Subaru Forester Ground Clearance: What to Know
2019 Subaru Forester by Kevauto — CC BY-SA 4.0
Off-roading isn’t just something you can do in any vehicle. It requires considerable ground clearance if you plan on safely traversing rough terrain. That’s why, today, we’re looking at the Subaru Forester ground clearance.
Foresters are beloved by many as off-road vehicles. They’re attractive, sporty, and they handle well on various road conditions. If you’re considering this vehicle as your off-road companion, you need first to know what its ground clearance is and whether that fits your needs.
We’ll also be looking into some features that complement the Subaru Forester ground clearance for an optimal driving experience.
Built for the Off-Road Life?
When looking over the Forester, it has a lot going for it in terms of what makes an excellent off-road vehicle. Although Subaru has different models, the Forester base model sits at 3,449 pounds.
This is a good, balanced weight for off-roading. The Forester is notable for its strong brakes, responsive steering, and all-wheel-drive system. What does all of this mean? The Forester drives well in suburban settings, but it’s also quite capable off the beaten path.
So, what is the Subaru Forester ground clearance? You’ll be pleased to learn that the Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. After all, it would help if you had a substantial height to drive over rough terrain safely.
Thanks to this incredible height, you can safely manage rocky terrain without fear of damaging the undercarriage.
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Off-Road Ready
Some people need to make significant modifications to get their vehicles ready for off-road life. Whether by installing lift kits, increasing tire size, or improving suspension, sometimes adjustments need to be made before a vehicle is safe to take off-road.
Subaru’s Forester is ready to go right off of the lot. It’s clear that a lot of thought was put into preparing this SUV, and it pays off big-time. The Subaru Forester ground clearance is undoubtedly impressive in its own right, but it needs the assistance of other features and options to ensure that you can put that added height to good use.
That’s where Subaru’s X-MODE comes into play. This system is designed to optimize the vehicle’s engine output and transmission ratio. Not only that, but X-MODE also serves to increase the engagement of the all-wheel-drive system. This results in maximum traction, even if you’re driving over an incredibly slick surface.
Hill Descent Control and More
Another essential feature is Hill Descent Control. Any time you are driving downhill, this feature kicks in to help you maintain a constant speed. In doing so, you will be able to remain in control of your vehicle.
Not only that, but the Forester also treats you to a dual-function X-MODE system in select models. With this feature, you’ll have the ability to adjust the X-MODE’s settings to better accommodate for mud, snow, or dirt.
Thanks to dual-function X-MODE and 8.7-inch ground clearance, you’ll be able to enjoy the off-road life no matter what time of year it is. Every off-roader dreams of having this kind of versatility at their fingertips, so it’s nice to see it included on the Forester.
To get this highly functional feature, you’ll need to invest in a suitable model, such as the Forester Sport. There is, of course, a price increase. But for many outdoor enthusiasts, it’s more than worth it.
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All About the BOXER
One of the biggest struggles for off-roading vehicles is their difficulty in switching over from rough terrain to pavement. As with most other vehicle models, they are good at one but not the other.
That’s not a problem for the Forester. It performs admirably on the open road and has no trouble going from one extreme to the other. Under the hood of the Forester, you will find a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine.
This efficient beauty can deliver 182 horsepower with 176 lb-ft of torque. With a good engine, you also need a reliable, responsive transmission. Subaru’s BOXER engine is coupled with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
As a result, you get the added benefit of a smooth ride with seamless shifting. You can feel the difference this makes, both on the highway and on the rocky terrain. You never feel jarred or jolted when traversing various surfaces, which is a big plus for an off-road vehicle like the Forester.
Another big plus is the fuel economy. Many off-road vehicles suffer from poor gas mileage, but that’s the case here. Instead, you’re looking at 26 miles to the gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. This allows you to truly enjoy yourself as you shift back and forth between running errands and climbing off-road trails.
And as is standard with all newer Foresters, you get the essential Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Thanks to this, you can continuously keep power routed to all four of the Forester’s wheels. Why is this important? It ensures that you get an optimal grip, regardless of the surface.
Not only that, but the AWD system works in conjunction with the transmission, helping to reduce fuel use. This is necessary when you’re out in the middle of nowhere enjoying your off-road adventures.
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The Ground Clearance You Need
There’s no doubt about it; the Subaru Forester ground clearance is ideal for off-roading and more. And thanks to the addition of features and options that complement the 8.7-inch ground clearance, you can look forward to exploring locales you never thought possible.
It’s impressive where you can safely take the Forester. The responsive engine and transmission and X-MODE feature all work in unison to bring you an off-road driving experience seldom seen in vehicles of this nature.
You’re also getting a very comfy ride that offers plenty of luxuries inside. It doesn’t look like you’re in an off-road vehicle, but it sure feels like it.
Should You Buy a Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is one of the first compact SUVs that made an impression on the general public – it’s a top-rated SUV for good reasons. However, the Forester excels not only because of its ground clearance. The excellent ground clearance of 8.7 inches allows you to take on the most challenging outdoor environments and terrain.
One of the primary selling points of the Subaru Forester is the standard all-wheel drive. Plus, buyers benefit from Subaru’s long history of reliability which is good if you’re in the market for an SUV that will last. Furthermore, the Subaru Forester has a reasonable price tag that gives you more room to upgrade to a higher trim or two.
Suppose you want a Forester with the best off-road capabilities. In that case, we highly recommend the Wilderness trim with Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, a dual-function X mode system, a 3,000 lb towing capacity, and water-repellent upholstery. However, the most relevant upgrade concerning this post is that the Wilderness trim boasts 9.2 inches of ground clearance.
For off-roading prowess, it’s hard to go wrong with the Subaru Forester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ground clearance of the Subaru Forester, and why is it important for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Forester boasts an impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which is essential for safely navigating rough terrain without damaging the vehicle’s undercarriage. This height allows the Forester to easily handle rocky trails and obstacles, making it a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts.
Q: Does the Subaru Forester require any modifications to be off-road ready?
A: One of the best things about the Subaru Forester is that it comes off-road ready right from the factory. Unlike other vehicles that require aftermarket lift kits, larger tires, or suspension upgrades, the Forester’s 8.7-inch ground clearance, combined with its different features, makes it capable of tackling tough terrain without additional modifications.
Q: Are there other notable features enhancing the Subaru Forester’s off-road abilities?
A: The Forester comes equipped with Hill Descent Control, which automatically maintains a constant speed when driving downhill, allowing you to focus on steering and remaining in control. Additionally, select models feature a dual-function X-MODE system that can be adjusted to handle mud, snow, or dirt, making the Forester a versatile choice for year-round off-roading adventures.
Q: Does the Subaru Forester’s off-road capability come at the cost of fuel efficiency?
A: Surprisingly, no! Despite its impressive off-road performance, the Forester maintains a respectable fuel economy. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which continually powers all four wheels for optimal grip, works in conjunction with the transmission to minimize fuel consumption, allowing you to enjoy your off-road adventures without frequent stops at the pump.
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