The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, practicality, and reliable performance. It competes in a highly contested segment against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Key competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Forester's AWD standard equipment and higher ground clearance are often differentiating factors.
Key Features
Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, spacious interior, good cargo capacity, available turbocharged engine (XT models), strong safety ratings.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Regions:
Global (primarily North America, Europe, Australia)
Page Count
Pages:
Estimated 3000+ pages (typical for a complete factory manual)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, specifications for EJ253 (2.5L NA), FB25B (2.5L NA), FA20DIT (2.0L Turbocharged Direct Injection)
Transmission:
Service and repair for CVT (Lineartronic) and 6-speed Manual Transmissions
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.
CVT (Lineartronic) with paddle shifters (on most models)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (available on specific trims, e.g., 2.5i Base, Premium)
Features
Cvt Features:
Symmetrical AWD integrated, manual mode with 6-speed simulation, hill start assist
Fluid Specs
Cvt Fluid Type:
Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2 or NS-3, consult manual for specific model)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Gear Oil GL-5 75W-90
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches (2639 mm)
Length:
180.9 inches (4595 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
70.7 cubic feet (2002 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (depending on trim and engine)
Towing Capacity:
2,400 lbs (1089 kg) with trailer brakes
Wheel Specs
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
5x100
Wheel Size:
17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2013 model received IIHS Top Safety Pick status)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating
Active Features
AWD System:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Split
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Brake Assist:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, available navigation system, and rearview camera.
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio input, USB port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist (depending on trim level).
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port for device charging and media playback, available smartphone integration (e.g., Pandora, iHeartRadio).
Other Tech
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system allowing drivers to select different driving modes (Intelligent, Sport, Sport Sharp) to optimize engine response, transmission shift timing, and other parameters.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km), or sooner under severe driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: 105,000 miles (168,000 km). Consult manual for specific engine type.
Coolant Flush:
First change at 132 months/100,000 miles, then every 72 months/50,000 miles thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 API SN certified synthetic oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.5L NA, 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L Turbo.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Potential for oil consumption on higher mileage naturally aspirated engines, CVT fluid degradation if not changed at recommended intervals, potential for carbon buildup on direct-injection engines if driven exclusively on short trips without proper maintenance.
Maintenance Advice:
Regularly check and maintain fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, CVT fluid). Follow the maintenance schedule diligently. Address any warning lights or unusual noises promptly.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, part of Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, particularly known for their horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines and their commitment to all-wheel-drive technology in most of their models.
Model Evolution
Forester Generations:
The 2013 model represents the fourth generation (SJ) of the Subaru Forester, which debuted in late 2012. This generation saw significant updates in styling, interior refinement, and powertrain options, including the introduction of the turbocharged direct-injection engine and the Lineartronic CVT.
Production
Production Location:
Globally assembled, with primary manufacturing in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Some models may be assembled in other locations depending on the market.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Award IIHS:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick
Award NHTSA:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically good reliability ratings from publications like Consumer Reports for Subaru models, though specific model year ratings vary. This manual provides the tools to maintain that reliability.