Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Forester beats their 26.3 mpg average by 5.7 mpg, about $260 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2025–2026), does 35 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1998–2026), 24.8: $451 a year apart.
Every Subaru Forester engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 35 / 34 | 2025–2026 | $1,097 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 22.3 / 28.6 | 1998–2026 | $1,548 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chevrolet Tahoe gets 20.5 mpg, the Chevrolet Trailblazer 31 mpg and the GMC Yukon XL 20 mpg, next to 32 mpg for the 2026 Forester. The Forester is the cheapest of them to run: $720 a year less than the GMC Yukon XL.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.100 |
| Fuel per year | $1,200 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$260 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,510 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru Forester gives up 3 mpg in town: 33.5 on the highway against 30.5 in the city, $113 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 30.5 mpg | $1,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33.5 mpg | $1,146 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (10%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Forester changed over the years
The Forester peaked in 2026 at 32 mpg (30.5 city, 33.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 21 — 11 mpg apart, or $629 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2014: 23 to 27 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30.5 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2025 | 30.5 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2023 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2022 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2021 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2020 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2019 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2018 | 26 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2017 | 26 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2016 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2015 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2014 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2013 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2012 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2011 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 31 EPA ratings of the Subaru Forester — 2 engines across 1998–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,510. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Subaru Forester get?
32 mpg combined, 30.5 city and 33.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 29 to 35. Across every year since 1998 the Forester has averaged 25.4 mpg.
Is the 2026 Forester more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 32 against 32 mpg combined.
Which Forester year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 32 mpg combined (30.5 city, 33.5 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Forester get better gas mileage than the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Yes: 32 mpg for the 2026 Forester against 20.5 for the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, about $673 a year less to run.
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