Configuration
Trim Options: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, Touring.
Starting Price: $28,440 to $38,490.
Premium Model: Best value, includes 17-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Engine: 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder, 182 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic (CVT).
Performance: Adequate acceleration, comfortable ride, accurate steering.
Fuel Economy: EPA-rated 26 mpg combined, 33 mpg highway.
Interior Comfort: Spacious cabin, excellent outward visibility, quality materials.
Cargo Space: Ample storage, fits 23 carry-on suitcases with rear seats folded.
Infotainment: Standard 6.5-inch or optional 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi.
Safety Features: Standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control.
Warranty: Three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What’s New for 2024 Subaru Forester?
Subaru’s Forester stays the same. It keeps its Base and Premium versions for budget buyers, while the higher-end Limited, Touring, and rugged Wilderness editions remain. This keeps things steady and reliable for Forester fans, showing Subaru’s focus on quality. Whether you pick the practical Base or the tough Wilderness, Subaru offers choices for different lifestyles. With its unchanged lineup, the Forester assures a dependable and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Between $20k and $60k, Subaru’s Limited and Touring trims shine with luxury. However, we favor the Premium model. Its 17-inch wheels, rear spoiler, and body-color side-view mirrors enhance its appearance. Inside, enjoy a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seatbacks, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system. This blend of style and comfort makes the Premium a standout choice, offering excellent value for the price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Forester boasts a reliable 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and a towing capacity of 1500 pounds. With a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) transferring power to Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, it ensures stability on various terrains. Though not lightning-fast, our Forester Wilderness clocked 8.0 seconds to hit 60 mph, meeting most drivers’ needs. For more zest, consider the CR-V or turbocharged versions of the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage. Despite lacking sports-oriented features, the Forester handles competently with a smooth ride, accurate steering, and effective brakes, ensuring a comfortable and safe driving experience for all.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
In the compact-crossover category, the Forester offers good fuel efficiency, with ratings of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. It’s a solid choice for those who want to save on gas. During our 75-mph highway test, the Forester Touring missed its rating by just 1 mpg, achieving 32 mpg. This should make buyers happy who want to spend less on fuel. The Forester does a great job balancing performance and fuel economy, making it practical for everyday driving and longer trips. Its reliability and consistency on the road make it a favorite among drivers who want a dependable crossover that won’t break the bank at the pump.
2024 Subaru Forester Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Forester boasts a no-nonsense interior design, focusing on practicality and comfort. Our Touring model featured luxurious caramel-colored leather on the seats, door panels, and dash, complemented by high-quality textured plastic trim throughout the cabin. Gloss-black plastic accents on the center stack and matte-metallic trims add a touch of sophistication. With ample legroom and a comfortable bench seat, even adults can enjoy long road trips. Behind the back seat, we managed to fit 11 carry-on suitcases, and when the seats were folded, an impressive 23 suitcases fit snugly. This surpasses the capacity of competitors like the CX-5 and RAV4, though the CR-V tops out at 25 carry-ons. The Forester’s spacious and practical interior makes it a standout choice for families and adventurers alike.
Pros:
Spacious Interior: Offers generous passenger and cargo space, accommodating families and luggage comfortably.
All-Wheel Drive: Standard AWD system enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Smooth Ride: Provides a comfortable and composed driving experience, absorbing bumps and road imperfections well.
Excellent Visibility: Boasts great outward visibility, aiding driver awareness and confidence on the road.
Fuel Efficiency: Delivers competitive fuel economy figures, making it cost-effective to operate over long distances.
Reliability: Subaru’s reputation for reliability ensures peace of mind and long-term ownership satisfaction.
Safety Features: Equipped with advanced safety technologies, enhancing occupant protection and accident prevention.
Cons:
Mediocre Acceleration: Engine performance may feel lackluster, especially during highway passing maneuvers.
Limited Power: Engine output may be insufficient for towing heavy loads or spirited driving.
Plain Interior Design: Cabin aesthetics and materials may appear uninspiring compared to rivals in the segment.
Noisy Cabin: Road and wind noise may intrude into the cabin at higher speeds, affecting overall comfort.
Minimalistic Base Trim: Entry-level model lacks some desirable features found in higher trims, limiting customization options.
Average Handling: Handling dynamics may feel less engaging compared to sportier competitors in the class.
Pricey Upper Trims: Higher trim levels can be expensive, offering features that may not justify the increased cost for some buyers.
2024 Subaru Forester Infotainment and Connectivity
Forester’s infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring Subaru’s Starlink interface across all models. Base, Premium, and Sport variants sport a 6.5-inch display, while an optional 8.0-inch screen comes with the Sport and is standard in Limited and Touring models. Front-seat passengers have two USB ports, and rear-seat passengers can opt for two more in the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. Navigation is available, but even without it, users can enjoy turn-by-turn directions via smartphone apps. Additionally, onboard Wi-Fi, powered by a 4G LTE connection, is standard in all models except the base Forester, ensuring connectivity on the go.
2024 Subaru Forester Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Forester boasts a suite of standard safety features, enhancing driver confidence and vehicle security. Automated emergency braking ensures swift response to potential hazards, while lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist maintains road alignment, mitigating risks of unintended drifts. Adaptive cruise control adapts speed to traffic conditions, optimizing driving comfort and safety during long journeys. These standard features reflect Subaru’s commitment to proactive safety measures, ensuring occupants remain protected on every drive. With these technologies seamlessly integrated into the Forester’s design, drivers can navigate roads with heightened awareness and peace of mind, making it a standout choice in its class for safety-conscious individuals seeking reliability and innovation.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
| Warranty Coverage | Duration | Mileage Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Warranty | Three years | 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | Five years | 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not available | Not available |
Final Thoughts
2024 Subaru Forester remains a top choice in the compact crossover segment. Its blend of comfort, practicality, and safety features makes it stand out. With spacious seating, ample cargo room, and user-friendly technology like the Starlink infotainment system, the Forester caters to modern drivers. Its standard all-wheel drive ensures stability in various road conditions, while the efficient engine offers decent fuel economy. Despite its modest acceleration, the Forester delivers a smooth and composed ride. With different trim levels to suit diverse preferences, it’s no wonder the Forester continues to charm buyers seeking reliability and versatility in their daily drives.