Subaru Forester History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
Browse this model's history and yearsHistory
Introduced for the 1998 model year, the Forester was built on the Impreza platform with a taller wagon body to slot between the Legacy Outback and a traditional SUV. Its unusual proportions — generous headroom, standard AWD, and car-like driving manners — quickly earned a loyal following.
A second-generation Forester (2003) brought more conventional styling, a turbocharged XT model producing 210 hp, and improved safety ratings. Successive redesigns in 2009, 2014, and 2019 progressively transformed it from its wagon roots into a fully modern compact crossover, with the 2014 redesign being particularly significant in adding a larger panoramic sunroof and more interior room.
The fifth-generation Forester (2019) adopted the Subaru Global Platform, dropped the turbocharged XT engine in the US in favor of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, and added available e-BOXER mild hybrid technology. A Forester Wilderness variant arrived for 2022, joining the Outback Wilderness as part of Subaru's off-road sub-brand.
Documented parts references
Parts references for Subaru Forester. Match the model year and engine before choosing a reference. These records do not describe every version of this model.
2017 · H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled · Engine oil filter
- Model year
- 2017
- Catalog engine description
- H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled
- Catalog scope
- USA / Canada / Mexico catalog context; a row-specific country application is not established.
- Component
- Engine oil filter
This application uses the literal engine description in the June 2024 WIX catalog. Confirm the actual engine and filter before ordering.
WIX prints engine code FA20F. Confirm the installed engine; no different OEM engine code is assigned by this record.
The June 2024 manufacturer catalog lists this reference for the stated descriptive row. Confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering. This dated application does not establish current availability, supersession or retail package quantity.
WIX 57055
Dated manufacturer catalog application · catalog edition 2024-06 · checked 2026-10-24
WIX June 2024 light-duty catalog 99400 — PDF page 604 / printed page 603; 2017 Subaru Forester block; engine description H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled; Oil column; catalog engine-code cell FA20F
This reference does not establish current stock or a superseding replacement.
For 2017 Subaru Forester H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled: Search this part on Amazon
2017 · H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled · Engine air filter
- Model year
- 2017
- Catalog engine description
- H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled
- Catalog scope
- USA / Canada / Mexico catalog context; a row-specific country application is not established.
- Component
- Engine air filter
This application uses the literal engine description in the June 2024 WIX catalog. Confirm the actual engine and filter before ordering.
WIX prints engine code FA20F. Confirm the installed engine; no different OEM engine code is assigned by this record.
The June 2024 manufacturer catalog lists this reference for the stated descriptive row. Confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering. This dated application does not establish current availability, supersession or retail package quantity.
WIX 49012
Dated manufacturer catalog application · catalog edition 2024-06 · checked 2026-10-24
WIX June 2024 light-duty catalog 99400 — PDF page 604 / printed page 603; 2017 Subaru Forester block; engine description H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled; Air column; catalog engine-code cell FA20F
This reference does not establish current stock or a superseding replacement.
For 2017 Subaru Forester H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled: Search this part on Amazon
2017 · H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled · Cabin air filter
- Model year
- 2017
- Catalog engine description
- H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled
- Catalog scope
- USA / Canada / Mexico catalog context; a row-specific country application is not established.
- Component
- Cabin air filter
This application uses the literal engine description in the June 2024 WIX catalog. Confirm the actual engine and filter before ordering.
WIX prints engine code FA20F. Confirm the installed engine; no different OEM engine code is assigned by this record.
The June 2024 manufacturer catalog lists this reference for the stated descriptive row. Confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering. This dated application does not establish current availability, supersession or retail package quantity.
WIX 24030
Dated manufacturer catalog application · catalog edition 2024-06 · checked 2026-10-24
WIX June 2024 light-duty catalog 99400 — PDF page 604 / printed page 603; 2017 Subaru Forester block; engine description H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled; Cabin column; catalog engine-code cell FA20F
This reference does not establish current stock or a superseding replacement.
For 2017 Subaru Forester H4 2.0L 1998cc 122 CID Turbo/Intercooled: Search this part on Amazon
2017 · H4 2.5L 2498 · Engine oil filter
- Model year
- 2017
- Catalog engine description
- H4 2.5L 2498
- Catalog scope
- USA / Canada / Mexico catalog context; a row-specific country application is not established.
- Component
- Engine oil filter
This application uses the literal engine description in the June 2024 WIX catalog. Confirm the actual engine and filter before ordering.
The June 2024 manufacturer catalog lists this reference for the stated descriptive row. Confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering. This dated application does not establish current availability, supersession or retail package quantity.
WIX 57055
Dated manufacturer catalog application · catalog edition 2024-06 · checked 2026-10-24
WIX June 2024 light-duty catalog 99400 — PDF page 605 / printed page 604; 2017 Subaru Forester block; engine description H4 2.5L 2498; Oil column
This reference does not establish current stock or a superseding replacement.
For 2017 Subaru Forester H4 2.5L 2498: Search this part on Amazon
2017 · H4 2.5L 2498 · Engine air filter
- Model year
- 2017
- Catalog engine description
- H4 2.5L 2498
- Catalog scope
- USA / Canada / Mexico catalog context; a row-specific country application is not established.
- Component
- Engine air filter
This application uses the literal engine description in the June 2024 WIX catalog. Confirm the actual engine and filter before ordering.
The June 2024 manufacturer catalog lists this reference for the stated descriptive row. Confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering. This dated application does not establish current availability, supersession or retail package quantity.
WIX 49012
Dated manufacturer catalog application · catalog edition 2024-06 · checked 2026-10-24
WIX June 2024 light-duty catalog 99400 — PDF page 605 / printed page 604; 2017 Subaru Forester block; engine description H4 2.5L 2498; Air column
This reference does not establish current stock or a superseding replacement.
For 2017 Subaru Forester H4 2.5L 2498: Search this part on Amazon
2017 · H4 2.5L 2498 · Cabin air filter
- Model year
- 2017
- Catalog engine description
- H4 2.5L 2498
- Catalog scope
- USA / Canada / Mexico catalog context; a row-specific country application is not established.
- Component
- Cabin air filter
This application uses the literal engine description in the June 2024 WIX catalog. Confirm the actual engine and filter before ordering.
The June 2024 manufacturer catalog lists this reference for the stated descriptive row. Confirm the installed engine and filter before ordering. This dated application does not establish current availability, supersession or retail package quantity.
WIX 24030
Dated manufacturer catalog application · catalog edition 2024-06 · checked 2026-10-24
WIX June 2024 light-duty catalog 99400 — PDF page 605 / printed page 604; 2017 Subaru Forester block; engine description H4 2.5L 2498; Cabin column
This reference does not establish current stock or a superseding replacement.
For 2017 Subaru Forester H4 2.5L 2498: Search this part on Amazon
Generations
First generation (SF) · SF
Impreza-based tall wagon-SUV with standard AWD; the original compact Subaru SUV.
Second generation (SG) · SG
More SUV-like styling; turbocharged XT model added 210 hp.
Fourth generation (SJ) · SJ
Grown-up redesign with a large panoramic sunroof, more room, and CVT transmission.
Fifth generation (SK) · SK
SGP platform; standard EyeSight; e-BOXER available; Forester Wilderness added 2022.
Body styles
- 4-door SUV
Notable special editions & performance variants
Forester Wilderness
Off-road-optimized Forester with raised ride height, all-terrain tires, and reinforced underbody protection.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Subaru Forester
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.