The Subaru Forester is a traditional SUV that has been given a thoroughly modern twist, thanks to the addition of a full-hybrid powertrain. The petrol-electric hybrid set-up is the only power option.
For those who need an SUV that will get them across difficult terrain, and cope with all weather conditions, the Forester is like little else on the market.
While many SUVs have pursued fashion over function, Subaru has made the Forester a true off-road-ready 4x4. When it comes to rivals, the Toyota RAV4 is closest in terms of ability, and having a hybrid powertrain. There is also the Honda CR-V Hybrid to consider, along with the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. There is also the smaller Subaru XV crossover with hybrid petrol/electric power.
The Subaru Forester is a great choice for those who need a vehicle with its specific set of skills. It has genuine off-road prowess, along with a feeling of robustness. This is not a fashion accessory ‘urban SUV’, but a true working machine.
Where the Forester really shines is in the dirt. With Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, it can venture into the unknown with ease. Lofty ground clearance, plus features such as hill descent control and selectable terrain settings are not just here for show. If your commute begins where the road ends, the Forester could be the 4x4 for you.
Subaru’s flat-four boxer engines have traditionally been known as characterful but rather inefficient. The addition of the e-Boxer hybrid system helps reduce consumption, improving it to a level that will be acceptable for a wider range of drivers. Unlike some hybrid SUVs, however, the Forester can only manage very short distances on battery power alone.
Having a boxy shape outside brings benefits on the inside. Passengers in both the front and rear will discover plenty of space, while luggage capacity is also generous. Folding the back seats down creates almost 1800 litres of room. It’s worth noting the Forester can tow close to 1900kg as well.
In keeping with the Forester’s dependable 4x4 image, the cabin feels a little less premium than some rival SUVs. Everything feels built to last, though, and works with reassuring ease. Frequent-use functions like the climate control are left to traditional rotary controls, with the central touchscreen responsible for navigation and multimedia settings.
The Subaru Forester is an honest and reliable off-road-capable SUV, first with petrol-only power and then enhanced by a hybrid powertrain. For those who need an SUV that takes them further off the beaten track than most, it’s a good option as a used buy.
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Subaru offered the Forester solely with its e-Boxer hybrid powertrain from its launch in 2018, combined with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. This means you’ll have to take the flat-four petrol engine with a small electric motor.
There is, of course, Subaru’s famed all-wheel-drive system to aid all-weather dependability. It will even allow the Forester to venture further off-road than many SUV rivals.
When it comes to trim levels, there's a generous list of standard equipment. As such, picking the entry-level XE model is the wisest choice. It comes with a host of safety equipment, plus LED headlights and dual-zone climate control.
The Subaru Forester Sport adds extra design touches, while the XE Premium brings leather seats. However, neither version is really worth the extra expenditure.
The Subaru Forester uses a petrol-electric hybrid set-up. Every Forester features all-wheel drive as standard. All versions come with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox.
Subaru Forester 2.0 e-Boxer: Introduced in 2019, the e-Boxer combines a 2.0-litre flat-four petrol engine with an electric motor. It produces a total of 150PS, which sees the Forester be capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in just under 12 seconds. In the official fuel economy test, the Forester achieves an average of up to 34.7mpg.
The Subaru Forester is offered in three different trim levels. The XE and XE Premium were the only choices up to mid-2022, while the Sport trim arrived then as a further option.
Subaru Forester XE: The starting point for the Subaru Forester range is the XE trim level. This is not a bargain-basement option, though, as it comes with automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control air-con and adaptive cruise control. On the outside, the XE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-coloured mirror caps and silver roof rails.
Subaru Forester Sport: For a Forester with a more dynamic appearance, the Sport model ditches the silver trim for gloss-black with distinctive red or orange trim. The same theme continues inside, with cloth seats finished with red or orange stitching. A heated steering wheel and power tailgate are added, too.
Subaru Forester XE Premium: Topping the Forester range is the popular XE Premium model. This brings leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, privacy glass and satellite navigation to the interior. Privacy glass and a sunroof are also added, plus a set of silver painted 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Subaru Forester’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4625mm
Width: 1815mm
Height: 1730mm
Ground clearance: 220mm
The Subaru Forester’s boot space is:
520 litres
1779 litres with rear seats folded
The addition of petrol-electric hybrid power for the Subaru Forester does not mean it emits low amounts of carbon dioxide. It produces more than most rivals, even many with plain petrol or diesel engines. However, because of its hybrid set-up, the Forester qualifies as an alternative fuel vehicle and that means you get £10 off the annual cost of road tax, which is usually a flat rate of £180 per annum.
As an SUV with real off-road ability, the Subaru Forester should nonetheless be relatively affordable to insure. Performance is not the car’s main focus, helping keep it towards the lower end of the insurance scale. Depending on the model chosen, the Forester will range from insurance group 20 to 21 (out of 50), which is comparable with the Toyota RAV4.
Read our full Subaru Forester review
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