Model guide · 4th generation (SJ)
2014–2018 Subaru Forester
The 2014–2018 Forester is a roomy compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and tall windows all around. Buyers like its big cargo area, available EyeSight driver assist and the choice of a 170-hp 2.5 or a 250-hp turbo.
8.7 in
Ground clearance
68.5–74.7 cu ft
Max cargo space
1,500 lb
Max towing
170–250 hp
Horsepower
Engines and transmissions
Tap one to see only what applies to it.
Capability3
All-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of clearance
Every 2014–2018 Forester has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so snowy streets, dirt roads and steep driveways are part of a normal day.
X-MODE with Hill Descent Control
On Premium, Limited and Touring models with the CVT, one button puts the AWD system in a mode for slippery or rough ground, and Hill Descent Control holds a slow, steady pace down steep grades.
250-hp turbo 2.0XT
The 2.0XT uses a direct-injection turbo 2.0-liter with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 rpm, paired with a CVT that has manual shift modes.
Safety4
EyeSight Driver Assist
A pair of cameras at the top of the windshield watch the road. EyeSight can brake for you, hold a set gap on cruise control and warn you if you drift from your lane. It came only with the CVT.
Good ratings in IIHS crash tests
The IIHS rated the 2014–2018 Forester Good in its driver-side small overlap, moderate overlap, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with EyeSight
For 2014, 2015 and 2016, the IIHS named the Forester a Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with EyeSight, which earned a Superior rating for front crash prevention.
Rear vision camera, standard
Every 2015–2018 Forester has a rear vision camera, so you can see what is behind you on the dash screen while backing up.
Space2
Up to 74.7 cubic feet of cargo room
Fold the 60/40 rear seat and the cargo area grows to 74.7 cubic feet on the base 2.5i and 68.5 on other trims. Rear passengers get 41.7 inches of legroom.
Quieter cabin from 2017
The 2017 update added thicker door glass, reworked door seals, more underfloor insulation and an acoustic windshield to cut wind and road noise.
Good to know3
Timing chain on both engines
Both the 2.5-liter and the 2.0-liter turbo use a timing chain, so there is no timing belt to replace on a mileage schedule. On-time oil changes still matter. Ask us what this car's records show.
CVT warranty extension (2014–2015)
Subaru bulletin 16-107-17R extended CVT coverage on 2014–2015 Foresters to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Most cars are now past that window, so service records matter. Ask us what this car's records show.
Oil-use bulletin on some 2014–2015 2.5s
Subaru bulletin 02-157-14R covers unusual oil consumption on some 2014 2.5-liter engines, and 2015 2.5s with the manual, within set VIN ranges. A verified case got a new short block. Ask us what this car's records show.
Specs are the manufacturer's figures for this generation. Equipment varies by trim and year, so ask us about anything that matters to you on a specific car.