Subaru Forester Vehicle Class & EPA Size Category
The EPA classifies the 2026 Subaru Forester as a Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, a rating based on body style and interior volume.
Latest model year (2026):
The Subaru Forester is classified by the EPA as a Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD.
Subaru Forester Vehicle Class — All Years
| Year | Trim | Vehicle Class | Drive | Fuel Type | MPG Comb. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 35 |
| 2026 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2026 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 |
| 2026 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 |
| 2025 | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 35 |
| 2025 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 |
| 2025 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 |
| 2025 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2024 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2024 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 |
| 2023 | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2023 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 |
| 2022 | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2022 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 |
| 2021 | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2020 | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2019 | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 |
| 2018 | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 |
| 2018 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 25 |
| 2018 | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 |
| 2017 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 25 |
| 2017 | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 |
| 2017 | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 |
| 2016 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 25 |
| 2016 | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 |
| 2016 | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 |
| 2015 | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 25 |
| 2015 | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 |
| 2015 | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 |
Data sourced from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy). MPG figures are EPA-tested. Fuel costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and 15,000 miles/year.
Subaru Forester Vehicle Class FAQ
What class of vehicle is the Subaru Forester?
The EPA classifies the Subaru Forester as a Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD. This classification is based on interior volume and body style and affects how its fuel economy is compared with other vehicles.
Is the Subaru Forester considered a small or large vehicle?
Based on its EPA class (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD), the Subaru Forester is grouped with vehicles of similar size and interior volume. The class can change between model years when the body is redesigned.