The 2024 Subaru Forester, often referred to in specialized automotive circles as the "Brooks Forester" review subject, represents the pinnacle of the fifth-generation compact SUV design. It offers a standardized Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, class-leading visibility, and the EyeSight Driver Assist technology suite, making it a top-tier choice for families prioritizing safety, utility, and long-term reliability over aggressive styling or high-performance metrics.
Defining the 2024 Forester: Identity and Market Position
To understand the 2024 Forester, one must first address its specific identity within the automotive landscape. While some specialized guides, such as the Brooks evaluation framework, categorize this vehicle under unique headings, it remains the definitive Subaru Forester—a vehicle that has carved out a niche by refusing to follow the industry trend toward sloping rooflines and complex touch-capacitive interfaces.
In 2026, looking back at the 2024 model year, we recognize it as a transitional milestone. It was the final full production year of the fifth generation (SK platform) before the 2025 redesign. For many families, this makes the 2024 model the "safe bet." Historically, the final year of a vehicle's generation is when the manufacturer has resolved the majority of mechanical "teething" issues, resulting in higher reliability scores and more refined assembly quality.
The 2024 Forester competes directly with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. However, it distinguishes itself through its boxier silhouette, which provides superior vertical cargo space and an expansive greenhouse that minimizes blind spots—a critical factor for parents navigating school zones and crowded parking lots.
Engineering and Performance: The Mechanical Backbone
The 2024 Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine. This engine layout is fundamental to the vehicle's handling characteristics. Unlike traditional inline engines, the Boxer's horizontally opposed pistons move sideways, allowing the engine to sit lower in the chassis. This lowers the center of gravity, which offsets the inherent top-heaviness of an SUV, providing a more stable and planted feel during cornering.
Power Delivery and Transmission
The engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While these figures are modest compared to turbocharged competitors, the focus here is on linear power delivery and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In 2024, Subaru refined this CVT to include an 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters on higher trims, mimicking the feel of a traditional stepped automatic to reduce the "rubber band" sensation often criticized in earlier CVT iterations.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Every 2024 Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Unlike "slip-and-grip" systems found in many competitors—which only send power to the rear wheels after the front wheels lose traction—Subaru’s system is always active. It maintains a continuous split of power to all four wheels, which provides immediate response in snowy or rainy conditions. For families living in northern climates, this system is frequently cited as the primary reason for purchasing a Forester.
Safety First: The EyeSight Driver Assist Suite
For a family SUV, safety is non-negotiable. The 2024 Forester features the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This system uses dual color cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic movement, optimize cruise control, and warn the driver when they sway outside their lane.
Key features of the 2024 EyeSight system include:
- Pre-Collision Braking: Can apply full braking force in emergency situations to help avoid or reduce frontal impacts.
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: Reduces driver fatigue by managing steering, braking, and throttle to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead while staying centered in the lane.
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management: If the system detects an object in front that you are likely to hit, it reduces engine power to help minimize impact force.
The 2024 model also received top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), continuing its streak as a Top Safety Pick+ recipient. The inclusion of standard LED Steering Responsive Headlights on all trims further enhances nighttime safety by illuminating curves as the driver steers.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Capability for Families
The interior of the 2024 Forester prioritizes ergonomics and durability over "flashy" materials. For families with children or pets, the use of high-quality plastics and optional StarTex® water-repellent upholstery is a practical advantage. These materials are significantly easier to clean after spills than the delicate leather or piano-black trim found in luxury-oriented SUVs.
Passenger Space and Visibility
The Forester offers 111.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, which exceeds several of its larger competitors. Rear seat passengers benefit from 39.4 inches of legroom, making it comfortable even for tall teenagers. Perhaps the most significant interior feature is the rear door opening angle. The doors open to nearly 90 degrees, a detail that makes installing bulky rear-facing car seats significantly easier for parents.
The "Brooks Guide" frequently highlights the Forester’s visibility. The low beltline and large rear quarter windows mean that even children in the back have a clear view outside, which can help reduce motion sickness. For the driver, the thin A-pillars and large side mirrors provide a panoramic view of the road that is increasingly rare in modern automotive design.
Cargo Capacity
With the rear seats upright, the Forester provides approximately 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space. When the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats are lowered, that space expands to 74.2 cubic feet (on base trims without a sunroof). The cargo opening is exceptionally wide—over 51 inches—allowing for the loading of large items like strollers, bicycles, or flat-pack furniture without having to tilt them at awkward angles.
The 2024 Trim Levels: Finding the Right Fit
Selecting the correct trim level for a 2024 Forester depends on whether the family prioritizes budget, luxury, or off-road capability. As of 2026, the used market reflects varying price points for these configurations.
| Trim Level | Key Features | Primary Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Base | EyeSight, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, LED Headlights | Budget-conscious buyers needing AWD reliability. |
| Premium | Panoramic Moonroof, 10-way Power Driver Seat, X-MODE® | The "sweet spot" for most families; adds comfort and winter tech. |
| Sport | 18-inch Black Wheels, Orange Accents, Blind-Spot Detection | Drivers wanting a more aggressive look and safety tech. |
| Wilderness | 9.2-inch Ground Clearance, All-Terrain Tires, 3,000lb Towing | Outdoor enthusiasts and families living on unpaved roads. |
| Limited | Leather-Trimmed Upholstery, Dual-Zone Climate, Power Liftgate | Families seeking a near-luxury feel without the luxury price. |
| Touring | DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation, Heated Rear Seats, Nav | Premium buyers wanting every available safety and comfort feature. |
Specialized Focus: The Forester Wilderness
A significant highlight of the 2024 lineup is the Wilderness trim. This variant was designed to meet the growing "overlanding" trend. It features an increased ground clearance of 9.2 inches (up from the standard 8.7 inches), a front skid plate, and Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires.
The Wilderness is particularly relevant for families who tow small campers or utility trailers. While the standard Forester is rated for 1,500 pounds, the Wilderness features a revised drivetrain and an external oil cooler that doubles the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. It also includes a reinforced roof rack capable of supporting a static load of 800 pounds, which is sufficient for a rooftop tent.
Comparison: Forester vs. RAV4 and CR-V
In 2024, the Forester held its own against the sales leaders through specific advantages. While the Toyota RAV4 offers a more potent hybrid powertrain and the Honda CR-V provides a slightly more modern interior aesthetic, the Forester wins on value-per-feature and visibility.
- AWD Performance: Subaru’s mechanical Symmetrical AWD is generally regarded as superior to the electronic AWD-i systems found in the RAV4 Hybrid, especially for deep snow and sustained off-road use.
- Ease of Use: The Forester retains physical knobs for volume, tuning, and climate control. In a 2026 context, where many cars have shifted toward frustrating all-touchscreen interfaces, the tactile buttons in the 2024 Forester are increasingly seen as a safety and usability advantage.
- Price: Historically, the Forester has a lower entry MSRP than the Honda CR-V, making it more accessible to young families.
Ownership Costs and Reliability in 2026
Two years after its release, the 2024 Forester has established a solid track record for low cost of ownership. According to data from agencies like Kelley Blue Book, Subaru vehicles consistently rank high in resale value.
Fuel Economy
The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2024 Forester is 26 city / 33 highway mpg (excluding the Wilderness trim, which drops slightly due to its aerodynamic changes and tires). For a non-hybrid SUV with permanent all-wheel drive, these figures remain competitive in 2026.
Maintenance Considerations
The 2.5L engine is a naturally aspirated unit, meaning it lacks the complexity and heat-related stress of a turbocharger. This typically translates to lower long-term maintenance costs. Owners should adhere strictly to the 6,000-mile oil change interval to ensure the longevity of the Boxer engine's seals and gaskets.
One technical detail to monitor is the CVT fluid. While Subaru often markets it as a "lifetime" fluid, many experienced mechanics and the "Brooks Guide" methodology suggest a drain-and-fill service every 60,000 miles, especially if the vehicle is used for towing or frequent mountain driving.
Common Questions and Practical Troubleshooting
Is the 2024 Forester's engine powerful enough for highway merging? The 182-hp engine is adequate for standard family duties, though it can feel strained when the vehicle is fully loaded with five passengers and gear. The CVT is tuned to provide a quick initial response from a stop, making it feel peppier in city traffic than the numbers suggest. On steep highway inclines, the engine will rev high, which creates more cabin noise than some competitors.
Does the 2024 Forester support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? No, the 2024 model year requires a wired connection for smartphone integration. While many 2024 competitors moved to wireless systems, Subaru kept the wired 8.0-inch Starlink® system for this final year of the generation. Many owners in 2026 choose to use a small third-party wireless dongle to update this functionality.
What is the "DriverFocus" system found in the Touring trim? The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System uses an infrared camera on the dashboard to monitor the driver's eyes. If the system detects the driver looking away from the road or closing their eyes for too long, it emits an audible and visual alert. It can also recognize up to five different drivers and automatically adjust the seat and mirror positions to their saved preferences.
How does the Forester handle in the snow compared to other SUVs? The Forester is widely considered the class leader for winter driving. This is due to the 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the X-MODE system, which optimizes the engine output and transmission ratio to reduce wheel spin on slippery surfaces. The "Deep Snow/Mud" setting on higher trims allows for more wheel slip to help the vehicle "dig out" of heavy accumulations.
Final Recommendation for 2026 Buyers
For families looking at the 2024 Forester today, the vehicle represents an excellent balance of proven mechanicals and essential safety tech. It is not the fastest or the most technologically advanced SUV in its class, but it is one of the most practical.
Next Steps: If you are shopping for a pre-owned 2024 model, prioritize the Premium or Limited trims for the best balance of features. Always verify that the EyeSight cameras have not been obstructed by aftermarket windshield tints or poorly placed toll transponders, as these can interfere with the safety systems. For those living in rural areas, the Wilderness trim remains the gold standard for compact SUVs that truly need to go off-pavement.
