Subaru Forester Ground Clearance Explored
The Subaru Forester ground clearance stands about 8.7 inches off the ground. This height sets it apart in the compact SUV world.
If you love outdoor activities or driving on rough paths, knowing this height is key. Let’s take a closer look at the Forester’s ground clearance and how it compares to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Knowing ground clearance is vital for off-road driving. It helps you know what your vehicle can handle.
If you’re comparing the Subaru Forester to other SUVs or thinking about getting a lift kit, you’re in the right place.
We’ll show you why the Forester’s ground clearance is ideal for both city driving and off-road adventures.
What is Ground Clearance in Vehicles?
Ground clearance is the space between a car’s bottom and the ground. This distance greatly affects how a car performs.
The Subaru Forester, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, can handle different kinds of ground comfortably.
This feature is vital, especially for those driving on rough roads, facing obstacles, or going off-road.
A higher ground clearance means better avoidance of obstacles and less risk of damage. The Subaru Forester, built for city drives and outdoor adventures, needs a high clearance.
This lets drivers go over hiking paths, gravel, and other tough paths without harming the car’s bottom.
The Forester’s clearance is the same as that of the Crosstrek and Outback, at 8.7 inches. This shows Subaru’s aim to make cars fit for all driving conditions.
Knowing your car’s ground clearance, like that of the Subaru Forester, helps in picking the right roads and improves your driving experience.
What Makes Ground Clearance Important For Off-Roading?
Having enough ground clearance is key for off-roading, especially with the Subaru Forester off-road abilities.
It allows your car to move over obstacles like rocks and roots without harming the bottom. This is crucial for difficult paths, including steep uphills or downhills.
A higher ground clearance helps in keeping the car’s bottom safe when it goes in or out of steep places.
The 2025 Subaru Forester, with an 8.7-inch clearance, shows how it makes going over bumpy roads safer.
Knowing about ground clearance is vital for Subaru owners who like off-roading. It helps in choosing the right places to drive off-road.
The Subaru Forester’s good ground clearance means you can have fun exploring while worrying less about damaging your car.
Subaru Forester Ground Clearance Specifications
The Subaru Forester stands out with its high ground clearance. It’s great for city drives and off-road trips. The 2022 and 2025 models have about 8.7 inches of clearance.
This lets them handle different kinds of ground well and supports strong suspension movement.
Overview of Ground Clearance Measurement
Ground clearance is key for checking how good a vehicle is off-road. The Wilderness trim of the Subaru Forester gets even higher, at 9.2 inches.
This extra lift means it can go over tougher ground easier. Knowing these subaru forester clearance specs helps shoppers see if it fits their needs.
Comparative Analysis with Other SUVs
| Model | Ground Clearance (inches) | Approach Angle (degrees) | Departure Angle (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | 8.7 | 21.8 | 25.7 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 8.4 | 18.6 | 21.0 |
| Honda CR-V | 7.8 | 18.0 | 24.0 |
This table shows how the Subaru Forester beats other SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in clearance.
Its great approach and departure angles make it really good off-road.
How The Subaru Forester Handles Rough Terrain?
The Subaru Forester shines off-road. It boasts an 8.7-inch ground clearance, perfect for overcoming obstacles. This makes it a top choice for those who love adventure.
Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system evenly spreads power to all wheels. This offers better grip on tricky surfaces.
The Forester has a powerful 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. It delivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque.
This power is balanced with good fuel economy, getting 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
The car’s design makes it great for various terrains, including steep and muddy paths. Thanks to its stable center of gravity, driving feels smooth and controlled.
For extra off-road capabilities, opt for the higher trims with X-Mode. X-Mode fine-tunes the Forester for tough terrains, making it even more capable.
It’s ideal for models built for the wild, like the Wilderness edition. Plus, with up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, you can bring along all your outdoor gear.
Whether it’s camping, mountain biking, or hiking, the Forester is ready.
Off-Road Capabilities of The Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is designed for outdoor fans. It shines with remarkable subaru forester off-road capabilities.
Its dual-function X-MODE tweaks engine output and gear settings for tough conditions like mud or snow. This boosts traction, making it easy to handle different terrains.
It stands out with an 8.7-inch ground clearance, beating many small SUVs. This height helps it avoid obstacles on rough trails.
With approach and departure angles of about 22.9 and 24.6 degrees, the Forester easily climbs hills and navigates uneven ground.
All Subaru Forester models come with symmetrical all-wheel drive. This improves grip and balance on slick or uneven paths.
It can tow up to 1,500 pounds, great for hauling off-road equipment or small trailers, highlighting its off-road prowess.
The Forester is also fuel-efficient, getting around 26 mpg in town and 33 mpg on highways. This means less stopping for gas on long trips.
Its interior is roomy, offering up to 74.3 cubic feet for cargo with the rear seat down, ensuring ample space for your stuff.
In short, the Subaru Forester’s top tech, strong off-road abilities, and solid performance make it a prime pick for outdoor lovers.
Subaru Forester Lift Kit Options
Many Subaru Forester owners are now lifting their SUVs, mainly for off-roading fun.
Installing a Subaru Forester lift kit can raise your ride from the usual 8.7 inches to approximately 11.7 inches off the ground.
This added height helps you tackle tough terrains and bypass obstacles with ease. Lift kits also improve approach angles and allow for bigger tires, which means better grip on rough roads.
Let’s dive into the benefits of getting a lift kit and what to think about before adding one.
Advantages of Installing a Lift Kit
- Increased ground clearance: Lift kits generally raise your Forester by 1 to 3 inches, which significantly improves off-road capabilities.
- Enhanced obstacle clearance: An increase in ground clearance allows for better navigation over obstacles, improving approach angles by up to 20%.
- Improved suspension travel: Lift kits can enhance overall suspension travel by about 15%, leading to a more comfortable ride on uneven terrain.
- Aesthetic appeal: Approximately 40% of Subaru Forester owners choose lift kits not just for performance but also for the enhanced look it provides.
- Potential resale value increase: Lifted Subaru Foresters can see an estimated 10% increase in resale value compared to their non-lifted counterparts.
- Attracting younger drivers: Market analysis reveals that 25% of lift kit purchases come from customers under 35, showcasing a trend among younger enthusiasts.
Factors To Consider Before Upgrading
- Cost: Installation costs for lift kits vary significantly, ranging from $500 to $1,500 depending on kit complexity and additional components.
- Lift kit options: Different kits provide varying heights and specifications. For instance, Primitive Racing offers a 1.25-inch lift, while RalliTEK provides a 0.5-inch option. Choose based on your needs.
- Impact on drivetrain: Increased lift height may cause premature wear on CV joints and may not be recommended for all vehicles.
- Strut spacers: Although a strut top lift spacer can provide extra lift, it can lead to potential strain on the vehicle if not installed properly.
- Included components: Ensure your lift kit comes with everything needed for a successful installation, such as springs, spacers, and shock extensions.
Performance Features Complementing Ground Clearance
The Subaru Forester is great for off-roads because it has special features. One key feature is the Hill Descent Control.
This allows you to go down steep hills safely and keep control. It also has a strong braking system, so stopping on slopes is easier.
The heart of the Subaru Forester is its 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. This engine creates 180 horsepower and is very efficient. Its power helps with off-road adventures.
The Lineartronic CVT also makes the ride smooth and quiet, no matter where you drive. The Subaru Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform.
This makes the chassis 10% stronger and the ride quieter. The steering is very responsive, thanks to technology from the WRX.
Plus, there’s the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It quickly spots pedestrians and cyclists, making driving in the city and off-road safer.
| Feature | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.5L 4-Cylinder / Turbocharged 2.4L |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 182 hp / 260 hp (turbo) |
| Fuel Efficiency (City/Hwy) | 26 MPG / 33 MPG | 26 MPG / 32 MPG |
| Maximum Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 9.5 inches |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
The Subaru Forester’s performance and high ground clearance work together perfectly.
This makes it excellent for all kinds of outdoor adventures. It’s a dependable vehicle for anyone who loves to explore.
Subaru Forester Ground Clearance Comparison with Competitors
When we look at how the Subaru Forester’s ground clearance compares to other SUVs, it’s clearly ahead in the compact SUV category.
It has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. This makes it stand taller against key rivals. For example, the Honda CR-V has 7.8 inches, and the Toyota RAV4 is at 8.4 inches.
The Mazda CX-5 is even lower, with just 7.5 inches. This difference puts the Subaru at the top among compact SUVs. Its 8.7 inches beat the class average of 8.0 inches.
It’s 11.5% higher than the Honda CR-V’s clearance, and 3.6% more than the Toyota RAV4’s. Against the Mazda CX-5, it’s a whopping 15.9% more.
This proves the Forester’s strength off-road. The Subaru Forester doesn’t just lead with ground clearance.
It offers six trims, including Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. All maintain this height.
The Wilderness trim even goes further, with 9.2 inches of ground clearance. This setup is perfect for tough terrains, ideal for adventurers.
Overall, if ground clearance matters to you for both performance and versatility, the Subaru Forester shines. It stands out as a top choice in the busy SUV market.
Real-World Driving Experiences and Reviews
As a Subaru Forester owner, the feedback from others can vary a lot. People’s expectations and where they drive play a big part. Many are happy with how tough and capable it is off-road.
Owners’ Perspectives on Off-Road Performance
Many love the Subaru Forester for adventures. They praise its 8.7-inch ground clearance for getting over obstacles easily.
It’s seen as stable on rough ground. The space for gear is also a big plus, offering plenty of room when the seats are down.
Common Challenges Faced by Subaru Forester Drivers
Even with the praise, some issues come up. The most common is the lack of gauges like for the temperature and oil pressure.
Drivers feel this leaves them guessing about their car’s condition. Others think adding about 20-30 horsepower could make it even better off-road.
This shows the ongoing discussions about improving the Subaru Forester.
Conclusion
The Subaru Forester has an 8.7-inch ground clearance. The Wilderness trim boosts this to 9.2 inches. This isn’t just about numbers.
It makes the car stable and easy to handle on different terrains. The car has features for off-road driving and keeps you safe, making it a top pick.
Thinking about the Subaru Forester’s ground clearance, it’s clear how its roomy inside can be a big plus. It has up to 74.2 cubic feet for your stuff.
And you can move the seats around to fit your needs. It’s great for everyday trips or outdoor adventures. The Forester starts at $29,695 and goes up to $39,995.
This price tag brings together good value and strong performance. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a compact SUV.
With its many features, the Forester is ready to take on any road with confidence.
FAQs
What is the ground clearance of the Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. This is great for avoiding obstacles during off-road adventures.
How does the ground clearance affect the off-road capabilities of the Subaru Forester?
Higher ground clearance means the Forester can handle rough terrain better. It improves approach and departure angles. This prevents damage to the bottom of the car.
Can the ground clearance of the Subaru Forester be increased?
Yes, you can install lift kits on the Subaru Forester. This increases ground clearance from the stock height of 8.7 inches. It boosts off-road performance.
How does the Subaru Forester’s ground clearance compare to other compact SUVs?
The Subaru Forester beats competitors like the Ford Escape at 7.8 inches and Nissan Rogue at 8.4 inches. It has higher ground clearance. This makes it better for off-roading.
What are the benefits of having a higher ground clearance?
More ground clearance means better obstacle clearance. It reduces the risk of damaging the car on uneven surfaces. Plus, it’s great for off-road driving.
What features enhance the Subaru Forester’s off-road performance?
The Forester has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and dual-function X-MODE for different terrains. It also has Hill Descent Control. These improve stability and control off-road.
What should I consider before upgrading the ground clearance on my Subaru Forester?
Consider tire size, suspension compatibility, and how it might affect handling and comfort. These factors matter when upgrading ground clearance.
Is the Subaru Forester suitable for daily driving and off-road adventures?
Yes, the Subaru Forester is great for daily use and off-road fun. It balances comfort for commuting and off-road abilities.
