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Forester

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2011 Subaru Forester
2011 model year

What's new for 2011.

The 2011 model year introduced one of the most significant mechanical updates in the Forester's history: the all-new 'FB' series 2.5-liter engine. This new engine featured double overhead cams (DOHC) and a timing chain instead of a belt, providing a slight boost in torque and improved fuel efficiency. While horsepower remained at 170, the torque delivery was more linear, improving real-world drivability.

Subaru also introduced the 'Touring' trim level for both naturally aspirated and turbocharged models, serving as the new range-topping luxury variant. This trim added high-end features like HID headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and electroluminescent gauges. Additionally, Bluetooth became standard on all models except the base 2.5X.

Powertrain

  • New 2.5L DOHC FB-series engine with timing chain
  • Improved fuel economy (21 city / 27 highway)

Trims

  • New Touring trim level introduced as the flagship
  • 2.5XT Limited trim discontinued

Technology

  • Bluetooth standard on all but base trim
  • New optional TomTom navigation system for Premium trims

Trims

8 configurations

Select a trim to see its specs and equipment.

2011 Subaru Forester

2.5X

Horsepower
170
City MPG
21
Highway MPG
26
Engine
2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
174 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Subaru Symmetrical AWD
Transmission
4-speed automatic
City / highway MPG
21 / 26
Seating
5 seats
Wheel size
16 in
Ground clearance
8.7 in
Cargo, seats up
33.5 cu ft
Towing capacity
2400 lb

Standard equipment

  • VDC electronic stability control
  • 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
  • 4-speaker audio system
  • Keyless entry system

The trims, side by side.

Scroll sideways to see every trim →

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

8 of 8 trims
2011 Subaru Forester · Full trim comparison
Trim
2.5X
2.5X Premium
2.5X Limited
2.5X Touring
2.5XT Premium
2.5XT Touring
2.5X Manual
2.5X Premium Manual
City / Hwy / Combined (MPG)21 / 26 / 2321 / 26 / 2321 / 26 / 2321 / 26 / 2319 / 23 / 2119 / 23 / 2121 / 27 / 2321 / 27 / 23
Horsepower170 hp170 hp170 hp170 hp224 hp224 hp170 hp170 hp
Seating capacity5 seats5 seats5 seats5 seats5 seats5 seats5 seats5 seats
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
DrivetrainSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWD
Transmission4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automaticManual 5-spdManual 5-spd
Name2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC 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 opposed
Displacement l2.52.52.52.52.52.52.52.5
Aspirationnaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratedturbochargedturbochargednaturally aspiratednaturally aspirated
Valvetrain16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System16-valve with Active Valve Control System
Horsepower170170170170224224170170
Horsepower RPM58005800580058005200520058005800
Torque lb ft174174174174226226174174
Torque RPM41004100410041002800280041004100
Fuel typeUnleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane)Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
City MPG2121212119192121
Highway MPG2626262623232727
Combined MPG2323232321212323
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Length (in)179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5
Width (in)70.170.170.170.170.170.170.170.1
Height (in)65.965.965.965.965.965.965.965.9
Wheelbase (in)103103103103103103103103
Ground clearance (in)8.78.78.78.78.98.98.78.7
Track front (in)60.260.260.260.260.260.260.260.2
Track rear (in)60.260.260.260.260.260.260.260.2
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Curb weight lb32523296336233623450346132523296
Towing capacity lb24002400240024002400240024002400
Passenger volume (cu ft)107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6
Cargo volume seats up (cu ft)33.533.533.533.533.533.533.533.5
Cargo volume max (cu ft)68.368.368.368.368.368.368.368.3
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Wheel size (in)1617171717171617
Wheel materialsteelaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloysteelaluminum-alloy
Wheel finishwith wheel covers5-split-spoke5-split-spoke5-split-spoke5-split-spoke5-split-spokewith wheel covers5-split-spoke
Tire spec215/65 R16 96H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season215/65 R16 96H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Traction controlYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Brake assistYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Vdc standardYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Airbags descriptionFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensorFront, front seat side-impact and side-curtain with rollover sensor
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5X Touring2.5XT Premium2.5XT Touring2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
VDC electronic stability controlYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
6-way manually adjustable driver’s seatYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
4-speaker audio systemYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Keyless entry systemYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Panoramic moonroof-YesYesYesYesYes-Yes
10-way power adjustable driver’s seat-YesYesYesYesYes-Yes
Raised roof rails (black finish)-YesYesYesYesYes-Yes
Reclining rear seatbacks-YesYesYesYesYes-Yes
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity-YesYesYesYesYes-Yes
Leather-trimmed upholstery--YesYesYesYes--
Automatic climate control system--YesYesYesYes--
All-Weather Package--YesYesYesYes--
6-speaker audio system with HD Radio--YesYesYesYes--
Fog lights--YesYesYesYes--
HID low-beam headlights---YesYesYes--
Dual-zone automatic climate control system---YesYesYes--
7-speaker audio system---YesYesYes--
Silver finish roof rails---YesYesYes--
Electroluminescent gauges---YesYesYes--
One-touch folding rear seatbacks---YesYesYes--
Functional hood scoop----YesYes--
Rear spoiler----YesYes--
Aluminum-alloy pedal covers----YesYes--
7-speaker audio system with HD Radio-----Yes--