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2016 Subaru Forester

The 2016 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV, rated at 27 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.

2016 Subaru Forester
© Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0
Combined MPG
27
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$29,000
Recalls
3

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeSubaru
ModelForester
Model year2016
Vehicle classCompact SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG24
Highway MPG31
Combined MPG27
CO₂ tailpipe332 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2300

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Forester AWD25 MPG combined
Forester AWD27 MPG combined
Forester AWD25 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City24 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined27 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Forester27 MPG
Class average32.2 MPG

About 16% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$511/mo
Amount financed
$26,100
Total interest
$4,541
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5-year fuel cost
$7,444

$1,489/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG27
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Extended warranty & insurance

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Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (3)

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH19V149000 · 2019-02-28

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

  • AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION19V701000 · 2019-10-03

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER16V162000 · 2016-03-21

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2016 Subaru Forester?

The 2016 Subaru Forester is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway).

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2016 Subaru Forester?

The 2016 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2016 Subaru Forester?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2016 Subaru Forester costs roughly $1,489 per year to fuel, or about $7,444 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2016 Subaru Forester?

The 2016 Subaru Forester is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC