The new Forester: Ah, that takes me back. While Subaru’s most popular model has
taken up with the hybrid age, changes are mostly cosmetic, including cabin layouts that
have not changed much over the past four years, no impediment to the many Forester
fans of which there are many.
Needless to say, there is an impressive list of standard equipment in the Forester, right
down to the bargain basement. Things such as Subaru Intelligent Drive (Intelligent and
Sport modes), X-Mode with hill descent, front cornering lamps and steering responsive
headlights, dual zone air-con, six-speaker audio and EyeSight Driver Assist are on hand
depending on model.
Prices start at $43,490 for the entry-level Forester and includes seven variants, four
petrol only and three hybrids, featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sending
constant traction to all four wheels.
A Touring variant, the test vehicle, comes in at $50,990, while the range is topped off by
the Forester Hybrid Touring at $55,990. Additions include gloss black radiator grille,
leather and suede upholstery and ten-speaker sound system.
Making a debut in the new Forester is Subaru’s next generation Hybrid e-Boxer system
mating a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed ICE with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh
battery, giving the vehicle a claimed range of more than 1000 kilometres on a full tank.
Forester petrol and hybrid models are covered by Subaru’s five-year unlimited kilometre
warranty and 12 months roadside assist.
STYLING
Subaru says the new SUV shows off a ‘bold evolution’ in Forester design that’s wider,
more athletic and purpose-built for Australian conditions, with C-shaped LED
headlamps, incorporating LED daytime running lights and cornering lamps for better
visibility at intersections.
While aerodynamics was a major consideration in shaping the vehicle – sleeker door
mirrors mounted lower, for example – there’s still more than a nod to the original rugged
SUV shape.
All models have 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the grade. The Touring rolls
on the latter and is singled out for gloss black front grille, front and rear bumper accents,
plus side mirrors and low-profile roof rails.
Every Forester sports an aluminium bonnet – reducing weight but adding strength with a
view to enhancing pedestrian protection – while maintaining a solid SUV identity.
INTERIOR
Seating has come in for particular attention, with Subaru engineers working with
anatomy experts to develop better support for the lower back and hips, helping keep the
spine aligned and reduce tiredness on long journeys.
Seat rails are mounted directly on to the chassis to minimise sway and absorb vibration
giving a smoother ride, while safety is enhanced by a new side bolster design that helps
reduce whiplash in a collision.
The Touring takes up leather and suede upholstery in black or brown with brown interior
stitching and heated and ventilated front seats.
INFOTAINMENT
Inside, the Forester has been revamped to lift comfort, connectivity and cabin
refinement. At the centre of the dash is an 11.6-inch full-HD infotainment touchscreen,
designed for ease of use for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired and wireless Android
Auto.
An on-screen digital multi-function display and a second information screen are
positioned to reduce driver distraction. Below is a wireless phone charge pad.
Front and rear USB ports include high-output USB-A and USB-C connections for faster
charging. Front ports offer convenient access for both device connectivity and power
delivery, with rear ports enabling passenger charging, keeping tablets and smartphones
powered up and ready throughout longer journeys.
The ten-speaker 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with subwoofer supplies
audio of a standard far beyond that expected in a mid-range market vehicle.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Petrol-only Foresters are powered by Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-litre Boxer engine
developed for improved reliability and response with less noise, vibration and
harshness.
Petrol-powered models feature Subaru’s latest-generation Lineartronic CVT, re-tuned
for sharper performance and improved efficiency. A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1,
up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway
cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hill climbing – even in reverse – while a new
eight-speed manual mode enhances driver engagement.
This CVT is paired with Subaru’s updated Active Torque Split AWD system, which
dynamically adjusts torque distribution – optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to
deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.
SAFETY
One thing that has changed dramatically over the years since the first Forester made
landfall Down Under is protection of passengers and pedestrians. For a start, new-
generation vehicles, across the board, are fitted with nine airbags, including far-side and
front passenger cushion.
Latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist technology is standard across the range.
Featured are a new wide-angle monocular camera displaying a wider field of view, and
the new emergency driving stop system, Subaru vision assist, and driver monitoring.
Active systems include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (front
and rear), active torque vectoring, autonomous emergency steering and blind spot
monitoring.
The above is backed by emergency lane-keep assist, front side radar, lane centring,
lane change and lane-keep assist.
Slow manoeuvres, including parking, is helped by rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking
sensors, while traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring play their part in safe
driving.
DRIVING
The 2.5-litre petrol engine produces 136kW of power at 5800rpm and 247Nm of torque
at 3700rpm, its broad, flat torque curve ensuring smooth acceleration and strong
performance across a wide range of driving conditions, particularly when overtaking or
carrying a full load.
A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off
acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hill
climbing – even in reverse – while a new eight-speed manual mode enhances driver
engagement.
This CVT is paired with Subaru’s updated Active Torque Split AWD system, which
dynamically adjusts torque distribution – optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to
deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.
Subaru rates Forester Touring fuel consumption at 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the
combined urban/highway cycle with 180g/km carbon dioxide emissions. The test
Touring recorded a tad over 10 litres per 100km around city and suburbs and less than
six litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds.
Enhanced cabin insulation and vibration damping have reduced interior noise, while
360-degree Surround View Monitor has increased visibility and hence a pleasing on-
and off-road driving experience.
And with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhanced Australian
suspension tuning, plus 220mm ground clearance, the Forester Touring is purpose built
for local on- and off-road conditions.
SUMMARY
No worries, the New Age Subaru Forester still has its SUV chops.
RATINGS
Looks – 6
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Forester AWD $43,490
Forester AWD Premium $46,490
Forester AWD Hybrid $46,490
Forester AWD Sport $48,490
Forester AWD Touring $50,990
Forester AWD Hybrid Sport $54,990
Forester AWD Hybrid Touring $55,990
Note: this price does not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
Subaru local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-litre flat 4-cyl petrol, CVT, AWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 2498cc
Configuration: four cylinders horizontally opposed
Maximum power 136kW @ 5800rpm
Maximum torque: 247Nm @ 3700rpm
Fuel type: Unleaded 91 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 7.9L/100km
CO2 emissions 180g/km
DRIVELINE: CVT, AWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4655mm
Width: 1830mm
Height: 1730mm
Wheelbase: 2670mm:
Turning circle: 10.8m
Kerb weight: 1651kg
Fuel tank: 63L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Roadside assist 12 months
