2024

Underpinning the current Forester is the Subaru Global Architecture, which supports all mainstream Subarus. Cabin styling is very traditional, with big, crisply marked gauges and simple, straightforward controls. Seating is comfortable front and rear and legroom is plentiful in both rows. The 2.5L flat four with direct injection also has an auto stop/start system. All-wheel drive is standard and power reaches the wheels via a CVT. Si Drive, with Intelligent and Sport settings, is standard. An optional drive mode permits the driver to select Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. Subaru’s EyeSight collision avoidance technology includes a lead vehicle alert that signals the Forester driver if that driver has not noticed that the car in front of it has started moving. Driven briefly, the 2.5L flat-four delivers a balanced blend of performance and economy but is once again, not the smoothest engine in the industry. The revised CVT ably harnesses all of the available power and mimics the shift patterns of a conventional automatic transmission very well. Subaru, masters of suspension tuning, have reconciled ride and handling very well. Steering is nicely weighted and quick, but vague. The Forester easily shrugged off the multiple challenges thrown up by an off-road course the car was driven on.

The base Forester trim, with heated seats, active L.E.D. headlights, deep-tint glass and the iOS-Android cellphone interface, is well equipped. Moving up to the Touring adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, an eight inch infotainment screen, a power tailgate, alloy wheels, keyless starting, a luggage blind, fog lights, two extra speakers, heated steering wheel, a large-format single-pane sunroof, a power driver’s seat, a power tailgate and a host of minor features, and is an epic bargain. The Sport trim is expensive for what it contains. The Wilderness trim does have an enhanced drive system with greater off-road capability, but lacks value. The Limited upgrade includes navigation, a memory system, a power passenger seat, heated rear seat, a Harman-Kardon-branded audio system, an auto-dim rearview mirror and a number of minor comfort and convenience features, and is good value compared with the Touring. The Premier doesn’t really offer to offer anything of value for the money asked and could easily be eliminated without anyone be bothered.

Not rated, insufficient data. The Forester’s platform debuted on the Impreza and the engine was significantly revised when the Forester debuted. Expensive servicing.