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Forester

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2008 Subaru Forester
2008 model year

What's new for 2008.

The 2008 model year marks the final iteration of the second-generation Forester. Subaru focused on refining the lineup by expanding the 'Sports' trim levels and updating the exterior aesthetics to maintain competitiveness before the upcoming redesign. The Sports 2.5 X and Sports 2.5 XT models received a revised front fascia and unique interior accents like anthracite black cloth and aluminum pedal covers.

Technologically, the 2008 model saw the standardization of Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) across all trims. Turbocharged models equipped with the automatic transmission received an upgraded Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing performance and handling in adverse conditions.

Exterior

  • Revised front fascia for Sports models
  • New 17-inch STI-style 12-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels for Sports 2.5 XT

Trims

  • Expansion of the Sports trim line
  • L.L.Bean Edition continues as the luxury flagship with Alcantara accents

Drivetrain

  • Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) added to automatic turbo models

Trims

9 configurations

Select a trim to see its specs and equipment.

2008 Subaru Forester

2.5 X

Horsepower
173
City MPG
20
Highway MPG
26
Engine
2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER
Horsepower
173 hp
Torque
166 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Subaru Symmetrical AWD
Transmission
4-speed automatic
City / highway MPG
20 / 26
Seating
–
Wheel size
16 in
Ground clearance
8.1 in
Cargo, seats up
30.7 cu ft
Towing capacity
2400 lb

Standard equipment

  • 4-wheel independent suspension
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
  • Air conditioning with air filtration
  • Keyless entry system

The trims, side by side.

Scroll sideways to see every trim →

"Optional" means the feature needs an upgrade or package.

9 of 9 trims
2008 Subaru Forester · Full trim comparison
Trim
2.5 X
Sports 2.5 X
2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition
Sports 2.5 XT
2.5 XT Limited
2.5 X Manual
Sports 2.5 X Manual
Sports 2.5 XT Manual
2.5 XT Limited Manual
City / Hwy / Combined (MPG)20 / 26 / 2220 / 26 / 2220 / 26 / 2218 / 23 / 2018 / 23 / 2020 / 27 / 2220 / 27 / 2219 / 25 / 2119 / 25 / 21
Horsepower173 hp173 hp173 hp224 hp224 hp173 hp173 hp224 hp224 hp
Seating capacity---------
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
DrivetrainSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWD with VDC (Automatic)Subaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWD with VDC (Automatic)
Transmission4-speed automatic4-speed automaticStandard 4-speed adaptive electronic direct-control automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automaticManual 5-spdManual 5-spdManual 5-spdManual 5-spd
Name2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER
Type4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed
Displacement l2.52.52.52.52.52.52.52.52.5
Aspirationnaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratedturbochargedturbochargednaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratedturbochargedturbocharged
Valvetraini-Active Valve Lift Systemi-Active Valve Lift Systemi-Active Valve Lift SystemActive Valve Control SystemActive Valve Control Systemi-Active Valve Lift Systemi-Active Valve Lift SystemActive Valve Control SystemActive Valve Control System
Horsepower173173173224224173173224224
Horsepower RPM600060006000560056006000600056005600
Torque lb ft166166166226226166166226226
Torque RPM440044004400360036004400440036003600
Fuel typeRegular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) recommendedPremium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) recommendedRegular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) recommendedPremium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) recommended
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
City MPG202020181820201919
Highway MPG262626232327272525
Combined MPG222222202022222121
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
Length (in)176.6176.6176.6176.6176.6176.6176.6176.6176.6
Width (in)68.368.368.368.368.368.368.368.368.3
Height (in)656565656565656565
Wheelbase (in)99.499.499.499.499.499.499.499.499.4
Ground clearance (in)8.18.18.17.97.98.18.17.97.9
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
Curb weight lb314031403205332033203140314033203320
Towing capacity lb240024002400240024002400240024002400
Passenger volume (cu ft)95.495.495.495.495.495.495.495.495.4
Cargo volume seats up (cu ft)30.730.730.730.730.730.730.730.730.7
Cargo volume max (cu ft)68.668.668.668.668.668.668.668.668.6
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
Wheel size (in)161616171716161717
Wheel materialsteelsteelsteelaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloysteelsteelaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloy
Tire spec215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season215/60 R16 94H M+S all-season
Wheel finish–––STI-style 12-spokeSTI-style 12-spoke––STI-style 12-spokeSTI-style 12-spoke
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
Electronic brake force distributionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Vdc standard–––YesYes––YesYes
2.5 XSports 2.5 X2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionSports 2.5 XT2.5 XT Limited2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 X ManualSports 2.5 XT Manual2.5 XT Limited Manual
4-wheel independent suspensionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Air conditioning with air filtrationYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Keyless entry systemYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Anthracite Black cloth upholstery-YesYesYesYes-YesYesYes
Aluminum pedal covers-YesYesYesYes-YesYesYes
Sports-design front fascia-YesYesYesYes-YesYesYes
Leather-trimmed upholstery with Alcantara accents--YesYesYes--YesYes
Wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel--YesYesYes--YesYes
L.L.Bean-embossed cargo tray--YesYesYes--YesYes
Panoramic power moonroof--YesYesYes--YesYes
Functional hood scoop---YesYes--YesYes
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on automatic models---YesYes--YesYes
120-watt 7-speaker audio system with subwoofer---YesYes--YesYes
Leather-trimmed upholstery----Yes---Yes
Automatic climate control----Yes---Yes
155-watt 7-speaker premium audio system----Yes---Yes
Heated front seats----Yes---Yes