Subaru Forester AWD
29 MPG The 2026 Subaru Forester AWD is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 517 gallons, $1655 a year in fuel, or $0.110 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2026 run it averages 24.1 MPG, improving by 8.5 MPG over 29 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.086 | $862 | $1293 | $1724 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.103 | $1034 | $1552 | $2069 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.110 | $1103 | $1655 | $2207 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.121 | $1207 | $1810 | $2414 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.138 | $1379 | $2069 | $2759 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.155 | $1552 | $2328 | $3103 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 310 | 1 |
| 2025 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 310 | 1 |
| 2024 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 310 | 1 |
| 2023 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 310 | 1 |
| 2022 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 310 | 1 |
| 2021 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 309 | 1 |
| 2020 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 309 | 1 |
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 26 | 33 | $2150 | 310 | 1 |
| 2018 | 25.7 MPG | 23.7 | 29 | $2633 | 347 | 3 |
| 2017 | 25.7 MPG | 23.7 | 29 | $2633 | 347 | 3 |
| 2016 | 25.7 MPG | 23 | 28.7 | $2633 | 352 | 3 |
| 2015 | 25.7 MPG | 23 | 28.7 | $2633 | 352 | 3 |
| 2014 | 25.3 MPG | 23 | 28.7 | $2667 | 353 | 3 |
| 2013 | 22.3 MPG | 20.3 | 25.3 | $3017 | 401 | 3 |
| 2012 | 22.3 MPG | 20.3 | 25.3 | $3017 | 399 | 3 |
| 2011 | 22.3 MPG | 20.3 | 25.3 | $3017 | 399 | 3 |
| 2010 | 21.7 MPG | 19.7 | 25.7 | $3117 | 410 | 3 |
| 2009 | 21.7 MPG | 19.7 | 25.7 | $3117 | 410 | 3 |
| 2008 | 21.3 MPG | 19.3 | 25.3 | $3300 | 419 | 4 |
| 2007 | 21.3 MPG | 18.8 | 24.8 | $3300 | 419 | 4 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18.8 | 25 | $3350 | 424 | 4 |
| 2005 | 20.8 MPG | 18.8 | 24.3 | $3413 | 431 | 4 |
| 2004 | 19.8 MPG | 17.8 | 23.3 | $3563 | 452 | 4 |
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2002 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2001 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2000 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1999 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 24.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1998 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 24.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Subaru Forester AWD ranks 1 on current figures, against a class average of 18.4 MPG.
Nothing in its class is rated higher — it leads the group.
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 310 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Forester AWD get?
The 2026 Subaru Forester AWD is rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 33 highway. Across all 29 model years in the database it averages 24.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Forester AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 29 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 517 gallons — roughly $1655 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.110 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2150.
Has the Subaru Forester AWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20.5 MPG in 1998 to 29 in 2026 — an improvement of 8.5 MPG, or 41% across 29 model years.
Is the Subaru Forester AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 1 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.4 MPG. That is 10.6 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.