Subaru Forester MPG, towing capacity, gas tank size, and tire pressure

The EPA rates the 2019–2024 Subaru Forester at 29 mpg combined, and the 2025–2026 Forester at 28 to 29 mpg with the gas engine and 35 mpg as a hybrid. The gas tank holds 16.6 gallons on 2019 and newer models. Most Foresters since 2014 can tow 1,500 lb; the Wilderness is rated 3,000 lb (2022–2025) or 3,500 lb (2026).

Published November 13, 2026 · Sources · Share

On this page (10 sections)

Forester generations at a glance

  • 2008 (2nd generation, last year): a 2.5L four-cylinder, or the 2.5XT with a turbocharged 2.5L that needs premium fuel.
  • 2009–2013 (3rd generation): a new body with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. In 2011 the non-turbo engine changed to a new 2.5L that takes 0W-20 synthetic oil.
  • 2014–2018 (4th generation): the 2.5i with a CVT or a 6-speed manual, and the 2.0XT, a 2.0L turbo with a CVT.
  • 2019–2024 (5th generation): one engine, a 2.5L direct-injection four, with a CVT only. The Wilderness trim arrived in 2022, and the 2025 Wilderness stayed on this body.
  • 2025–2026 (6th generation): a new body, the 2.5L gas engine, and the first Forester Hybrid. The Wilderness joined this body for 2026.

Forester gas mileage by year

Forester mpg rose with each new generation. A 2010–2013 Forester gets 21 to 23 mpg combined, the 2014–2018 2.5i with a CVT 27 to 28, and the 2019–2024 Forester 29. The turbo 2.0XT is rated 25 mpg, and the Wilderness 26, because of its all-terrain tires and lift. The 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid is the first to beat 30, at 35 mpg combined. Choose a year to see every EPA version:

202626–35 mpg combined · 4 versions
2026 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD292633
Forester Hybrid AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S6), AWD, hybrid353534
Forester Sport/Touring AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD282532
Forester Wilderness AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262428
202526–35 mpg combined · 4 versions
2025 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD292633
Forester Hybrid AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S6), AWD, hybrid353534
Forester Sport/Touring AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD282532
Forester Wilderness AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262528
202426–29 mpg combined · 2 versions
2024 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD292633
Forester Wilderness AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262528
202326–29 mpg combined · 2 versions
2023 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S7), AWD292633
Forester Wilderness AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262528
202226–29 mpg combined · 2 versions
2022 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S7), AWD292633
Forester Wilderness AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262528
202129 mpg combined · 1 version
2021 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S7), AWD292633
202029 mpg combined · 1 version
2020 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S7), AWD292633
201929 mpg combined · 1 version
2019 Subaru Forester: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Forester AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S7), AWD292633
2010–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
Subaru Forester, 2010–2018: EPA MPG range across versions
YearCombinedCityHighwayVersions
201824–2822–2627–323
201724–2822–2627–323
201625–2722–2427–313
201525–2722–2427–313
201424–2722–2427–313
201321–2319–2123–273
201221–2319–2123–273
201121–2319–2123–273
201021–2219–2024–273

EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive. EPA data on this site starts with the 2010 model year.

A 2014–2018 Forester with the 6-speed manual is rated lower than the CVT version, 24 to 25 mpg combined. Is 29 mpg good for a compact SUV? See what is good gas mileage.

Forester gas tank size and range

A 2019–2026 Forester holds 16.6 gallons, the Hybrid included. The 2014–2018 Forester holds 15.9 gallons, the 2009–2013 Forester 16.9 gallons, and the 2008 Forester 15.9 gallons, according to Subaru’s owner’s manuals. Non-turbo Foresters run on regular gas. The turbo 2.5XT (2008–2013) takes premium, and Subaru recommends 91 octane for the 2.0XT and requires it when towing.

Subaru Forester: fuel tank and estimated range (tank × EPA combined MPG)
YearsEngineFuel tankEPA combinedRange on a full tank
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder16.6 gal2126–29 mpgabout 430–480 miles
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder hybrid16.6 gal2235 mpgabout 580 miles
2019–20242.5L 4-cylinder16.6 gal1626–29 mpgabout 430–480 miles
20252.5L 4-cylinder (2025 Wilderness)16.6 gal1826–29 mpgabout 430–480 miles
20142.5L 4-cylinder15.9 gal1124–27 mpgabout 380–430 miles
2015–20182.5L 4-cylinder15.9 gal1124–28 mpgabout 380–450 miles
20142.0L turbo 4-cylinder (2.0XT)15.9 gal1125 mpgabout 400 miles
2015–20182.0L turbo 4-cylinder (2.0XT)15.9 gal1125 mpgabout 400 miles
2009–20102.5L 4-cylinder (EJ253)16.9 gal321–22 mpgabout 350–370 miles
2009–20102.5L turbo 4-cylinder (2.5XT, EJ255)16.9 gal321 mpgabout 350 miles
2011–20132.5L 4-cylinder (FB25)16.9 gal521–23 mpgabout 350–390 miles
2011–20132.5L turbo 4-cylinder (2.5XT, EJ255)16.9 gal521 mpgabout 350 miles
20082.5L 4-cylinder (EJ253)15.9 gal1Before EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual
20082.5L turbo 4-cylinder (2.5XT, EJ255)15.9 gal1Before EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual

On a road trip, the Hybrid’s higher mpg adds about 100 miles of range on the same tank. Estimate fuel for a trip with the trip gas cost calculator.

Forester tire size and pressure

Forester tire pressure depends on the year and wheel size. Most 2019–2026 Foresters take 33 psi front and 32 rear. Exceptions: 2023–2024 models on 17-inch wheels take 36 front and 35 rear, 2019–2024 models on 18-inch wheels take 35 and 33, and the Hybrid on 18-inch wheels takes 35 and 33. All numbers are for cold tires; the driver’s door jamb label has the one for your car.

Subaru Forester: tire size and pressure (cold) by trim
YearsTrimTire sizeFrontRear
2025–202617-inch wheels225/60R172133 psi32 psi
2025–202618-inch wheels225/55R182133 psi32 psi
2025–202619-inch wheels235/50R192133 psi32 psi
2026Wilderness235/60R172133 psi32 psi
2025–2026Hybrid, 18-inch wheels225/55R182235 psi33 psi
2025–2026Hybrid, 19-inch wheels235/50R192233 psi32 psi
2019–202217-inch wheels225/60R171333 psi32 psi
2023–202417-inch wheels225/60R171536 psi35 psi
2019–202418-inch wheels225/55R181635 psi33 psi
2022–2025Wilderness225/60R171433 psi32 psi
201417-inch wheels225/60R17830 psi29 psi
201418-inch wheels225/55R18833 psi32 psi
2015–20182.5i, 17-inch wheels225/60R171030 psi29 psi
2015–20182.5i, 18-inch wheels225/55R181032 psi30 psi
2015–20182.0XT (turbo)225/55R181033 psi32 psi
2009–201316-inch wheels215/65R16530 psi29 psi
2009–201317-inch wheels225/55R17532 psi30 psi
200816-inch wheels215/60R16129 psi28 psi
200817-inch wheels215/55R17132 psi30 psi

The 2023 change on 17-inch wheels catches owners out, so check the label even if you know an older Forester well. If the warning light stays on, see tire pressure light.

Oil at a glance

Non-turbo Foresters from 2011 to 2024 take 0W-20 synthetic (4.4 quarts with the filter on 2019–2024 models). The 2025–2026 Forester and Hybrid take 0W-16 (4.7 quarts). Turbo models take 5W-30 synthetic. Each year is on the Forester oil page.

Subaru Forester oil at a glance
YearsEngineOilCapacity
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder0W-16214.7 qt (4.4 L) with filter
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder hybrid0W-16224.7 qt (4.4 L) with filter
2019–20242.5L 4-cylinder0W-20164.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
20252.5L 4-cylinder (2025 Wilderness)0W-20184.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
20142.5L 4-cylinder0W-20115.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter
2015–20182.5L 4-cylinder0W-20115.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter
20142.0L turbo 4-cylinder (2.0XT)5W-30115.4 qt (5.1 L) with filter
2015–20182.0L turbo 4-cylinder (2.0XT)5W-30115.4 qt (5.1 L) with filter
2009–20102.5L 4-cylinder (EJ253)5W-3034.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter
2009–20102.5L turbo 4-cylinder (2.5XT, EJ255)5W-3034.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter
2011–20132.5L 4-cylinder (FB25)0W-2055.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter
2011–20132.5L turbo 4-cylinder (2.5XT, EJ255)5W-3054.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
20082.5L 4-cylinder (EJ253)5W-3014.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter
20082.5L turbo 4-cylinder (2.5XT, EJ255)5W-3014.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter

Forester towing capacity

A 2014–2026 Forester can tow 1,500 lb, the Hybrid included. The Wilderness is rated 3,000 lb for 2022–2025 and 3,500 lb for 2026. Older Foresters were rated higher: 2,400 lb for 2008–2013.

  • 6th generation (SL) (2025–2026): up to 1,500 lb21
  • 5th generation (SK) (2019–2025): up to 1,500 lb16
  • 4th generation (SJ) (2014–2018): up to 1,500 lb11
  • 3rd generation (SH) (2009–2013): up to 2,400 lb5
  • 2nd generation (SG) (2008): up to 2,400 lb1

The maximum assumes a properly equipped car and trailer. Passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight count against the load limit on the door-jamb label. The towing section of your owner’s manual has the rest of the rules.

Recalls: check by VIN

A recall covers specific build dates and parts, so two Foresters of the same year can differ. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. You will find the VIN at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side and on your insurance card. Recall repairs at a Subaru dealer are free.

What to record in your log

A Forester owner who logs a few things can spot a problem before the next service:

  • Each fill-up: date, odometer, and gallons. A sudden drop in mpg is worth a look; the MPG calculator turns two fill-ups into a number.
  • Oil added between changes, and at what mileage. Subaru’s newer manuals have a section on engine oil consumption, and a written record helps if you ever talk to a dealer about it.
  • Tire pressure checks and rotations, every 6,000 miles.

Use a fuel log and a car maintenance log. The service chart is on the Forester maintenance schedule page, and the brand’s system on the Subaru maintenance schedule page.

FAQ

What is the gas mileage of a Subaru Forester?

29 mpg combined for 2019–2024, 28 to 29 mpg for the 2025–2026 gas model, and 35 mpg for the Forester Hybrid, according to the EPA. The Wilderness is rated 26.

How much can a Subaru Forester tow?

1,500 lb for 2014–2026 models, 3,000 lb for the 2022–2025 Wilderness, 3,500 lb for the 2026 Wilderness, and 2,400 lb for 2008–2013 models.

How big is the Forester gas tank?

16.6 gallons on 2019–2026 models, 15.9 gallons on 2014–2018 models, and 16.9 gallons on 2009–2013 models.

What tire pressure does a Subaru Forester take?

Most 2019–2026 Foresters take 33 psi front and 32 rear. 2023–2024 models on 17-inch wheels take 36 and 35, and 18-inch wheels on 2019–2024 models take 35 and 33. Check the door-jamb label.

Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America. Subaru and Forester are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.

Sources

  1. 2008 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  2. 2008 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  3. 2010 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  4. 2010 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  5. 2013 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  6. 2013 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, Forester maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  7. 2011 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  8. 2014 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  9. 2014 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, Forester maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  10. 2015 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  11. 2018 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  12. 2018 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  13. 2019 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  14. 2022 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual (includes Wilderness), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  15. 2023 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  16. 2024 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications and Trailer Hitch (checked November 12, 2026)
  17. 2024 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  18. 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  19. 2025 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  20. 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  21. 2026 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual (includes Wilderness), Specifications and Trailer Hitch (checked November 12, 2026)
  22. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  23. 2026 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  24. 2026 Subaru Hybrid Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  25. U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)