43/100
2016Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDPremium

2016 Subaru Forester AWD

EPA ID: 36148
23
City MPG
25
Combined MPG
25MPG· Average
27
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2016 Subaru Forester AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 23 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (av-s8), this small sport utility vehicle 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2016 Forester AWD produces approximately 359 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Forester AWD performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,750, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $3,000 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel TypePremium
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions359 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score6/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,750
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $3,000

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
24.6
Impact vs EPA
+$30
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$537/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$13,860
43.0%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,500
32.6%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,459
23.2%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,219

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #19V701000·2020-02-11
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Campaign #19V149000·2019-04-15
critical
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Campaign #16V162000·2016-04-15
critical
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Subaru Forester AWD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,750
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $3,000

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City23 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined25 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

71.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 89 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.0 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.