Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Forester (2012-2018) - Engines, performance and drive

Off-road performance shades rivals, but on tarmac the Forester is less than thrilling

Engines, performance and drive rating

3.6

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£1,000 off RRP*
Find your Subaru Forester
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2012-2018 Forester. If you are interested in information about the current Subaru Forester, or news about the latest Subaru models, please follow the links provided.

The Forester has never been as sharp to drive as rivals and that remains true for the updated model. Permanent four-wheel-drive system ensures the car has very high levels of grip but the steering is completely lifeless. The ride is firm and a little jittery on cars with 17-inch alloys, but body roll isn’t too pronounced.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The manual gearbox is sweet, but the CVT does blunt performance somewhat - even though Subaru has added ‘virtual’ stepped ratios you can select from steering-wheel-mounted paddles. This Lineartronic transmission also comes with Subaru’s X Mode system that aids traction off-road and adds a hill descent function. As a result the Forester is extremely capable on loose ground, and will leave many rivals trailing in its wake.

The standard 2.0-litre petrol is smooth but a little gutless, so buyers craving performance will be better off with the turbocharged version. It’s only available in flagship XT guise and mated to a Lineartronic gearbox, but it claims 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds. While it looks quick on paper, it feels laboured and rather underpowered in reality.

For most buyers the 2.0-litre diesel will be the best bet. It’s surprisingly refined, plus with plenty of torque it’s a punchy performer. All engines get Subaru’s SI-Drive set-up that allows you to select from up to three different levels of throttle response.

Engines

Thanks to their ‘boxer’ configuration, all the Forester engines have a distinctive sound, and all are quite smooth, if a little noisy. The petrol is the quietest, especially with the CVT option.

It’s a 2.0-litre unit that makes 148bhp and 198Nm, which is enough to take the Forester from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds, or 11.8 with the Lineartronic gearbox. Maximum speed is 118mph, or 119mph with CVT.

The turbocharged version takes power up to 237bhp and torque to 350Nm, so as well as the range-leading 0-62mph of 7.5 seconds time you get a 137mph top speed. 

The 2.0-litre diesel engine gets 145bhp and 350Nm it provides 0 to 62mph acceleration in 9.9 seconds, in both manual and CVT forms. Maximum speeds are 117mph and 118mph respectively.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester

RRP £39,995Avg. savings £1,000 off RRP*Used from £19,349
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £16,850
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X - front tracking

Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?

Things don’t stand still in the world of EVs, and Skoda’s Enyaq and Toyota’s bZ4X have both been updated. We put them to the test...
Car group tests
13 Sep 2025
New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025