Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD
26 MPG The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 28 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2022–2026 run it averages 26 MPG, essentially flat across 5 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 | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 MPG | 24 | 28 | $2400 | 347 | 1 |
| 2025 | 26 MPG | 25 | 28 | $2400 | 338 | 1 |
| 2024 | 26 MPG | 25 | 28 | $2400 | 338 | 1 |
| 2023 | 26 MPG | 25 | 28 | $2400 | 338 | 1 |
| 2022 | 26 MPG | 25 | 28 | $2400 | 338 | 1 |
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 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD ranks 39 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Kona AWD (26.5), Buick Encore GX AWD (27), Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD (27), Ford Escape AWD (27), Kia Seltos AWD (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 347 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD get?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 28 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 26 MPG, ranging from 26 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2400.
Has the Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 26 MPG today against 26 in 2022 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 39 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 3.2 worse 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.