2017 Subaru Forester

The 2017 Subaru Forester gets a refresh for the new model year, with revised exterior styling, interior enhancements, and expanded driver assist technologies.

Vehicle Summary

The 2017 Subaru Forester all-wheel drive crossover is offered in six trim levels—2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium, and 2.0XT Touring, seating for five, power from a 2.5-liter flat-four engine or a 2.0-liter turbo-four. The base 2.5 offers a six-speed manual or a CVT, while the turbo model gets a standard CVT.

Overview

For the 2017 model year, the Subaru Forester gets a new hexagonal front grille and revised front fascia. New headlights feature a black inner bezel and Subaru's signature C-shaped motif that can also be seen on the rear LED taillights, too. Premium-trim models now feature a body-color rear spoiler, and there are revised 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels with contrasting black and machine finishes.

Interior updates include a redesigned steering wheel with revised cruise control and audio controls, more sound dampening, thicker door glass, acoustic windshield, and new door seals. The Touring models gain an available Saddle Brown leather interior, keyless entry with push-button start, and a heated steering wheel. Standard features across most Forester trims are two-position memory seats, automatic climate control, and auto front windows, while a power liftgate is now optional on the 2.5i Premium model.

Most 2017 Foresters will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four engine that delivers 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring models come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 hp and 258 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models, while a CVT is available on the 2.5i Premium and standard on the higher models.

Safety

As a repeat IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ award winner, the Subaru Forester is one of the safest crossovers on the market. Standard safety features across the entire Forester lineup include front, side, driver's knee, and curtain airbags, rollover sensors, ABS, brake assist, daytime running lights, and a rearview camera. Subaru's EyeSight active safety tech package has been updated to include color cameras with a wider and longer view, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, steering-responsive headlights, and reverse automatic braking.

What We Think

The Subaru Forester may not feature the most attractive exterior designs, but the 2017 Forester features slight styling changes that give it a more mainstream appearance. Despite its shortcomings in the looks department, the Forester offers all-weather capability, good handling, and plenty of power.

Compared to the top contenders in the crossover segment, the 2017 Subaru Forester offers plenty of interior space for passengers and cargo, great visibility, but a loud ride. Road imperfections can jar the driver and passengers, but as long as you don't mind the overly jump throttle tip-in response, the Forester can be fun to drive.

Cool Fact

The Subaru Forester was the 2014 Motor Trend SUV of the Year.

Key Competitors

• Ford Escape
• Honda CR-V
• Hyundai Tucson
• Mazda CX-5
• Toyota RAV4