The 2020 Subaru Forester, with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, gets an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG. This number is important for understanding the Forester’s purpose. This isn’t made for thrill-seekers or luxury car enthusiasts. Instead, it’s built for people who value reliability, safety, and year-round capability, and that 29 MPG figure is a reasonable compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the Forester gets 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the higher fuel consumption from stop-and-go driving, where the Forester’s automatic (AV-S7) transmission shifts frequently. The highway figure shows the efficiency you get from cruising at a constant speed. The 33 MPG highway rating makes the Forester a good choice for road trips, especially with its comfortable ride and large cargo area. It’s not class-leading, but perfectly adequate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Subaru Forester at $1,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s estimate of 45% highway and 55% city driving, and based on national average fuel prices when tested. This number is just an estimate, your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving, the fuel you buy, and local fuel prices. However, $1,500 is a benchmark for comparing the Forester’s costs to its competitors.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standard estimates, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Driving style, weather, and even tire pressure can affect your MPG. Drivers who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and maintain their vehicles well often report numbers close to the EPA estimates.

Aggressive drivers, those who often carry heavy loads, or those in areas with extreme temperatures might see their fuel economy go down. Knowing these things is critical for having realistic expectations for your Forester’s fuel consumption. Review the FORESTER MPG across all years to spot trends.

How it compares

The Forester’s fuel economy is in the middle of its class. For example, the Toyota RAV4, another popular compact SUV, gets around 28 MPG combined in its non-hybrid versions. The Honda CR-V gets similar numbers in its standard form. Hybrid versions of the RAV4 and CR-V offer much better fuel economy, but they cost more and drive differently.

Consider also the Mazda CX-5, known for its driving, but its fuel economy is similar, around the same combined MPG, based on the engine and drivetrain. The Forester is appealing because it blends practicality, standard all-wheel drive, and reasonable fuel consumption. This works for buyers who want capability over top efficiency. To see all Subaru fuel economy data, check out our brand page!

Tips to maximize efficiency

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a key part of the Forester, but it also increases fuel consumption. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to lower rolling resistance and maximize fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure often and inflate to the recommended levels on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

The Forester’s 2.5L engine works best with smooth, gentle acceleration. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, because these use more fuel. Anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed to get the best fuel economy.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, can improve your Forester’s fuel efficiency. A clean air filter sends the right air flow to the engine, while fresh oil lowers friction and improves performance.

Try to limit how much you use accessories like air conditioning, especially for short trips. The AC compressor puts a load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption. When you can, roll down the windows or use the ventilation system to save fuel.

Extra weight can also hurt fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need from your Forester, like sporting equipment or tools, to reduce the load on the engine and improve your MPG.