2010 Subaru Forester

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Rating8.0
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$20,295 - $28,595
Starting Price 
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Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Standard all-wheel drive

Limited cargo space

Redesigned exterior

Spacious and comfortable interior

Four-speed automatic transmission

New 2.5-liter turbocharged engine

Impressive safety ratings

Still ride quality

Standard Bluetooth connectivity on all trims.

Improved fuel efficiency

New optional features

Specs & Features

$20,295

price

170 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

5-Speed Manual

transmission

2.5L 4cyl AWD 5M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2010 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that offers a practical and reliable option for drivers who want a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions. With its all-wheel-drive system and spacious interior, the Forester is a popular choice in its segment. The 2010 Subaru Forester faces tough competition in the crowded compact SUV market, including the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Ford Escape.

The 2010 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited. The 2.5X models come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5XT Limited is powered by a turbocharged version of the same engine.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2010 Subaru Forester produces 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged engine in the 2.5XT Limited puts out 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.

Thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system and responsive handling, the 2010 Subaru Forester is a joy to drive on both paved roads and off-road trails. Its raised ground clearance also helps to improve its off-road capabilities.

The 2010 Subaru Forester gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.

The 2010 Subaru Forester offers a comfortable and spacious interior with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trims add features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, and heated front seats.

The 2010 Subaru Forester has a sleek and modern exterior design, with a bold grille, sharp headlights, and a roof rack for added utility.

The 2010 Subaru Forester received top marks in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, and front and side airbags.

Overall, the 2010 Subaru Forester is a reliable and practical crossover SUV that offers impressive handling, a spacious interior, and all-wheel drive as standard. While it faces tough competition in its segment, the Forester stands out with its impressive safety ratings and off-road capabilities.

Buying Advice

For the 2010 Forester by Subaru, we would recommend getting the 2.5X Limited trim. Along with all the features of the lower trims, it also adds automatic climate control, the All-Weather package, leather upholstery and a six-speaker stereo with six-CD changer. This makes it a solid all around package which is ready to take on the daily challenges of the city or the great outdoors. We liked the Dark Gray Metallic, Newport Blue Pearl, and Obsidian Black Pearl exterior paint options as they help the small SUV retain its fun and carefree look.

Trims

    Base
    $20,295 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 5M
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.6 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    Special Edition Package
    $20,695 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 4A
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    X
    $21,495 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 4A
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    Premium
    $22,795 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 5M
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.7 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    X Premium
    $22,795 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 4A
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg
    Limited
    $25,995 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD 4A
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 22 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$22,750- $30,700

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.54

Horsepower

261 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$23,560- $27,380

Gasoline

8.92

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

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$20,295- $28,595

Gasoline

7.99

224 hp @ 5200 rpm

226 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

7

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$22,615- $29,970

Gasoline

8.17

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

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$24,250- $31,300

Gasoline

7.63

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

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$21,675- $27,985

Gasoline

7.5

179 hp @ 6000 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,590- $28,500

Gasoline

8.33

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

235 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,460- $25,310

Gasoline

7.66

170 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,020- $27,375

Gasoline

8.68

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,545- $29,745

Gasoline

7.83

180 hp @ 6800 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

2010 Subaru Forester vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.6 sec16.7 sec-
    6.68 sec--
    7.3 sec15.5 sec-
    7.5 sec15.9 sec-
    8.6 sec16.8 sec-
    8.8 sec16.9 sec116 mph

    2010 Subaru Forester vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      20 mpg27 mpg22 mpg16.9 gal.338/456.3 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg24 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/445.2 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg16.5 gal.363/462 mi.
      22 mpg27 mpg24 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/429.3 mi.

      2010 Subaru Forester vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        179.5 in.70.1 in.65.9 in.8.7 in.103 in.
        200.7 in.78.2 in.72.8 in.7.4 in.118.9 in. -
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.

        2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

        Ranked #4

        184.1 in.74.4 in.67.9 in.8.1 in.106.3 in.
        182.9 in.70.9 in.65.3 in.8.3 in.105.9 in.

        2010 Subaru Forester vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          33.5 cu.ft.107.6 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.99.7 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.
          32.1 cu.ft.-75.6 cu.ft.
          36.4 cu.ft.108.2 cu.ft.73 cu.ft.
          35.7 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.72.9 cu.ft.
          29.3 cu.ft.99.4 cu.ft.66.3 cu.ft.

          2010 Subaru Forester vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            68.3 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.-
            65.7 cu.ft.36.3 cu.ft.65.7 cu.ft.-
            56.1 cu.ft.23.8 cu.ft.56.1 cu.ft.-
            75.6 cu.ft.32.1 cu.ft.75.6 cu.ft.98 ft.
            57.9 cu.ft.28.9 cu.ft.57.9 cu.ft.-
            73 cu.ft.36.4 cu.ft.73 cu.ft.-

            2010 Subaru Forester vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2400 lbs.1230 lbs.3250 lbs.
              5200 lbs.1773 lbs.4638 lbs. -
              5000 lbs.881 lbs.4167 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1618 lbs.3976 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1115 lbs.3335 lbs.
              2200 lbs.1352 lbs.3433 lbs.

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