- Gas
- Hybrid
- Small SUVs
- MY2000–2026
Subaru Forester MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
27 model years · 2000–2026
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Subaru Forester fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Subaru Forester for 27 model years, 2000 to 2026. Across those years its combined rating runs 18–35 MPG. The latest model year, 2026, has 4 configurations rated 26–35 MPG combined and costing $1,890–$2,540 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2000 is the 2026 Hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl AWD, at 35 MPG. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 21 MPG in 1998.
Subaru Forester MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Hybrid (MPG) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (SL) Generation page | |||
| 2026 | 26–29 | 35 | $1,890–$2,540 |
| 2025 Generation page | |||
| 2025 | 26–29 | 35 | $1,890–$2,490 |
| 2019-2024 (SK) Generation page | |||
| 2024 | 26–29 | — | $2,280–$2,490 |
| 2023 | 26–29 | — | $2,280–$2,490 |
| 2022 | 26–29 | — | $2,280–$2,490 |
| 2021 | 29 | — | $2,280 |
| 2020 | 29 | — | $2,280 |
| 2019 | 29 | — | $2,280 |
| 2014-2018 (SJ) Generation page | |||
| 2018 | 24–28 | — | $2,320–$3,250 |
| 2017 | 24–28 | — | $2,320–$3,250 |
| 2016 | 25–27 | — | $2,430–$3,250 |
| 2015 | 25–27 | — | $2,430–$3,250 |
| 2014 | 24–27 | — | $2,430–$3,250 |
| 2009-2013 (SH) Generation page | |||
| 2013 | 21–23 | — | $2,830–$3,880 |
| 2012 | 21–23 | — | $2,830–$3,880 |
| 2011 | 21–23 | — | $2,830–$3,880 |
| 2010 | 21–22 | — | $2,970–$3,830 |
| 2009 | 21–22 | — | $2,970–$3,830 |
| 2003-2008 (SG) Generation page | |||
| 2008 | 20–22 | — | $2,970–$4,020 |
| 2007 | 20–22 | — | $2,970–$4,020 |
| 2006 | 20–22 | — | $2,970–$4,020 |
| 2005 | 19–23 | — | $2,840–$4,230 |
| 2004 | 18–21 | — | $3,110–$4,460 |
| 2003 | 21 | — | $3,110 |
| 2000-2002 (SF) Generation page | |||
| 2002 | 21 | — | $3,110 |
| 2001 | 21 | — | $3,110 |
| 2000 | 21 | — | $3,110 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Subaru Forester generations
7 generations between 2000 and 2026. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2026 Subaru Forester (SL)
26–35 MPG · $1,890–$2,540/yr
2025 Subaru Forester
26–35 MPG · $1,890–$2,490/yr
2019-2024 Subaru Forester (SK)
26–29 MPG · $2,280–$2,490/yr
2014-2018 Subaru Forester (SJ)
24–28 MPG · $2,320–$3,250/yr
2009-2013 Subaru Forester (SH)
21–23 MPG · $2,830–$3,880/yr
2003-2008 Subaru Forester (SG)
18–23 MPG · $2,840–$4,460/yr
2000-2002 Subaru Forester (SF)
21 MPG · $3,110/yr
2026 powertrain options
Subaru Forester MPG history, 1998–1999
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 20–21 |
| 1998 | 20–21 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
More Subaru models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Subaru Forester's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Subaru Forester run 18–35 MPG across model years 2000 to 2026. The latest year, 2026, is rated 26–35 MPG.
Which Subaru Forester model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl AWD has the highest combined rating since 2000, at 35 MPG.
How much does a Subaru Forester cost to fuel per year?
For MY2026, EPA-rated configurations cost $1,890–$2,540 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $1,890.
Has the Subaru Forester's fuel economy improved over time?
Yes. The most efficient configuration moved from 21 MPG in 2000 to 35 MPG in 2026, 14 MPG more. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 21 MPG.
Is there a hybrid, plug-in or electric Subaru Forester?
Yes. Hybrid versions are rated from 2025 to 2026 (35 MPG).
Which Subaru Forester model years have the same ratings?
EPA lists identical ratings as the previous year for 2001, 2002. The generation pages mark those years "same EPA ratings" and point to the year that holds the full table.