2011 Subaru Forester — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Subaru Forester is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Forester workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Subaru Forester: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 28 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S4) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4450 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 108 cu ft (3,058 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 34 cu ft (963 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 25 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 21 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 240 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2011 Subaru Forester across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 23 mpg (US), or 25 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/26) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S4) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/23) | 263 | $3,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 108 cubic feet (about 3,058 litres) and luggage volume at 34 cubic feet (about 963 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Subaru Forester
Running Costs: 2011 Subaru Forester
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Subaru Forester at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 16 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Subaru Forester (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (9), Seat belts (2), Electrical system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 22V838000, reported 10 November 2022. Risk: The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 20V003000, reported 2 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 20V002000, reported 2 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 20V001000, reported 2 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Showing the 4 most recent of 16 campaigns.
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Subaru Forester. The most-reported areas are Engine (60), Air bags (29), Service brakes (17). Complaints include 21 reported crashes, 6 reported fires, 4 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 208 complaints across the 17 Subaru Forester model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Subaru Forester
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (9 recall campaigns · 29 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (60 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (2 recall campaigns · 17 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Seat belts (2 recall campaigns) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Subaru Forester compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 13 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Subaru Forester's 28 mpg is 5 mpg below that make average. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 34 g/km higher than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 17 Subaru Forester model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 14th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 35 mpg). See every Subaru Forester year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Subaru Forester
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Subaru Forester have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Subaru Forester: 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (s4).
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Subaru Forester?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Subaru Forester cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Subaru Forester have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 16 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Subaru Forester (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (9), Seat belts (2), Electrical system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Subaru Forester?
Among the 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (60 complaints), Air bags (29 complaints), Service brakes (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Subaru Forester have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 108 cubic feet (about 3,058 litres) and luggage volume at 34 cubic feet (about 963 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Subaru Forester's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.