DecodedCars2017 Subaru Forester
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2.0xt, 4dr SUV 2.5i
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 170 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 181.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,303–3,635 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2017 small SUV (22.8 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,635 lb (4dr SUV 2.0xt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway), 23% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 22.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 592 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Forester — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Forester →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Forester configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2.0xt | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 68.5 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,635 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV 2.5i | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 68.5 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,303 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +23% | $2,400 | 315 |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 25 | +10% | $3,300 | 359 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +5% | $2,800 | 368 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Forester (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Oct 3, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V701000 · 366,282 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
- Risk
- If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Not every 2017 Subaru Forester is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Subaru Forester buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 164 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Visibility/Wiper — 104 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 102 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forester years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 32 |
| 2025 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 99 |
| 2024 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2023 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2022 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 100 |
| 2021 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 212 |
| 2020 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 604 |
| 2019 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 834 |
| 2018 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 498 |
| 2016 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 416 |
| 2015 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 608 |
| 2014 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 364 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →