Subaru Forester review for Colorado buyers

The Forester for Colorado buyers

What the Forester does well here

The Forester is the Subaru for people who want an SUV shape without SUV size. All-wheel drive is standard on every one, and 2019 and newer models have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru's own comparison puts that ahead of the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid (8.1 inches) and 2026 CR-V (7.8 inches).

In practice that means fewer worries about the snow berm the plow leaves at the end of your driveway, or a washboarded road to a campsite. It's also a commuter: EPA rates 2019 and newer gas Foresters at 29 mpg combined, and the 2025 and newer Hybrid at 35.

If you're comparing it to the Outback, the Forester is the upright one with the more traditional SUV shape; the Outback has the longer cargo floor and the turbo option. See our Subaru Outback review for that side of the decision.

Power at altitude is the honest weak spot

Every gas Forester since 2019 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter rated at 182 hp (180 hp from 2025), and there's no turbo option. That's plenty for the Front Range, but naturally aspirated engines lose some power in thin air, and a loaded Forester climbing toward Vail Pass will be working hard.

If you want more punch, the 2014-2018 2.0XT is the only turbo Forester in this range, with 250 hp. It's a CVT car, rated at 25 mpg combined. Check the air intake duct recall (16V162) on 2015-2016 models and ask for a full maintenance history.

The 2025 and newer Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter with electric motors. Subaru quotes 194 hp for the same system in its Wilderness Hybrid announcement. Its main appeal is efficiency: 35 mpg combined from the EPA, a big step up from the gas model's 29.

Snow, X-Mode and the Traction Law

X-Mode came to the Forester in 2014 and is standard on 2019 and newer models. It adjusts throttle, CVT behavior and stability control for slippery surfaces and adds Hill Descent Control. On 2026 models, Sport, Limited and Wilderness trims get the dual-mode version with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings.

None of that replaces tires. CDOT's Traction Law on I-70 (Morrison to Dotsero, September 1 through May 31) requires at least 3/16 inch of tread with a winter, all-weather or M+S rating, or chains or an approved device. If a used Forester is on tired tires, plan for a new set. Our guide to buying a used car for Colorado winters goes through the checklist.

On 2014-2018 models, don't assume from the year alone: look for the X-Mode button on the console of the specific car, especially if it's a six-speed manual.

Wilderness: what you actually get

The Wilderness is the Forester built for Colorado weekends. The 2022-2025 version, based on the 5th-generation car, has 9.2 inches of clearance and a 3,000-pound tow rating with Trailer Stability Assist. The 2026 and newer version, on the current platform, goes to 9.3 inches and 3,500 pounds thanks to an uprated transmission cooler.

Subaru lists the 2026 Wilderness approach angle at 23.5 degrees versus 19 degrees on other new Foresters, plus Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and roof rails rated at 800 pounds static and 176 pounds dynamic. That static number matters if you're thinking about a rooftop tent.

The cost is fuel economy: EPA rates the Wilderness at 26 mpg combined versus 29 for a standard gas Forester. If you tow a small camper, read our notes on towing a camper in the mountains first, since 3,500 pounds behind a 180 hp engine over a pass is a slow trip.

CVT coverage and paperwork to ask for

Subaru extended CVT coverage from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/100,000 miles on 2014 through 2018 Foresters (including the 2.0XT) and on 2019-2020 2.5-liter models. Subaru says this wasn't a response to a specific defect. Coverage counts from the original in-service date, so many 2014-2016 cars have aged out. A Subaru retailer can run the VIN.

Also ask for proof that recalls were done, especially the 2019 power steering and PCV valve campaigns. On 2015-2018 cars, ask whether the battery has been replaced; those years are part of a class settlement over 12-volt battery drain.

If you'd rather not chase this yourself, we can find a Forester that fits your list or walk you through how our process works. Selling your current car first? Start with a trade or sale quote.