One of the most respected names in the crossover class is the Subaru Forester. Introduced in 1997, Forester brought the unique blend of station wagon usability, off-road capabilities and driving dynamics, not available on any other model. Combining specific Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, flat-six and flat-four engines, and low centre of gravity, Forester was equally at home on the highways, curvy back roads, and off-road course. In fact, due to its relative lightweight, it was a winner of many off-road comparisons. That being said, the popularity of Forester in Australia shouldn’t be surprising and steady sales numbers show that there are plenty of customers who choose this model over standard SUVs. The current fifth generation was introduced in 2018 and sold globally.
The Subaru Forester Range
The Forester range starts with the 2.5i AWD model, which comes with cloth seats, the 8.0-inch touchscreen on the centre console and Subaru’s Vision Assist system. The Forester 2.5i AWD L Je next grade has heated front seats, Adaptive Driving Beam, and Front Monitoring systems but the same mechanics, engine, and transmission. The third model on offer is Forester Hybrid AWD L which combines an electric motor with a standard petrol engine and all-wheel-drive to create an interesting layout. This grade comes with upgraded cloth seats and EyeSight Drive Assist technology.
The Forester 2.5i AWD Premium is the next step in the model lineup, and it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth seats, satellite navigation and a power tailgate. The Subaru Forester 2.5i AWD Sport is a performance-oriented model, even though the engine is the same as the rest of the range. This version is easily recognised due to orange exterior inserts, unique black 18-inch wheels, sunroof and water-repellant cloth seats that suggest off-road use.
The luxury part of Forester’s range starts with 2.5i AWD S. This version has special 18-inch wheels, leather seats, a premium audio system, sunroof and driving modes. However, the top-of-the-line version is Forester Hybrid AWD S which comes fully loaded with leather seats, a power tailgate, and with few exterior details that suggest that you are driving the most luxurious model.
Compared to some other similarly-equipped SUVs, Forester is more affordable, with prices starting at $40,500 and going up to $52,308, which is cheaper than some competitors. We feel that Forester is of great value, knowing how capable and spacious it is and how rewarding it is to drive.
The Forester Engines and Drive Train
One of the critical characteristics of any Subaru is the signature engine configuration. Of course, we are talking about flat-six and flat-four engines. Subaru and Porsche are the only companies that use this layout. It is a bit more complicated for production, but it provides buyers with decent power, vibration-free operation, and a low centre of gravity, ensuring excellent handling and stability. The current Forester range comes with a 2.5-litre, flat-four version with 136 kW and 239 Nm of torque. However, Subaru also offers a Hybrid version which uses the 2.0-litre, flat-four engine but is paired with an electric motor with a combined output of 110 kW and 196 Nm. As expected, the fuel consumption of the Hybrid version is remarkable, and Subaru states that Forester Hybrid needs only 6.7 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres (average).
One of Forester’s characteristics is a famous symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Electronically controlled and capable handle any situation you might encounter, this AWD system is standard on every model and equipped with Active Torque Vectoring. The system comes with two modes – Intelligent and Sport. The only transmission choice, regardless of the grade, is 7-speed automatic.
The Interior
One of the strong suits of the 2022 Subaru Forester is its spacious interior, and along with ample space for passengers on front and rear seats, this model comes with significant luggage space. Standard models have 498 litres, while Hybrid versions have a few litres more at 509. It is more than some SUVs, and you can make the boot even bigger if you fold down the rear seats. In that case, Forester has over 1000 litres of space which makes it very practical.
However, the downside is the driver’s environment. Even though the materials are acceptable and the finish is up to the standards of the class, the dashboard design looks at least a generation old and somewhat outdated. Yes, the infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto is part of standard equipment, but the interface older and not as appealing as some of the competitors’. On the other hand, position behind the wheel, visibility and ergonomics are all good.
The Conclusion
The 2022 Forester is a very appealing model if you are looking for well-known quality, specific drive train and engine technology, as well as a spacious AWD wagon for your family. It will reward you with the practicality and dependability you would expect and still be a fun commuter vehicle with surprising off-road capabilities. You will get all of the above for a reasonable price which is a rarity on today’s market filled with overpriced cars.
However, Forester is a bit lost amongst modern models that draw customers with advanced interiors, more aggressive designs and a longer list of options. Lack of a high-performance version, more modern transmission and exterior options (bigger wheels, body kit, spoilers…) seems to limit this model’s potential. We feel that Subaru could be even more popular if it invested in this model and expanded the range with a more powerful engine and special versions. The Forester already has a very well sorted drive train and mechanical characteristics; we believe that improving that aspect of the vehicle and offering a more striking visual package will be the right move.
