What makes the Subaru Forester a practical choice for older adults

The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that many older drivers find easier to enter and exit than sedans, thanks to its higher seating position and wider door openings. The standard all-wheel drive system provides traction on wet or icy roads without requiring you to shift into a special mode, which reduces the number of controls you need to manage while driving. The visibility is better than in many sedans because you sit higher up and the windows are larger, so you spend less time turning your head to check blind spots.

The Forester's size sits between a sedan and a full-size SUV — it is easier to park and maneuver than larger vehicles, but roomy enough that you are not cramped on longer drives. The controls are laid out in a straightforward way, with large buttons and knobs rather than buried menus, so you can adjust the heat or radio without taking your eyes off the road for long.

Key Takeaways

  • The Forester's high seating position and wide doors make getting in and out less physically demanding than a sedan.
  • Standard all-wheel drive provides better grip in rain and snow without requiring you to operate extra controls.
  • The compact size is easier to park and maneuver than full-size SUVs, while still offering good visibility and interior space.
  • Physical controls for heat, wipers, and audio are large and straightforward to reach, reducing the need to navigate touchscreen menus while driving.
  • Safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information are standard on recent model years.

Seating and entry features that reduce physical strain

Older adults often find that getting into and out of a vehicle is harder on the knees, hips, and back than the driving itself. The Forester sits about 8.6 inches higher than a typical sedan, which means you do not have to bend as far or lower yourself as much. The door frame is also wider and the door swings open to a larger angle, so you have more room to maneuver your legs and body as you slide in or out.

The driver's seat has a height adjustment that goes both up and down, so you can position yourself at a comfortable level rather than being locked into one height. If you have arthritis or limited mobility in your shoulders, the seat-mounted controls (rather than steering-wheel-mounted controls on some models) let you adjust the seat without reaching across your body. The steering wheel also adjusts up and down, so you can find a position that does not require you to reach or crane your neck.

Visibility and safety features for confident driving

The Forester's tall greenhouse — the area of glass around the cabin — gives you a clearer view of the road, pedestrians, and other vehicles without turning your head as much. The side windows are taller than in many sedans, and the rear window is larger, so your peripheral vision covers more ground. Subaru also includes a standard backup camera on all recent model years, which displays on a screen in the center of the dashboard so you can see what is behind you without relying on mirrors alone.

Newer Foresters come with EyeSight Driver information Technology, which uses cameras to watch the road ahead and can explore the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent. The system also helps keep the car centered in its lane if you drift, and it can alert you if you are drifting toward a lane line. These features do not replace your attention, but they provide a second layer of protection if your reaction time is slower than it once was.

Fuel economy and maintenance costs

The Forester's four-cylinder engine gets roughly 26 to 33 miles per gallon depending on the model year and driving conditions, which is reasonable for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. This means you spend less time at the pump and less money on gas compared to larger SUVs, which is helpful if you are on a fixed income or prefer not to refuel as often.

Subaru vehicles have a reputation for reliability, and the Forester is no exception — many owners report driving them well past 150,000 miles with routine maintenance. Routine maintenance includes oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations, which are straightforward and not unusually expensive. If you are buying used, a Forester with 80,000 to 100,000 miles on it from a reputable dealer or private seller with service records is likely to have many years of driving left.

Common concerns and realistic limitations

The Forester is not the easiest vehicle to get into if you have severe mobility issues — it still requires you to step up and swing your leg into the cabin. If you need a vehicle where you can remain seated while entering, you would need to look at vehicles with a lowered floor or a lift system, which are much more expensive and less common.

The touchscreen infotainment system on newer models can be confusing if you are not comfortable with technology, though the physical buttons for radio and climate control remain available. If you plan to buy new or nearly new, ask the dealer to walk you through the system before you drive off the lot, or bring a family member who can help you learn it.

Winter driving in a Forester is safer than in a rear-wheel-drive sedan, but all-wheel drive does not make you invincible on ice or snow. If you live in an area with severe winters, you still need good winter tires and the willingness to drive slowly and carefully when conditions are poor.

New versus used: what to consider

A new Forester costs between $28,000 and $35,000 depending on trim level and options, which is a significant purchase. A used Forester from 2015 or later typically costs $15,000 to $25,000, depending on mileage and condition. Buying used saves money upfront, but you inherit any wear on the engine, transmission, and suspension — so always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic you trust.

Newer model years (2019 and later) have more advanced safety features like EyeSight as standard equipment, while older models may have fewer driver aids. If safety features are important to you and your budget allows, a newer used Forester may be worth the extra cost. If you are primarily concerned with reliable transportation and do not need the latest technology, a well-maintained Forester from 2015 to 2018 can serve you well.

How the Forester compares to other vehicles for older drivers

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are the Forester's main competitors in the compact SUV class. All three have similar seating heights, visibility, and reliability. The CR-V tends to have slightly more interior space, while the RAV4 has a reputation for holding its resale value longer. The Forester's advantage is its standard all-wheel drive at all trim levels, whereas the CR-V and RAV4 offer it as an option, which means you pay less if all-wheel drive is important to you.

If you prefer a sedan, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are easier to park and have lower step-in heights, but they offer less visibility and ground clearance. If you need something smaller and easier to maneuver in tight parking spaces, the Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV with many of the same features as the Forester but in a narrower package — though it has less interior room and a smaller cargo area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Forester hard to get into if I have knee or hip problems?

The Forester is easier than a sedan because you sit higher and do not have to bend as far, but you still need to step up and swing your leg into the cabin. If bending or lifting your leg is painful, a vehicle with a lowered floor or a lift system would be better, though those are much more expensive and harder to find used.

Do I need all-wheel drive if I live somewhere warm and dry?

No — if you never drive in rain or snow, a front-wheel-drive vehicle will save you money on purchase price and fuel. However, all-wheel drive does improve traction on wet pavement even in warm climates, and it does not cost much more on a Forester since it is standard.

What should I look for when buying a used Forester?

Check the service records to see if the previous owner did regular oil changes and maintenance. Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension before you buy. Ask about any accidents or damage, and test drive it on both highway and local roads to listen for unusual noises.

Are the safety features on older Foresters good enough?

Foresters from 2010 onward have solid crash test ratings and standard airbags. Newer models (2019 and later) add automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information, which provide extra protection. If you are buying used and safety features matter to you, prioritize a model from 2019 or later if your budget allows.

Can I fit a wheelchair or walker in the cargo area?

Yes — the Forester has about 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which is enough for a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility equipment. The cargo area is at a convenient height for loading and unloading, and the wide rear opening makes it easier to maneuver equipment in and out.