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← Subaru Forester · 2013-2018 · SJ

Subaru Forester SJ

Headline trim: 2.0 XT turbo - 237 bhp, 0-62 in 7.5s.

press photo
Verdict
B
BHP
237 bhp
0–60
7.5 s
Top speed
137 mph
MPG
27 mpg (US)
Used
$7,600-$18,000

Strengths

  • Bigger cabin than SH
  • Lineartronic CVT smooth
  • Diesel boxer for fleets

Weaknesses

  • EE20 timing chain catastrophic on diesels
  • CVT shudder under load
  • Cabin not premium

Notable tech

  • Fourth-gen Forester (SJ)
  • Subaru Global Platform predecessor
  • EJ20 / 2.0 turbo XT petrol
  • EE20 2.0D Boxer Diesel
  • Lineartronic CVT or 6MT
  • X-Mode AWD

Common issues

  • EE20 timing chain failure
  • CVT shudder
  • Front diff seal leaks

Engine derivatives

US-spec trims and engines offered across SJ'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
Top118 mph
MPG (US)30 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox6MT / Lineartronic CVT
2.5 NA
BHP168
Torque231 Nm
0–609.7 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveAWD
GearboxLineartronic CVT
2.0 XT turbo
BHP237
Torque350 Nm
0–607.5 s
Top137 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveAWD
GearboxLineartronic CVT
2.0D Boxer Diesel
BHP145
Torque350 Nm
0–609.9 s
Top118 mph
MPG (US)41 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox6MT / Lineartronic CVT