The Subaru Forester has never been the burliest off-roader in the SUV crowd, but it’s carved out a reputation as one of the most dependable all-weather family haulers you can buy.. With five generations already behind it (the sixth started in 2025), there’s no shortage of used options if you’re considering one. Here’s a look at each generation with some Subaru Forester used SUV buying tips to help you figure out which Forester might be the right fit.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Forester's sixth-gen debuted in 2025.
- Safety ratings are consistently strong, with many Forester years making IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ lists.
- Off-road-focused Wilderness trims (5th gen) and turbocharged options (2nd–4th gens) stand out for buyers who want extra performance or capability.
Fifth Generation (2019–2024)
For 2019, Subaru managed to carve out more room inside the Forester without making the SUV feel bulky. Backseat riders picked up extra legroom, the front row got a little more breathing space, and the overall cabin feels more comfortable. The turbocharged option disappeared this year, leaving every model with a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder tied to a CVT.
All trims got Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite standard, and the model racked up IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards from 2019–2022, then Top Safety Pick honors for 2023–2024. Tech varied by trim, from a 6.5-inch base screen to an 8-inch unit with navigation on higher trims. Yearly updates brought small refinements, like adaptive headlights in 2021 and a refreshed front end plus the rugged Wilderness trim in 2022.
This trim built off the Premium grade and added real off-road flair: 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a retuned suspension, all-terrain tires on black wheels, extra skid plates, and waterproof upholstery. It even came with a beefy roof rack rated for rooftop tents.
Fourth Generation (2014–2018)
The 2014 redesign brought more space inside and out, boosting max cargo room to nearly 75 cubic feet. Subaru swapped out older transmissions for a 6-speed manual or CVT, and offered two engines: the base 170-hp four-cylinder or a 250-hp turbocharged version that delivered real punch.
The fourth-gen Forester continued Subaru’s safety streak, with most years earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition. Later model years added blind-spot monitoring, updated infotainment with bigger touchscreens, and more advanced EyeSight features like reverse automatic braking.
Third Generation (2009–2013)
With an all-new platform in 2009, the Forester grew taller and longer, improving rear legroom and ride quality. Engines carried over but were refined, and Subaru stuck with a manual for the base model while other trims used a 4-speed automatic. Ground clearance increased to 8.7 inches, cementing its snow-ready reputation.
All five years of this generation made IIHS Top Safety Pick lists, and updates included things like a new Touring trim (2011) and Bluetooth audio becoming standard (2013).
Second Generation (2003–2008)
The second-gen Forester was a little bigger and offered a wider range of trims. Cargo space maxed at 64 cubic feet, and new engines included a 210-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the XT trim. Ground clearance rose to 8 inches by 2006, and the lineup saw plenty of incremental improvements: a power bump for both engines, revised styling, and the addition of higher-end trims like the LL Bean Edition. By 2007–2008, the Forester was earning IIHS Top Safety Pick status.
First Generation (1998–2002)
First-gen Foresters share a platform with the Impreza and the 2.5L engine from the Outback. With 165 horsepower, up to 7.5 inches of ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive, it offered a unique blend of car-like handling with SUV utility. Subaru split it into Base, L, and S trims, all of which came surprisingly well equipped for the time. Later years simplified the lineup but kept the formula intact.
Is a Used Subaru Forester Worth It?
No matter which generation you’re leaning toward, the best way to figure out if a Forester is right for you is to see it in person. Stop by and check out the different model years for yourself—we’ll walk you through the features, answer your questions, and get you behind the wheel for a test drive!