2015 Subaru Forester
Change Year or Vehicle
Key Specs
of the 2015 Subaru Forester base trim shown
-
Body Type:Sport Utility See similar vehicles
-
Combined MPG:25-27 Combined MPG
-
Engine:170-hp, 2.5-liter H-4 (regular gas)
-
Drivetrain:All-wheel Drive
-
Seating:5 Seats How does a child seat fit in?
- View more specs
Our Take
From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team
The Good
- Visibility
- Backseat space
- Backup camera now standard
The Bad
- No stick shift for 2.0XT
- Liftgate should open higher
- EyeSight cameras intrude
Notable Features of the 2015 Subaru Forester
- EyeSight safety option $500 cheaper
- Choice of four-cylinders, including turbo engine
- Manual transmission or CVT
- All-wheel drive standard
2015 Subaru Forester Overview
When it was redesigned last year, the Subaru Forester compact SUV stayed nearly the same size outside, but became roomier inside. It also gained interior and feature upgrades, including optional high-tech active safety features like EyeSight, which uses a camera to control adaptive cruise control, precollision braking and lane departure warning. The 2.0XT version features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Forester competitors include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
New for 2015
The price for packages with the EyeSight safety system are $500 cheaper, and a backup camera and color dashboard display are now standard.
The below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights
- 17-inch wheels; 18-inch wheels available
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance
- High-intensity-discharge headlights available
- Fog lights available
- Power liftgate available
- Panoramic moonroof available
Interior Highlights
- Seats five
- Cloth upholstery; leather available
- Power driver's seat available
- Heated front seats available
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
- 60/40-split folding backseat; reclining backseat available
- CD stereo with iPod connectivity and MP3 jack; Harman Kardon premium stereo available
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- Navigation system available
- Keyless access and start available
Under the Hood
- 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder ...
When it was redesigned last year, the Subaru Forester compact SUV stayed nearly the same size outside, but became roomier inside. It also gained interior and feature upgrades, including optional high-tech active safety features like EyeSight, which uses a camera to control adaptive cruise control, precollision braking and lane departure warning. The 2.0XT version features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Forester competitors include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
New for 2015
The price for packages with the EyeSight safety system are $500 cheaper, and a backup camera and color dashboard display are now standard.
The below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights
- 17-inch wheels; 18-inch wheels available
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance
- High-intensity-discharge headlights available
- Fog lights available
- Power liftgate available
- Panoramic moonroof available
Interior Highlights
- Seats five
- Cloth upholstery; leather available
- Power driver's seat available
- Heated front seats available
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
- 60/40-split folding backseat; reclining backseat available
- CD stereo with iPod connectivity and MP3 jack; Harman Kardon premium stereo available
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- Navigation system available
- Keyless access and start available
Under the Hood
- 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine
- 250-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder available
- Six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission with 2.5-liter four-cylinder
- CVT with manual-shift modes for turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- All-wheel drive
- Hill descent control available
Safety Features
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
- Front-seat side-impact airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Side curtain airbags
- Backup camera
- EyeSight with adaptive cruise control, precollision braking and lane departure warning available
2015 Forester Video
Editor's note: This review was done in March 2013 about the 2014 Subaru Forester. Little of substance has changed with this year's model.
Latest 2015 Forester Stories
-
2011-2015 Subaru Oil Issue
CARS.COM The problem: Vehicles may exhibit excessive oil consumption due to faulty engine short block assemblies. Vehicles affected by service bulletin: 2013 Subaru Legacy with 2.5... Read more
-
Recall Alert: 2015-16 Subaru WRX, Forester
CARS.COM Vehicles Affected: Approximately 18,000 model-year 2015-16 Subaru WRX sedans manufactured between April 10 and Oct. 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT SUVs manufactured between ... Read more
-
2011-15 Subaru Oil Consumption Update
CARS.COM — Vehicles affected by service bulletin: 2013 Subaru Legacy* 2014 Subaru Legacy* 2013 Subaru Outback* 2014 Subaru Outback* 2011 Subaru Forester* Read more
What Drivers Are Saying
Latest Reviews
it's reputation of best AWD and durability
I looked into finding the best car with AWD, and consumers reviews were best on Subaru, plus my daughter lives in CO. She says everybody drives a Subaru. I had some friends who owned a Subaru and said ... Read full review
Great vehicle for around town
I think it is great. This is my fifth Subaru and the AWD system is hands down the best in the industry. It never loses traction or hydroplanes. It generally gets around 28 mpg except out on the ... Read full review
Safety & Recalls
Recalls
The 2015 Subaru Forester currently has 1 recall
Manufacturer Warranty
-
Bumper-to-Bumper
36 months / 36,000 miles
-
Powertrain
60 months / 60,000 miles
-
Roadside Assistance
36 months / 36,000 miles
CPO Program & Warranty
Certified Pre-Owned by Subaru

Program Benefits
24-hour roadside assistance and Carfax vehicle history report
-
Limited Warranty
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain: 7 years/100,000 miles from original date of first use. Roadside assistance: 1 year from date of purchase -
Eligibility
Under 6 years / 85,000 miles
Vehicles receive a 152 point inspection and reconditioning.