Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013) Review
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Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013) At A Glance
Good compromise between a station wagon and an SUV. Now available with 2.0 litre chain cam 'boxer' diesel engine.
New prices are expensive. Interior quality lags behind Volkswagen, Nissan and Ford.
Third generation Subaru Forester is a 4x4 without the bulk. It strikes a great compromise between a traditional estate and a small off-roader, like a Toyota RAV-4 or Nissan X-Trail.
Take it off-road and you can see why it's so popular with buyers who live in rural or remote locations - it'll cope with just about anything that's thrown at it from icy or snowy roads to seemingly unpassable dirt tracks.
Power comes from a pair of Subaru's legendary 'boxer' flat engines and - for the first time - one of them is a diesel. It's been worth the wait, too, as it pulls well, will return almost 50mpg on the motorway and still retains the chracterful 'boxer burble' that owners have come to expect from Subaru's engines.
Inside, it's spacious, there's a good sized boot and comes with all the creature comforts you'd expect from this sort of car, from climate control and heated seats, to satellite navigation on top models.
A mild 2010 facelift brought a number of small improvements, including a redesigned instrument cluster, instantaneous MPG display on clock, suspension upgrades for better roadholding, standard alloys on 2.0X, one-touch folding rear seats on XS and XC and a reversing camera and Bluetooth with handsfree connectivity on 2.0D XS NavPlus.
Read how the Forester performed when it was set a unique challenge
Reviews for Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 to 2.0 D
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–55 mpg
The 147bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine is by far and away the most popular of the two engines on offer, though it wasn't available at launch. That means that the earliest Foresters are petrol only, with the diesel available from October 2009 on 08/58 plates.
The petrol engine isn't to be sniffed at, though. Torque is up slightly over the 2.0-litre that was in the previous generation car, although it isn't quite as powerful. Its 0-60mph time isn't lightning quick, but at 10.6 seconds (12.3 seconds for the auto), it's more than respectable for a car of this size; the top speed is 114mph.
It needs to be worked hard to get the best from it, which means it can be noisy, but the characterful burble of the flat 'boxer' does compensate a little by giving it a sporty feel. At almost 200 g/km, emissions for the petrol engine are seriously off-putting and make Forester look expensive to tax alongside rivals like the Skoda Octavia. Plus it's only good for 33mpg on the Combined Cycle.
And that's why most buyer opt for excellent 147bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Like the petrol it's a flat 'boxer' engine, which means you get the engine burble that you expect from a Subaru, but with much lower emissions (167-170 g/km CO2) and better fuel economy (44mpg). It pulls strongly from low revs, has 350 Nm of torque and beats the petrol to 60mph, achieving it in 10.1 seconds. It's also a better bet for anyone who needs to tow. The 2000kg braked towing weight - combined with all-wheel drive - means it's a great option for those looking to tow small horseboxes or trailer and caravans.
Forester thrives off-road, with decent ground clearance, self levelling suspension and, of course, Subaru's renowned symettrical all-wheel drive. Forester's ability belies its size and puts many larger off-roaders to shame - the terrain needs to be seriously rough to cause it trouble. On farms, in the snow and off the beaten track, it won't be left stuck.
On road, the all-wheel drive system provides great stability and grip, which is great in adverse conditions. That said, the steering is a little light and it does tend to roll around a little, which can be off-putting if cornering quickly.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 38 mpg | 10.7 s | 173 g/km |
| 2.0 Automatic | 38 mpg | 12.4 s | 174 g/km |
| 2.0 D | 44–48 mpg | 10.4 s | 155–170 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
95%
Real MPG
24–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
134
Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 450–1660 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4560 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1675–1700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2615 mm |
The utilitarian interior is built to cope with the demands of being a working vehicle. It's robust, well-built, but lacks the frills and tactile materials that you might expect in an soft-roader like the Volkswagen Tiguan. Much of the dashboard and centre console are dominated by hard grey plastic, whereas in an off-roader from a more mainstream manufacturer, you would expect to interior plastics to be used in a more sophisticated and attractive way - like the Nissan Qashqai.
From 2010, the 2.0D XS NavPlus gets a reversing camera with guides, which helps park in tight spaces. It's a useful extra to have, though Forester's all-round visibility is already pretty good. The driver gets a good driving position, too, with plenty of steering wheel and seat adjustment.
Passengers are treated to decent amounts of head and legroom in the back, the ride is comfortable (improved further on 2010 models) and there's surprisingly little wind or road noise. Up front there's plenty of storage areas, including a large glovebox, a big centre armrest box and generously sized door pockets.
The large boot (combined with Forester's go-anywhere ability), means it's incredibly practical. The 450 litre boot has wide opening and low lip, making it easy to load, and can be further extended by folding the rear seats flat. From 2010, this is a 'one-touch' operation (like on the larger Legacy) on all models but the base-level X; one pull on a lever at the top of the rear seat folds it flat.
Subaru Forester (2008 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4560 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm |
| Height | 1675–1700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2615 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1465–1570 kg |
| Boot Space | 450–1660 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £23,120–£29,120 |
| Insurance Groups | 19–24 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–H |
| Official MPG | 37.7–47.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2013
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 X 5dr | £23,120 | 37.7 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0 X Auto 5dr | £24,120 | 37.7 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 2.0 XS 5dr | £27,120 | 37.7 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0 XS Auto 5dr | £28,120 | 37.7 mpg | 12.4 s |
| 2.0D X 5dr | £24,820 | 47.9 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 2.0D XC 5dr | £26,820 | 47.1 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 2.0D XS 5dr | £29,120 | 47.1 mpg | 10.4 s |
On sale until March 2011
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0D SureTrak 5dr | £27,320 | 44.1 mpg | 10.4 s |
On sale until December 2008
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0D XSn | £25,965 | 44.1 mpg | - |
Model History
April 2008
Third-generation Forester unveiled
New-generation crossover SUV from Subaru, a car that meets the demands and needs of everyday driving. It has been designed around the concept of Best Package for Active Life, which blends high levels of comfort, performance, versatility, and safety to create the best and most versatile vehicle for drivers and their families to enjoy an active lifestyle.
* 2.0X is the basic line with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range, and offering outstanding fuel economy
* 2.0XS features convenience and versatility with expanded standard equipment and offers superb fuel economy
* 2.0XT is a premium model, delivering powerful driving performance while addressing environmental concerns
Compared to the previous model, the new Forester is 110 mm taller (excluding the roof rail) and 45 mm wider, and its wheelbase has been expanded by 90 mm, increasing interior space and improving riding comfort. On the other hand, the overall distance between the ends of the right and left door mirrors has been shortened by 10 mm through mirror position and design changes. Also, the minimum turning radius was made shorter by 0.1 m for zippy handling.
Off-road capability is further improved by optimisation of approach and departure angles, coupled with a generous 225-mm ground clearance on 2.0XT. Gound clearance on the 2.0X and 2.0XS is 215 mm.
Double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a deeper and wider luggage compartment. This enhances the utility of this car that already features cargo area tie-down hooks and a DC12V/120W power outlet, as well as a push button switch for folding down the rear seatbacks.
Larger door openings, enabled through new sash construction, allow improved ingress and egress, and rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.
Through the enhancement of body rigidity, less road noise reaches the interior of the car. All door openings are sealed with double-layered weather stripping placed along the door trim for the optimal pressure to tightly seal the doors and ensure a quieter ride.
Multi-function centre console provides a spacious compartment that can accommodate an A4-size notebook PC and a purse of equivalent size. It also incorporates a removable tray that can be used to hold portable media players and cell phones. The console compartment has a sliding lid that is cushioned on top to serve as an armrest.
17-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with distinctively sculptured spokes. 16-inch aluminium-alloy wheels also feature sharp lines of spokes, expressing high quality and smartness. Vehicle information display, which constantly shows outside temperature, average mileage and time on the digital clock, as well as a navigation screen and audio display, are placed nearer the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.
Front seat cushions employ highly resilient urethane materials that effectively absorb vibration during a drive. In addition, newly developed seatback springs firmly support the driver’s hips and back to maintain the optimal driving position.
2.0-L DOHC engines on the 2.0X and 2.0XS. Powered by regular gasoline, the 2.0-L naturally aspirated Boxer engine features better combustion efficiency, as well as eco-friendly performance and fuel economy, thanks to a newly designed DOHC cylinder head and the use of the active valve control system (AVCS).
Fuel economy has been improved with the redesigned DOHC cylinder head, as well as through optimisation of the compression ratio and reduction of the volume of the combustion chamber. Low-end and mid-range torque is improved, while better fuel economy and lower gas emissions are achieved, primarily through design changes in the engine that generate a stronger tumble gas flow and raise gas intake efficiency. Use of AVCS contributes to higher power output, while fuel economy is also achieved by improving combustion efficiency through the optimized timing of valve openings and closings. Design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output. With the optimisation of diameter and length of the intake manifold, and adoption of equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine’s intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.
Two catalytic converters in tandem enables converters to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency. Twin silencers expand the muffler capacity, bringing noise levels down even lower and reducing exhaust back pressure.
2.0-L DOHC Turbo engine. A newly developed DOHC cylinder head is used in this engine. The intake port and the combustion chamber have been redesigned to reduce residual gasses, thus raising combustion efficiency. By using a resin-based intake manifold, the inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow. The weight is also reduced by 30% compared to the earlier manifold. Design change in the cooling water channel around the spark plug further prevents engine knocking and also helps improve low-end and mid-range torque output.
The new Forester was developed on the basis of a new chassis concept, the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3). Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, vehicle stability and excellent comfort are perfectly blended in the new model.
The new Forester, with its advanced frame construction, has realised high levels of safety and crash-worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear-impact crashes. An immobiliser is standard equipment on the 2.0XT and is available as a manufacturer’s option on the 2.0XS.
Despite increasing its maximum air output over the prior model’s level, the AC unit is quieter with lowered airflow and operating noise through the adoption of a sub-cooling type condenser that allows efficient use of the compressor and refrigerant and reduces air resistance inside the unit. The new AC unit is designed to consume less energy, contributing to better fuel economy.
Emissions: 2.0 manual 198g/km CO2; 2.0 auto 199g/km CO2.
On sale from April 2008
2.0X manual £17,995
2.0XS manual £21,895
2.0X auto £18,995
2.0XS autp £22,895
2.0 Boxer diesel versions arriving October 2008. 170g/km CO2. New six-speed manual gearbox and new closed-type diesel particulate filter. 147 PS and 258 lb ft torque.
What to watch out for
For economy reasons, the alternator does not start recharging the battery until the engine is fully to temperature, resulting in flat batteries for cars driven short distances from cold. The answer is to switch on the side lights or headlights creating a need for power that clutches the alternator on so it recharges the battery.
14-08-2011:'Official' LPG converted engines have been suffering exhaust valce seat recession in as little as 40,000 miles. Subaru has been fixing cars under warranty, but this could become a problem when the car is out of warranty.
14-10-2012:Some 'Boxer' diesels up to 2009/59 reg have needed a new DMF and clutch within the warranty period because they had the same engine ECU computer programme for the clutch as original Boxer diesel in the Legacy, with 5-speed manual transmission. Apparently, this was allowing too much torque through the flywheel in 1st and 2nd, thus causing the problem. A new ECU software programme has been written, damping torque in 1st and 2nd to solve this.
05-02-2013:If an injector fails on the diesel the entire engine has to come out to replace it, quoted by dealer at £647 just for removing and replacing the engine + cost of injector and fitting it.
06-02-2013:Crankshaft failure on 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.0 Boxer diesel at 44,000 miles. Apparently common on EE20 Engines (Subaru Boxer Diesel). Crankshafts snap in half under maximum torque load cruising at 60 - 70mph. New engines are quoted by IM Group at £11,000. Google Subaru Boxer Diesel Crankshaft Failures for more.
18-07-2013:Subaru rejected a claim for corrosion on a 2008 Forester thought to be caused by a problem with the paint/substrate. Car purchased September 2011.
22-02-2014:Automatic transmission requires a scheduled oil and filter change at the 48,000 mile service, but actually benefits from one before that or could start playing up.
24-04-2014:Transmission failed on 41k mile 2009 Subaru Forester. Quoted £8,500 to repair. Instead, we suggested API engines for a second hand transmission or a rebuild.
20-11-2014:Unconfirmed rumour from USA of excessive oil consumption problem of FB20 2.0 litre petrol engine due to problems with the piston rings. We have no UK reports of this.
04-12-2014:It seems that on the Subaru Forester from 2008 the front suspension wishbone bushes are prone to wear and need replacing after 6 years at a cost of £53 a side, plus labourt, which is a lot more if the old bushes are not extraced from gthe wishbones and new wishbones are required.
27-04-2015:Clutch failure of 2011 Forester reported at 60,000 miles. Car had been used for towing a horse trailer, total weight 2 tonnes. Replacement clutch and DMF very expensive so dealer sourced a cheaper one (still £2,400) and this failed after a further 12,500 miles.
01-09-2016:Report of repairs and replacements needed to 2011 Subaru Forester over 50,638 miles: One AIR SENSOR in 2014 (£247.54), one PROP SHAFT BEARING AND OIL SEAL in 2015 (£787.94) and TWO OTHER VALVES in 2016 (£992.44); each time involving the Subaru being off the road for some time – three weeks in the latter case as I understand the parts had to come from Japan!
12-05-2017:Report of crankshaft failure of 2009 Subaru Forester Boxer diesel at 120,000 miles, presumed EE20 engine (see 6-2-2013). "S udden odd noise from engine and weird feeling on clutch. Subaru dealer identified an oil leak between back end of engine and clutch. (Before this engine had not been using or losing oil). Diagnosis was imminent crankshaft failure with advice not to drive further. Owner thinks that the 'square' bore and stroke of 86mm for both gives excellent torque but with a horizontally opposed diesel engine, stresses develop. Apparently the engines were later modified in production to overcome the problem. If the car has a full Subaru service history with all oil changes on time, the IM Group will sometimes fund the cost of a new engine up to 120,000 miles.
16-05-2017:Another completely separate report of problems with a 2010 Subaru Forester diesel. In past 18 months has needed replacement glowplugs four times.
07-12-2018:Report of failure of reverse gear of February 2011 Subaru Forester boxer diesel in July 2013, then again in June 2016.
