Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2024 Subaru Forester
Our scoring places the 2024 Subaru Forester at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.5/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 9.0/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $33,695–$41,871, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Forester sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Subaru Forester is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2024 Subaru Forester ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,695 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 7%.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Forester Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Subaru Forester scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2024 Subaru Forester (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Engine and engine cooling 26/10/2023 · 23V723000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 09/11/2023 · 23V754000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2024 Subaru Forester that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2024 Subaru Forester
Is the 2024 Subaru Forester reliable?
We rate the 2024 Subaru Forester's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Forester have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2024 Subaru Forester worth buying?
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2024 Subaru Forester cost?
The 2024 Subaru Forester starts at $33,695 and ranges up to $41,871 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Forester years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Forester years we've rated are 2017 (7.4/10), 2016 (7.4/10), 2015 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2024 Subaru Forester have?
The documented issues for the 2024 Subaru Forester are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling, Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Subaru Forester
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
