Body Styles

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV with a boxy, upright design optimized for interior space and outward visibility. Its tall roofline, short overhangs, and large windows give it a practical, airy feel, while its moderate ground clearance (8.7 inches or 221 mm) enhances both off-road capability and ease of entry. The rear features a squared-off cargo area that maximizes usable volume, while the long wheelbase provides rear-seat legroom more typical of mid-size SUVs. Despite its compact classification, its proportions prioritize function over flair.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

According to Subaru, the name “Forester” reflects the vehicle’s identity as an outdoors-ready companion, capable of tackling trails, forests, and rugged terrain. It was intended to convey a sense of nature, exploration, and utility from its inception.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Forester” is a literal English term referring to a person who manages or lives within a forest. The name implies harmony with nature and conjures imagery of resilience, adventure, and wilderness — qualities aligned with the brand’s all-wheel-drive ethos and the Forester’s rugged character.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Forester's exterior colors across this generation include staples like Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Ice Silver Metallic, along with bolder choices such as Jasper Green, Crimson Red, and Horizon Blue Pearl. Some trims like the Wilderness Edition introduce exclusive matte-finish options and blacked-out accents.

Interior themes vary by trim, with Base and Premium models offering Gray or Black cloth upholstery, while higher trims add leather in Saddle Brown or Gray with contrast stitching. The Sport trim introduced vibrant orange accents throughout the cabin, while the Wilderness variant features water-resistant StarTex® material designed for rugged use.

Wheel options range from 17-inch steel wheels on the base model to 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels on the Sport and Limited trims. The Wilderness trim features matte black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, reinforcing its off-road intentions. Rim designs focus more on durability and function than ornate styling, emphasizing the Forester’s utilitarian nature.

Top Expensive Options

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (standard or optional by trim): $1,200
• Starlink 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation: $1,850
• Power Rear Gate with Height Memory: $800
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio System: $500
• Dual-Function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control: $600
• Heated Front and Rear Seats: $700
• Panoramic Power Moonroof: $1,000
• Reverse Automatic Braking: $500
• StarTex® Water-Resistant Upholstery (Wilderness trim): $900
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights: $400

vs Competitors

The Subaru Forester competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape. While these rivals often lead in interior styling or engine power, the Forester distinguishes itself through its full-time AWD system, standard across all trims, and class-leading ground clearance. Unlike the RAV4, which reserves AWD for upper trims, or the CR-V which uses a front-wheel-drive base, Subaru offers rugged capability right from the start. Compared to the Mazda CX-5, which excels in on-road handling, the Forester offers better cargo space and off-pavement confidence. Though not turbocharged or hybridized like some peers, it delivers unmatched visibility, ride height, and all-weather assurance — making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fun Fact

In Japan, the Forester shares its chassis code (SK) with the Levorg wagon and WRX, a nod to its roots in Subaru’s performance-oriented architecture. It was also one of the first vehicles in its class to include facial recognition technology (DriverFocus) as a safety feature, which can identify the driver and adjust settings like seat position and climate preferences automatically.