UK US
← Subaru Forester · 2008-2012 · SH

Subaru Forester SH

Headline trim: 2.5 XT turbo - 226 bhp, 0-62 in 6.6s.

press photo
Verdict
B
BHP
226 bhp
0–60
6.6 s
Top speed
137 mph
MPG
22 mpg (US)
Used
$3,200-$10,000

Strengths

  • Bigger and more grown-up than SG
  • Diesel boxer added (UK 2008+)
  • XT turbo carries on

Weaknesses

  • EJ25 head gaskets persistent
  • Boxer diesel quirky
  • Cabin still budget

Notable tech

  • Third-gen Forester (SH)
  • New platform
  • EJ20 / EJ25 boxer petrol
  • EE20 2.0D boxer diesel UK from 2008
  • XT turbo variant
  • Permanent AWD

Common issues

  • EJ25 head gasket
  • Boxer diesel oil consumption
  • XT turbo failure

Engine derivatives

US-spec trims and engines offered across SH's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
2.0 NA
BHP148
Torque196 Nm
0–6010.4 s
Top116 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
2.5 NA
BHP168
Torque231 Nm
0–609.5 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
2.5 XT turbo
BHP226
Torque320 Nm
0–606.6 s
Top137 mph
MPG (US)22 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox5MT / 4AT
2.0D Boxer Diesel
BHP148
Torque350 Nm
0–609.5 s
Top120 mph
MPG (US)37 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox6MT