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.

- Combined MPG
- 27
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $29,000
- Recalls
- 3
Watch: Forester reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | Forester |
| Model year | 2016 |
| Vehicle class | Compact SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 24 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 27 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 332 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2300 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Forester AWD | 25 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 27 MPG combined |
| Forester AWD | 25 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 24 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 31 MPG |
| Combined | 27 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 16% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $26,100
- Total interest
- $4,541
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,489/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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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.
Compare with rivals
All model years
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