Subaru Forester Fuel Type: What Australian Drivers Need to Know

The Short Answer: What fuel does the Subaru Forester use in Australia?

All current Subaru Forester models in Australia run on regular unleaded petrol. No premium fuel required. No diesel. Just straightforward 91 RON that you’ll find at every servo from Perth to Port Hedland.

What those RON numbers actually mean

RON stands for Research Octane Number, which sounds technical but really just measures how well fuel resists knocking in your engine. The good news? Australia’s national fuel quality standards mean that whether you fill up in Bunbury or Broome, 91, 95, and 98 RON fuels all meet the same consistent specs. Your Forester’s engine was designed around 91 RON, so that’s all you need.

Save money by timing your Perth fills right

If you live in Perth, you’ve probably noticed fuel prices seem to follow a pattern. That’s because they do. The weekly cycle usually sees prices bottom out mid-week before climbing back up towards the weekend. Once you understand how this works, you can easily save $10-15 every time you fill up just by picking the right day.

The ACCC tracks how these price cycles work across Australia’s major cities, and WA has an even better trick: FuelWatch. You can check what tomorrow’s prices will be and even subscribe to email alerts. Prices get released at 2:30 pm each afternoon for the following day, which means you get advance warning before any spike hits. Pretty handy when you’re filling a family SUV every week.

Picking the right pump 

Honestly, filling your Forester shouldn’t require a PhD. Here’s everything you need to know in plain English:

All Subaru Forester models (petrol and hybrid):

• Yes: 91 RON unleaded
• Yes: 95 RON premium
• Yes: 98 RON premium
• Yes: E10 (~94 RON) – if your model year is compatible

The rule that matters? Your Forester is built for 91 RON. You can use higher grades if you want, but don’t expect your engine to suddenly develop superpowers. It wasn’t designed to squeeze extra performance out of premium fuel, so you’re basically just donating money to the fuel company.

Picture this: you’re halfway through a drive down to Dunsborough, the fuel light comes on, and suddenly you’re standing at the pump second-guessing yourself. Is 91 really okay? Should I spend extra on 98? What’s E10, and why does it cost ten cents less?

This happens at servos across Perth multiple times a day. Someone stands there reading fuel labels like they’re studying for an exam while a queue builds up behind them.

Look, understanding what fuel your Subaru Forester needs in Australia shouldn’t be this stressful. You bought this thing to explore WA confidently, not to have an existential crisis every time you need petrol. So let’s make this simple and give you answers that actually help, whether you’re just doing the Subiaco school run or planning a proper South West adventure.

What each Forester model actually needs (and why it matters)

Right now, Subaru offers the Forester with two different powertrains. They deliver different performance and fuel economy, but here’s the best part: both run on exactly the same fuel.

The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is what most Australian families end up with. It’s been around forever, it’s proven, and it runs perfectly happily on 91 RON unleaded all day long. This is the grade literally every fuel station in the state stocks, from Cottesloe to Kununurra. You’ll never be stuck hunting for special fuel.

Then there’s the 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid, which combines that petrol engine with an electric motor. And here’s where it gets good: it also runs on plain old 91 RON. You don’t pay a premium fuel penalty for going hybrid. The electric side handles itself automatically, recovering energy when you brake, giving the petrol engine a hand when you accelerate. You don’t plug it in, you don’t charge it, it just works.

Both share the same 63-litre fuel tank, but the hybrid sips a bit less. The petrol Forester officially does 7.4 L/100 km, while the hybrid improves that to 6.7 L/100 km. Doesn’t sound like much until you add it up over a year of Perth driving, especially if you’re dealing with stop-start traffic where that regenerative braking really pays off.

Why fuel-efficient SUVs are getting easier to find

Australia launched its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025. Before your eyes glaze over, thinking this is just government policy stuff, here’s why it matters to you: manufacturers are now bringing more fuel-efficient cars to Australia because they have to. That means better options and lower running costs. Understanding how this standard actually works helps explain why hybrids like the e-Boxer Forester are becoming more common and more affordable for regular families trying to cut their fuel bills.

What about that hybrid battery?

This question comes up constantly: What happens when the hybrid battery gets old? Subaru covers the e-Boxer’s high-voltage battery under its standard warranty in Australia, so you’re not suddenly facing a massive repair bill years down the track. That peace of mind matters when you’re deciding whether a hybrid makes sense for your family.

Why your Forester cares about octane (even if you don’t)

Time to clear up some barbecue myths. You’ve definitely heard at least one of these:

• “Premium fuel makes every car run better.”
• “Higher octane means more power.”
• “If you can afford 98, always use it; your engine will love you.”

None of that is actually how fuel works.

The octane rating measures one specific thing: how well the fuel resists igniting too early when your engine compresses it. If fuel ignites before the spark plug fires, you get that metallic knocking or pinging sound. Over time, that knocking can genuinely damage pistons, valves, and cylinder heads. Not great.

Australia’s federal fuel quality standards set the rules for what goes in 91 and 95 RON petrol. The 98 RON stuff? It just has to meet the same 95 RON parameters. The difference isn’t about giving you extra power; it’s about matching your fuel to what your engine was actually designed to handle.

The Forester’s engines, both petrol and hybrid, use compression ratios specifically engineered for 91 RON fuel. That’s the whole reason you don’t need anything fancier. The engine computer isn’t programmed to extract bonus performance from premium fuel the way a high-performance vehicle with a turbocharger might.

Here’s what gets me: independent Australian automotive experts confirm that using higher octane than your manufacturer specifies usually doesn’t deliver any measurable benefit. You’re literally just paying more for fuel your engine can’t take advantage of. Save your cash unless your specific vehicle genuinely needs it.

Quick note for older Forester owners: If you’re driving an earlier turbocharged Forester, the XT variants from previous generations, your fuel needs might be different. Some of those older turbo models do specify premium fuel. Worth checking your actual handbook or getting your VIN-specific manual to be completely sure.

E10 explained: The fuel type Australia loves to argue about

Bring up E10 in any Perth pub and watch what happens. Some people swear by it. Others treat it like it’s going to wreck their engine.

Let’s sort fact from fiction.

What E10 actually is

E10 is 90% regular unleaded petrol blended with 10% ethanol. It usually costs less at the bowser, which obviously makes it tempting when you’re filling a family SUV every week. But here’s the detail that actually matters for your Forester: E10 in Australia typically rates around 94 RON.

For the Forester, that’s totally fine. E10’s ~94 RON rating easily clears the 91 RON minimum your engine needs. The octane side of things checks out.

Making sure your specific Forester can handle E10

Octane is only half the story. Different model years have different fuel system components, seals, hoses, and injectors, and not all of them tolerate ethanol equally well. The NSW Government runs a dead-simple E10 compatibility checker. You punch in your make, model, and year, it takes about thirty seconds, and you’ll know for certain whether your specific Forester is good to go.

Queensland also provides a helpful guide that covers both the environmental upsides and practical trade-offs of E10, which helps you make a properly informed decision based on your actual driving and budget.

The cost trade-off everyone forgets about

E10 has less energy packed into each litre compared to straight unleaded. Industry guidance typically cites around a 3% increase in fuel consumption when you run E10 versus regular 91 RON. Whether the cheaper pump price offsets that extra consumption comes down to current pricing and how you drive.

Want to know if E10 genuinely saves you money? Test it properly. Run two full tanks of E10 and track your cost per kilometre, not just the price per litre. Then do the exact same thing with regular 91 RON. Your trip computer won’t lie to you.

If you’re ever unsure? Standard 91 RON unleaded or premium unleaded petrol is always the safe choice.

WA fuel planning made simple

People who move to Perth from the eastern states find our fuel pricing system completely bizarre. And if you’re planning any decent regional trips, understanding how it works becomes genuinely useful.

How WA’s 24-hour price lock actually works

Western Australia does fuel pricing differently. Once a servo locks in tomorrow’s price, usually by 2:30 pm today, that price stays fixed for a full 24 hours. FuelWatch publishes all these locked-in prices before they kick in, which gives you actual advance notice to plan when and where you’ll fill up.

Think about that for a second. You can literally see tomorrow’s prices today. Every fuel station in Perth. Every regional roadhouse. That’s not just convenient, it’s a legitimate money-saving tool if you use it properly.

Your simple three-step planning routine

Step 1: Check FuelWatch after 2:30 pm to see what tomorrow’s prices look like across Perth and regional WA. Once you’ve watched it for a few weeks, you’ll pick up the pattern. Prices usually hit their lowest mid-week in Perth metro, then climb back up heading into the weekend.

Step 2: If you’re heading regional, use FuelWatch to confirm fuel availability before you leave the city. Geraldton, Broome, Kalgoorlie? No worries. That tiny roadhouse between Newman and Port Hedland? You’ll find regular unleaded everywhere, which means the Forester’s never a problem since 91 RON is absolutely universal.

Step 3: Save those fuel station locations to your phone and set reminders based on the price cycle. Fill up when prices bottom out, not when your tank’s running on fumes and you’re stuck paying peak prices because you’ve got no choice.

This whole system is unique to WA. Melbourne and Sydney drivers don’t have this advantage. Use it, especially when you’re planning longer trips where timing your fills properly can save real money.

Breaking down real-world range for WA touring

Let’s talk about what your Forester actually does on a tank of fuel, not what happens in some perfect laboratory with zero wind resistance and a test driver who’s never gone above 90 km/h.

Paper versus reality

*Real-world estimates assume highway touring with a typical load: roof racks, camping gear, passengers, and WA summer heat doing what it does.

See that gap between theoretical and real-world? That’s not your Forester underperforming. That’s just honest touring reality.

Understanding those ADR fuel consumption numbers

You’ve probably seen fuel consumption figures with “ADR 81/02” printed next to them. That’s not marketing nonsense, it’s the official Australian Design Rule that sets how manufacturers test and report fuel economy. These lab tests use standardised driving cycles so you can compare different vehicles fairly.

The catch? Real-world driving never matches lab conditions. You’re dealing with headwinds, hills, air conditioning blasting, varying traffic, and different loads. That’s why most Perth drivers report real-world fuel economy running a bit higher than official figures, usually around 8-8.5L/100km for the petrol Forester in mixed city and highway driving. The hybrid tends to stick closer to its official numbers, especially if you’re doing lots of suburban driving where that regenerative braking really works.

Work out your own range

Here’s something way more useful than generic estimates. Check your trip computer, see what your average consumption has been over the last few hundred kilometres, then use this simple formula:

Range estimate = 63 litres × 100 ÷ your real-world L/100 km

Say your petrol Forester’s averaging 8.2 L/100 km on loaded highway runs (pretty typical with a roof box and camping gear):

63 × 100 ÷ 8.2 = 768 km range

That’s your actual, honest number based on how you genuinely drive your actual Forester in actual conditions.

Planning a proper WA road trip? Build in a 20-30% buffer beyond official figures and refuel earlier than you reckon you need to. Running out of fuel somewhere between Meekatharra and Wiluna isn’t an adventure; it’s just expensive and frustrating.

For a more detailed breakdown factoring in your specific driving conditions, the federal government’s Green Vehicle Guide has a proper calculator you can use.

If you put the wrong fuel in your Forester

It happens to everyone eventually. You’re running on autopilot at 6 am, the pump labels have faded, or the kids are fighting in the back seat, and you grab the wrong handle. Whatever the reason, you suddenly realise you’ve messed up.

Here’s the good news: if you’ve accidentally put 95 or 98 RON premium unleaded petrol in your Forester, absolutely nothing bad will happen. Your engine’s designed for 91 RON minimum, so premium fuel exceeds that requirement easily. You’ve just paid more than you needed to. Drive it normally, then go back to regular 91 RON next time.

What if you accidentally use lower octane?

This scenario’s pretty unlikely with the Forester since 91 RON is already the baseline, but if you somehow ended up with contaminated fuel or a fuel system problem:

Step 1: Stop immediately: If you realise something’s wrong before you’ve started the engine, stop. Put the keys down. Walk away from the ignition.

Step 2: Don’t start the engine: Starting it circulates that wrong fuel through your entire fuel system, pump, lines, injectors, combustion chambers, everything. If you haven’t turned the key yet, you’ve caught it early, and your fix will be simpler and cheaper.

Step 3: Call for help: Ring roadside assistance like RAC WA or your insurance provider’s emergency line. They’ll sort out  a tow truck so you’re not tempted to “just drive it to the workshop.”

Step 4: Get it drained and flushed: A licensed repairer will completely drain your tank and flush your fuel system before refilling with the correct grade. Yeah, it costs a few hundred bucks. Still way cheaper than dealing with engine damage.

Your fuel cap label and owner’s manual both clearly state your Forester’s minimum octane requirement. Check before you grab the pump, not after.

Long-distance WA driving: What your Forester needs to succeed

Living in Western Australia means distance is just part of life. Whether it’s a weekend down to Coral Bay or a family trip to Denmark, your Forester needs to handle hundreds of kilometres without any drama.

The Forester’s fuel system is actually built for this. The direct injection setup delivers efficient combustion, and the all-wheel drive doesn’t guzzle fuel like older systems used to. Even fully loaded with camping gear, roof racks, and extra passengers, the Forester maintains decent fuel efficiency without needing premium fuel at the pump.

Getting ready for long WA trips

Before you head out on one of those epic WA drives, a few quick checks will help you get the best range and avoid roadside hassles:

• Check tyre pressures before loading up: Properly inflated tyres genuinely improve both fuel economy and handling
• Remove roof racks and pods if you’re not using them: They create drag that easily costs you an extra 0.5-1L/100km at highway speeds
• Pack smart: A loaded Forester still performs well, but unnecessary weight definitely means worse fuel consumption
• Plan your fuel stops ahead: Especially on remote routes where servos can be 200-300km apart
• Carry extra water: Not for the car, for you, WA heat is serious if you break down

Main Roads WA has comprehensive long-distance driving advice covering everything from rest breaks to proper emergency prep.

Driving habits that genuinely save fuel

You can improve your Forester’s fuel efficiency by 10-15% just through smarter driving habits. These aren’t gimmicks, they’re proven techniques that actually reduce fuel consumption and emissions:

• Smooth acceleration and braking: Harsh throttle inputs waste fuel, especially in city traffic
• Use cruise control on highways: Maintaining a steady speed is way more efficient than constantly varying it
• Keep speeds moderate: Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially once you’re above 100km/h
• Maintain correct tyre pressures: Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance

The Forester rewards patience, not heavy throttle inputs. Drive smoothly and you’ll watch those fuel economy numbers improve.

What you’ll actually spend to run it

Let’s get into real numbers, because fuel type and fuel efficiency only matter if they translate to actual savings in your bank account.

Say you drive around 15,000km per year, which is pretty typical for Perth families. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• Petrol Forester (7.4L/100km): Roughly 1,110 litres per year. At $1.80 per litre for 91 unleaded, that’s about $2,000 annually on fuel.
• Hybrid Forester (6.7L/100km): Around 1,005 litres per year, working out to approximately $1,810 annually.

That’s a $190 saving per year with the hybrid. Not life-changing money, but not nothing either, especially if fuel prices go up or you drive more than average.

If you’re tempted to use premium unleaded at, say, $2.00 per litre, you’d be spending an extra $220 per year without getting any meaningful performance or efficiency benefit. That money’s better spent elsewhere.

Work out your own weekly costs

Want to know exactly what your Forester will cost you each week? Here’s the simple formula:

Weekly Fuel Cost = (Litres per 100km × Kilometres per week ÷ 100) × Current ULP 91 price

For example, if you drive 300km per week in a petrol Forester (7.4L/100km) and unleaded is $1.80/L:

• (7.4 × 300 ÷ 100) × 1.80 = $39.96 per week

Same driving in a hybrid Forester (6.7L/100km) works out to:

• (6.7 × 300 ÷ 100) × 1.80 = $36.18 per week

Knowing what the service will cost

Fuel’s just one part of running costs. Subaru offers Capped Price Servicing across its Australian range, which means you know exactly what each scheduled service will cost before you book. No surprise invoices, no sneaky “while we were in there” charges you didn’t discuss. For families watching their budget, that predictability genuinely makes a difference when you’re planning household expenses.

Where the Forester stands out for fuel efficiency and capability

When you’re looking at mid-size SUVs, the Subaru Forester holds a unique position by combining practical fuel efficiency with serious all-terrain capability.

The Forester’s key advantage is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system across every model in the range. This isn’t just for traction in the wet; it provides superior stability and control on loose gravel, sandy tracks, or steep climbs, giving you the confidence to explore more of WA. Paired with its generous ground clearance, the Forester is built for adventure in a way that many other SUVs simply aren’t.

The e-Boxer hybrid system enhances this by offering improved fuel efficiency without any compromise. Unlike plug-in hybrids that require you to find a power point and plan your trips around charging, the Forester Hybrid is completely self-charging. It seamlessly blends petrol and electric power, making it ideal for long distances and remote travel where charging infrastructure is scarce. You get the benefit of better fuel economy in city driving without the hassle or range anxiety.

What’s changing in Australian fuels

Australia’s gradually tightening petrol quality standards which is actually good news for your engine. Recent fuel quality updates mean cleaner-burning fuel with fewer impurities, translating to better long-term engine health and lower emissions. You won’t notice any difference day-to-day, but over your Forester’s life, these improvements help maintain performance and reduce maintenance needs.

Local knowledge matters when choosing your next Forester

Understanding what fuel the Subaru Forester uses in Australia goes way beyond just memorising octane numbers and tank capacity. It’s about matching your vehicle choice to how you’ll genuinely use it across WA, daily Perth commutes, weekend South West runs, or month-long Kimberley expeditions.

The Forester delivers everyday convenience with 91 RON fuel available at literally every fuel station. The e-Boxer Hybrid trades a modest price premium for better fuel economy without demanding premium fuel or complicated charging infrastructure. Neither choice is inherently better or worse; it completely depends on what you need your Forester to do and where you need it to go.

Our advice? Come in for a proper test drive where we can talk through your specific touring plans and fuel efficiency expectations. We’ll help you map out realistic running costs using FuelWatch data and make sure you walk away completely confident about which Forester variant suits your WA lifestyle.

Ready to experience the Forester difference?

Understanding fuel types and running costs is one thing, actually getting behind the wheel and seeing how the Forester fits your lifestyle is completely different. If you’re in Perth or regional WA and want to explore whether the petrol or hybrid Forester makes sense for your family, experiencing both variants side-by-side gives you the clearest answer.

Want to discuss fuel-saving tips specific to WA driving conditions, or curious about current Forester Hybrid availability? Our Victoria Park team knows Perth roads inside out and can walk you through real-world running costs based on your actual driving patterns.

Book a test drive at our Perth showroom and get hands-on answers to your questions about fuel economy, range, and whether the Forester is the right SUV for your next adventure.

Got specific questions about fuel requirements for your Subaru? Contact our Perth service team or drop by the Victoria Park showroom. We’re here to help you get the most from your Forester, whether you’re just starting your research or ready to drive home today.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 98 RON in my Forester even though it doesn’t require it?

Sure, you can. But don’t expect it to turn your Forester into something it’s not. If your engine only needs 91 RON, filling with 98 RON won’t magically deliver extra performance or efficiency. Your engine isn’t designed to take advantage of that higher octane rating; it’ll just run normally on more expensive fuel. Save your money.

Does E10 actually save money overall?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no, depends on the price difference and how your specific Forester responds. E10’s usually cheaper at the bowser, but guidance notes around a 3% increase in consumption compared to straight 91 RON. The only way to know for sure is to test it yourself over two full tanks. Track your cost per kilometre, not just the price per litre at the pump. Your trip computer will tell you the truth.

Where do I confirm my car’s exact octane requirement?

Three places: the fuel cap label (flip open your fuel door, it’s printed right there), your owner’s manual (check the specifications section), and the official Subaru Forester brochure. All three will say the same thing. If they somehow don’t match, trust the fuel cap label; that’s the legal requirement.

What should I do if I misfuel?

If you’ve put premium in a car designed for regular use, nothing bad happens; you just overpaid. If you’ve somehow put contaminated or incorrect fuel in, stop immediately, don’t start the engine, call roadside assistance like RAC WA, and arrange a tow to a licensed repairer who can drain the tank and flush your fuel system.

Is the Forester Hybrid more fuel-efficient in city or highway driving?

City and suburban driving is where the hybrid really shines. Regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise just turn into heat and wear on your brake pads, which improves fuel efficiency in stop-start traffic. On long highway drives at constant speeds, the efficiency gap between petrol and hybrid narrows, though the hybrid still maintains a modest advantage.

If I want better fuel economy right now, what are my options?

Test-drive the petrol Forester and e-Boxer Hybrid back-to-back and compare real-world efficiency against how each model’s performance and capability match your lifestyle. Sometimes the vehicle you think you need isn’t actually the right answer for how you’ll use it 90% of the time. For more guidance on choosing the right fuel across different Subaru models, our comprehensive guide to Subaru fuel types helps you understand how the entire range compares.