The 2017 Subaru Forester, with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, gets a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG. This is a good number because it delivers efficiency while also giving buyers the practicality, capability, and all-weather security they want. People buy the Forester because they want utility and peace of mind, not just the highest possible MPG.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Forester’s city fuel economy at 26 MPG and its highway fuel economy at 32 MPG. This difference shows how the continuously variable transmission (CVT) works, helping to optimize engine speed for efficiency at cruising speeds. City driving with its frequent stops inevitably leads to slightly lower fuel economy. But the intelligent engine management and relatively low weight help the Forester maintain decent efficiency even during city commutes. The 32 MPG highway rating is especially useful for long road trips, which Forester owners often take to areas where they need the car’s all-wheel-drive system.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5L AWD at $1,550 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that the actual fuel cost will vary depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Some might think $1,550 is a significant expense, but Forester buyers often see it as a reasonable price for the vehicle’s versatility and the security of its all-wheel-drive system in bad weather or on rough roads. For those who value safety and utility, this annual cost is acceptable.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful starting point, but real-world fuel economy can be different based on driving style, road conditions, and maintenance. Forester owners often report fuel economy that’s close to the EPA estimates. However, aggressive driving or frequent off-road trips will lower the MPG. The CVT transmission usually optimizes fuel economy, so avoid hard acceleration or braking to get the best results. Properly maintained tires inflated to the correct pressure and regular servicing also help achieve those numbers.

How it compares

The 2017 Subaru Forester’s fuel economy balances capability and efficiency when compared to its competitors. The Toyota RAV4, for example, has similar fuel economy in its non-hybrid trims, around 26 MPG combined. However, the RAV4’s all-wheel-drive system isn’t as effective as the Forester’s symmetrical system, which could affect traction in difficult situations. The Honda CR-V, another popular choice, gets around 28 MPG combined in its AWD versions. The Mazda CX-5 sometimes gets slightly better MPG than the Forester, around 29 MPG combined for the 2.5L AWD version, but has less cargo space and isn’t as rugged. The Forester’s main strength is its standard all-wheel drive, which often costs extra on other vehicles and reduces their efficiency. The Forester’s fuel economy is competitive, especially when you consider its practicality and its ability to go almost anywhere. For all Subaru fuel economy data, browse our archives. You’ll also want to see FORESTER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive in a smooth and consistent way. The CVT is designed to find the most efficient gear ratio for any situation, but it can get confused if you’re always accelerating and decelerating quickly. Accelerate gently and anticipate traffic to save fuel and improve your driving experience.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure it’s at the recommended level, which you can find on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Even a small change in tire pressure can affect fuel consumption.

Don’t carry extra weight. The more weight in your vehicle, the harder the engine has to work to move it. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger cabin to reduce the load and improve fuel efficiency. This is especially important if you often carry heavy, unnecessary items.

Keep idling to a minimum. Letting your engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually better to turn off the engine. Modern engines are made to restart quickly and easily, so you don’t have to let them run for errands or waiting.

Use cruise control on the highway. Using cruise control on long highway drives helps you keep a steady speed, preventing unintended acceleration and deceleration. This can greatly improve fuel economy, especially on fairly flat roads. Just remember to turn it off in heavy traffic or when you need more precise control of your car.