2022 Subaru Forester detailed: Facelift for Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson rival due soon

Subaru Australia’s fifth-generation Forester mid-size SUV is about to get facelifted.

While yet to be officially revealed, the midlife update is due in local showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

That said, Japanese publication Carsensor spilled the beans on what to expect in February, with the Forester set to get several upgrades.

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Visually, the mid-size SUV’s grille will get a reshaped surround and a mesh insert, while the flanking headlights will not only become available with adaptive LEDS, but will also adopt a C-shape.

Around the side, the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson rival will get large cladding, including on the wheelarches, to help its off-road case.

Safety-wise, the Forester’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system will add intersection assist, enabling it to automatically brake if the driver accidentally attempts to pull in front of a vehicle approaching from the side.

The mid-size SUV’s suspension set-up and steering system are also set to be tweaked, with improvements to ride quality and handling the aim.

The Forester is set to maintain its current powertrain line-up, which includes a 139kW/239Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid.

For reference, the mid-size SUV is currently priced from $35,190 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 2.5i to $46,490 for the flagship Hybrid S.