Subaru Forester History
Catalog record
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History
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.
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
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