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Subaru Forester Sales Figures

Subaru Forester

Here you will find monthly and yearly Canadian, European and U.S. sales figures for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that’s been a staple in Subaru’s lineup since its debut in the late 1990s. Known for its combination of practicality, safety, and off-road capability, the Forester has carved out a strong niche for itself, especially in markets that value all-wheel-drive vehicles for varied terrain and weather conditions.

Subaru Forester Overview

The Subaru Forester made its debut in 1997 and was positioned between the smaller Subaru Impreza and the larger Subaru Legacy in the brand’s lineup. Over the years, the Forester has evolved from its more wagon-like roots to adopt the design and characteristics of a compact SUV.

Historically, the Forester has been powered by Subaru’s signature horizontally opposed “boxer” engines, providing a lower center of gravity. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across all models, emphasizing Subaru’s commitment to traction and off-road capability. Some versions, like the Forester XT, have offered turbocharged engines for enhanced performance.

The Forester is in its fifth generation, which began with the 2019 model year. This generation brought a new platform, updated design, and improved technology and safety features. The Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It is available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

The Forester is available in six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness. The Base trim comes standard with features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. The Premium trim adds features like an 8-speaker sound system, a sunroof, and heated front seats. The Sport trim adds features like a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. The Limited trim adds features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring trim adds features like a navigation system, a power liftgate, and a heated steering wheel. The Wilderness trim is the most off-road-oriented Forester and adds features like a raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates.

Subaru Forester Sales Figures

The Forester is among Subaru’s best-selling models, particularly in North America, where its combination of safety, all-wheel-drive capability, and practicality resonate well with consumers. It has received numerous accolades over the years, often being recognized for its value, safety, and reliability. The Forester has been praised for its all-wheel drive system, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. It has also been awarded several awards, including the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

Subaru Forester U.S Sales Data & Charts

US Monthly Sales

US Annual Sales

Year Sales Units
2005 53,541
2006 51,258
2007 44,530
2008 60,748
2009 77,781
2010 85,080
2011 76,196
2012 80,356
2013 123,592
2014 159,953
2015 175,192
2016 178,593
2017 177,563
2018 171,613
2019 180,179
2020 176,996
2021 154,723
2022 114,096
2023 152,566
2024 27,501

US Annual Growth

Subaru Forester Europe Sales Data & Charts

Europe Annual Sales

Year Sales Units
1997 4,092
1998 15,952
1999 16,881
2000 12,941
2001 9,666
2002 11,654
2003 15,475
2004 15,349
2005 19,024
2006 20,431
2007 13,136
2008 15,988
2009 16,343
2010 16,479
2011 14,804
2012 12,777
2013 14,579
2014 13,889
2015 14,428
2016 12,607
2017 13,185
2018 10,041
2019 10,257
2020 6,377
2021 6,179
2022 3,964

Europe Annual Growth

Subaru Forester Generations

First Generation (SF; 1997-2002)

The first-generation Forester was introduced in 1997 and was based on the Subaru Impreza platform. It was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 165 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Second Generation (SG; 2002-2008)

The second-generation Forester was introduced in 2002 and was a larger and more refined SUV than the first generation. It was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Third Generation (SH; 2008-2013)

The third-generation Forester was introduced in 2008 and was the first Forester to be offered with a turbocharged engine option. The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque.

Fourth Generation (SJ; 2013-2018)

The fourth-generation Forester was introduced in 2013 and was a major redesign of the SUV. It was larger and more spacious than the previous generation, and it also received a number of new features, such as a standard rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was also available, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Fifth Generation (SK; 2018-present)

The fifth-generation Forester was introduced in 2018 and is the current generation of the SUV. It is a carryover of the previous generation, but it receives a number of updates, such as a new front fascia, a revised interior, and a new EyeSight driver assistance system. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.