This is my third Forester in a row, and I really like it—except for one thing. I live in LA, and I can’t seem to get better than 22 mpg on average. Any tips (besides moving) to improve this? Hoping the 2025 hybrid will make a big difference.
City driving is rough on mileage. Stop-and-go traffic with an underpowered engine will do that. I got this car mainly for road trips, and the mileage is way better when cruising on highways.
I have a ‘19 Sport—been getting 22-24 mpg since day one.
Surprised by these numbers. I live in a rural area and mostly drive backroads. My ‘21 Forester gets around 33 mpg.
Blakely said:
Surprised by these numbers. I live in a rural area and mostly drive backroads. My ‘21 Forester gets around 33 mpg.
Yeah, I think the heavy traffic, stop signs, and lights kill my mileage. When I get on an open highway, I can get close to 30.
@Spence
Yeah… that makes sense.
@Spence
Maybe consider a RAV4 Hybrid next time.
Harlow said:
@Spence
Maybe consider a RAV4 Hybrid next time.
I thought about it, but dealerships in my area wanted a $3k markup!
Harlow said:
@Spence
Maybe consider a RAV4 Hybrid next time.
I thought about it, but dealerships in my area wanted a $3k markup!
Same here… ridiculous.
@Spence
Try feathering the gas and coasting more instead of constantly adjusting speed.
@Spence
Yeah, 30 mpg isn’t great for highways these days. My 2020 RAV4 AWD gets 36-38. My ‘14 Forester tops out at 32 highway, 22 city.
I have a ‘24 Sport and usually get between 27-29 mpg. But to be fair, I do a lot of highway driving.
Hayden said:
I have a ‘24 Sport and usually get between 27-29 mpg. But to be fair, I do a lot of highway driving.
Same here with my ‘24 Premium. After a quick trip out of town, I was sitting at 32 mpg.
Turbo with 23 mpg isn’t bad at all.
Flowky said:
Turbo with 23 mpg isn’t bad at all.
I get 19.8 with my ‘15 turbo. But I drive it hard and accept the lower mileage.
Flowky said:
Turbo with 23 mpg isn’t bad at all.
I get 19.8 with my ‘15 turbo. But I drive it hard and accept the lower mileage.
Same, but I won’t care as much once I get a new job lol.
@Flowky
Yeah, I always regret it at the pump. But hey, if you’re driving an FXT, you’re probably smart enough to land a higher-paying gig. Good luck!
Lex said:
@Flowky
Yeah, I always regret it at the pump. But hey, if you’re driving an FXT, you’re probably smart enough to land a higher-paying gig. Good luck!
Haha, you just know when someone else gets it 
My ‘23 Forester Wilderness gets 23.1 mpg mostly on highways. My old Tacoma V6 got 22, so I’m not too impressed.
I have a 2011 FX and get about 22 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and 25 overall. If you’re not using the AWD much, a smaller car could double your mpg.
My old ‘03 VW TDI got 44 city, over 50 highway. I could go 600 miles on one tank.