Subaru Forester 0–60 Times
The Subaru Forester 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 51 verified production tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and MotorWeek and more.
The fastest tested production Subaru Forester is the 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5XT, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.30 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 13.80 seconds at 97.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.
The slowest tested production Subaru Forester is the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited PZEV, which took 10.00 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 17.50 seconds at 78.7 mph, according to Motor Trend.
Across the 51 verified production tests of the Subaru Forester, the average 0–60 mph time is 8.26 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.34 seconds at 85.64 mph.
Fastest 0–60 5.30sec 2004 2.5XT · stock
Average 0–60 8.26sec Across 51 production runs
Avg ¼ Mile 16.34sec @ 85.6 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 10.00sec 2009 2.5X Limited
Across 51 verified production runs, the Subaru Forester ranges from 5.30 to 10.00 seconds 0–60, with a 8.26-second average.
The Subaru Forester is ranked in these lists
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Subaru Forester Performance Overview
Subaru’s Forester has covered 50 verified tests across 1998 to 2026, tracing a performance arc from compact naturally aspirated wagon-crossover roots to today’s gasoline and hybrid lineup. The SF generation (1998–2002) used 165-hp EJ25 flat-four variants and established the baseline with the 1998 S reaching 60 mph in 9.1 seconds. Performance shifted sharply with the SG generation (2003–2008), which expanded from 165-hp naturally aspirated models to 230-hp turbocharged EJ255 versions; the 2004 2.5XT remains the all-time benchmark at 5.3 seconds to 60 mph and a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 97 mph.
In the SH era (2009–2013), turbo and non-turbo versions continued side by side, from the 2009 2.5X Limited PZEV at 10.0 seconds to the 2009 2.5XT Limited at 6.6 seconds. The SJ generation (2014–2018) moved to FA20F turbo and FB25 power, with the 2014 2.0XT Touring posting 6.2 seconds. From the SK generation (2019–2024), the turbo option disappeared and the quickest result slowed to 8.0 seconds in the 2022 Wilderness. Today’s SL generation (2025–present) adds hybrid power to the Forester for the first time; among current tests, the 2025 Touring Hybrid leads at 8.1 seconds to 60 mph.
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Subaru Forester 0–60 Times by Generation: SF to SL
6 generations| Generation | Years | Avg 0–60 | Fastest 0–60 | Production Tests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | 2025–present | 8.49s | 8.10s — 2025 Touring Hybrid | 13 | The SL generation (2025–present) averaged 8.49 seconds to 60 mph across 13 production tests, led by the 2025 Touring Hybrid at 8.10 seconds. Output ranged from 180 to 194 hp across 2.5L F-4, 2.5L F-4 + Elec 1.1-kWh configurations. |
| SK | 2019–2024 | 8.49s | 8.00s — 2022 Wilderness | 8 | The SK generation (2019–2024) averaged 8.49 seconds to 60 mph across 8 production tests, led by the 2022 Wilderness at 8.00 seconds. Output was 182 hp across 2.5L F-4 configurations. |
| SJ | 2014–2018 | 7.46s | 6.20s — 2014 2.0XT Touring | 9 | The SJ generation (2014–2018) averaged 7.46 seconds to 60 mph across 9 production tests, led by the 2014 2.0XT Touring at 6.20 seconds. Output ranged from 170 to 250 hp across 2.0L Turbo F-4, 2.5L F-4 configurations. |
| SH | 2009–2013 | 8.35s | 6.60s — 2009 2.5XT Limited | 10 | The SH generation (2009–2013) averaged 8.35 seconds to 60 mph across 10 production tests, led by the 2009 2.5XT Limited at 6.60 seconds. Output ranged from 170 to 224 hp across 2.5L F-4, 2.5L Turbo F-4 configurations. |
| SG | 2003–2008 | 7.44s | 5.30s — 2004 2.5XT | 5 | The SG generation (2003–2008) averaged 7.44 seconds to 60 mph across 5 production tests, led by the 2004 2.5XT at 5.30 seconds. Output ranged from 165 to 230 hp across 2.5L F-4, 2.5L Turbo F-4 configurations. |
| SF | 1998–2002 | 9.45s | 9.10s — 1998 S | 4 | The SF generation (1998–2002) averaged 9.45 seconds to 60 mph across 4 production tests, led by the 1998 S at 9.10 seconds. Output was 165 hp across 2.5L F-4 configurations. |
SL 2025–present
Avg 0–60 8.49s
Fastest 8.10s
Tests 13
2025 Touring Hybrid
The SL generation (2025–present) averaged 8.49 seconds to 60 mph across 13 production tests, led by the 2025 Touring Hybrid at 8.10 seconds. Output ranged from 180 to 194 hp across 2.5L F-4, 2.5L F-4 + Elec 1.1-kWh configurations.
SK 2019–2024
Avg 0–60 8.49s
Fastest 8.00s
Tests 8
2022 Wilderness
The SK generation (2019–2024) averaged 8.49 seconds to 60 mph across 8 production tests, led by the 2022 Wilderness at 8.00 seconds. Output was 182 hp across 2.5L F-4 configurations.
SJ 2014–2018
Avg 0–60 7.46s
Fastest 6.20s
Tests 9
2014 2.0XT Touring
The SJ generation (2014–2018) averaged 7.46 seconds to 60 mph across 9 production tests, led by the 2014 2.0XT Touring at 6.20 seconds. Output ranged from 170 to 250 hp across 2.0L Turbo F-4, 2.5L F-4 configurations.
SH 2009–2013
Avg 0–60 8.35s
Fastest 6.60s
Tests 10
2009 2.5XT Limited
The SH generation (2009–2013) averaged 8.35 seconds to 60 mph across 10 production tests, led by the 2009 2.5XT Limited at 6.60 seconds. Output ranged from 170 to 224 hp across 2.5L F-4, 2.5L Turbo F-4 configurations.
SG 2003–2008
Avg 0–60 7.44s
Fastest 5.30s
Tests 5
2004 2.5XT
The SG generation (2003–2008) averaged 7.44 seconds to 60 mph across 5 production tests, led by the 2004 2.5XT at 5.30 seconds. Output ranged from 165 to 230 hp across 2.5L F-4, 2.5L Turbo F-4 configurations.
SF 1998–2002
Avg 0–60 9.45s
Fastest 9.10s
Tests 4
1998 S
The SF generation (1998–2002) averaged 9.45 seconds to 60 mph across 4 production tests, led by the 1998 S at 9.10 seconds. Output was 165 hp across 2.5L F-4 configurations.
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Subaru Forester 0–60 Times by Year and Trim
51 production tests · 17 years ▾
2026 Subaru Forester
3 production runs Avg 0–60 8.80 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.90 sec
Production Tests 3
#22
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
8.40sec 0–60
16.70s ¼ mi @ 83.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.70 sec
- Trap Speed
- 83.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.5L F-4
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Torque
- 178 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,693 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 20.5 lbs/hp
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 28 H / 20 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Crossover
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #22 of 51 production runs
#27
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
8.60sec 0–60
16.80s ¼ mi @ 83.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 8.60 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.80 sec
- Trap Speed
- 83.0 mph
- Engine
- 2.5L F-4
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Torque
- 178 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,693 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 20.5 lbs/hp
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 28 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Crossover
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- MotorWeek
- Overall Rank
- #27 of 51 production runs
#42
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
9.40sec 0–60
17.20s ¼ mi @ 81.1 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 9.40 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 17.20 sec
- Trap Speed
- 81.1 mph
- Engine
- 2.5L F-4
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Torque
- 178 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,700 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 20.6 lbs/hp
- MPG EPA
- 24 C / 28 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Crossover
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Motor Trend
- Overall Rank
- #42 of 51 production runs
How we verify Subaru Forester performance data
Records and averages on this page cover verified production runs only; modified and prototype results are listed by year but never folded into them. We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Subaru Forester trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
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Subaru Forester 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution
0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is fasterEach dot is a verified production test run
0–60 → ¼ mile →
Fastest Recorded run Slowest
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Subaru Forester performance FAQs
10 questions The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness has recorded 0-60 mph times of 8.4 and 8.6 seconds. Its quarter-mile runs are 16.7 and 16.8 seconds at 83 mph. Both published tests use the 180-hp, 178-lb-ft naturally aspirated AWD setup.
Across 50 verified Subaru Forester tests, the average 0-60 mph time is 8.24 seconds and the average quarter-mile is 16.33 seconds at 85.7 mph. For the 2026 model year specifically, the Wilderness has been tested at 8.4 and 8.6 seconds to 60 mph.
The quickest Subaru Forester on record is the 2004 Forester 2.5XT, which reaches 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It also owns the best quarter-mile result for the nameplate at 13.8 seconds at 97 mph, making it the benchmark for Forester straight-line performance.
The fastest stock Subaru Forester is also the 2004 2.5XT. It posts a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds and a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 97 mph. There are no modified runs in the Forester test history here, so the overall and stock leaders are the same vehicle.
The sixth-generation Subaru Forester, code SL, averages 8.49 seconds from 0-60 mph across 13 tests. The quickest SL on record is the 2025 Touring Hybrid at 8.1 seconds. This generation spans 2025 onward and includes both gasoline and hybrid powertrains.
The fifth-generation Subaru Forester, code SK, averages 8.49 seconds to 60 mph across 8 tests. Its quickest run is 8.0 seconds from the 2022 Wilderness. SK models span 2019 to 2024 and, in the recorded tests, use naturally aspirated gasoline powertrains.
The fastest SG-generation Subaru Forester is the 2004 2.5XT at 5.3 seconds from 0-60 mph. Across 5 tests, the SG generation averages 7.44 seconds, making it the quickest Forester generation overall. SG covers the 2003 to 2008 model years.
The Touring Hybrid is quicker on record. The best Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid run is 8.1 seconds to 60 mph, while the best Wilderness run is 8.0 seconds overall, but for the current SL generation the 2025 Touring Hybrid leads that generation. Across all recorded tests, Wilderness averages 8.28 seconds and Touring Hybrid averages 8.33 seconds.
The 2.5XT Limited is quicker on average, with a 6.53-second 0-60 mph average across 6 tests, versus 6.73 seconds for the 2.0XT Touring across 4 tests. The single quickest result belongs to the 2.0XT Touring at 6.2 seconds, while the best 2.5XT Limited run is 5.9 seconds.
Across 50 Subaru Forester tests, the average quarter-mile time is 16.33 seconds at 85.7 mph. The fastest quarter-mile Forester on record is the 2004 2.5XT, which runs 13.8 seconds at 97 mph. For 2026, the Wilderness has posted 16.7 and 16.8 seconds at 83 mph.
Sources
Car and Driver
Motor Trend
MotorWeek
0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Subaru Forester can do, not a single marketing claim.
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Other Subaru 0–60 times
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Comparable vehicles
Compact SUVs
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Dodge Hornet
Avg 0–60 5.79s
Avg ¼ mile 14.55s
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Mazda CX-50
Avg 0–60 7.41s
Avg ¼ mile 15.68s
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Ford Bronco Sport
Avg 0–60 7.74s
Avg ¼ mile 15.93s
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Mazda CX-5
Avg 0–60 8.01s
Avg ¼ mile 16.16s
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Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg 0–60 8.09s
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Toyota RAV4
Avg 0–60 8.18s
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This vehicle
Subaru Forester
Avg 0–60 8.26s
Avg ¼ mile 16.34s
Ford Escape
Avg 0–60 8.36s
Avg ¼ mile 16.36s
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Hyundai Tucson
Avg 0–60 8.38s
Avg ¼ mile 16.42s
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Kia Sportage
Avg 0–60 8.38s
Avg ¼ mile 16.36s
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Honda CR-V
Avg 0–60 8.44s
Avg ¼ mile 16.54s
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Chevrolet Equinox
Avg 0–60 8.53s
Avg ¼ mile 16.55s
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Nissan Rogue
Avg 0–60 8.63s
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Jeep Compass
Avg 0–60 9.12s
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