Subaru 1600 Reviews

Some of Australia’s most famous car brands are starting to come under significant sales pressure as Chinese brands win over local customers.According to the latest sales data that covers until the end of May, the biggest movers up the sales charts are the Chinese brands. BYD is up 120 per cent, Chery is up 84 per cent, GWM is up 23 per cent and Geely is up a remarkable 629 per cent.But given the Australian market typically remains at the 1.1-1.2 million mark in any given year, for those brands to experience sales growth, other car makers are taking a hit. And the brands that have suffered noticeable sales declines so far in 2026 are some of the biggest names.Nissan - down 32.8%The Japanese brand has slipped outside the top 10 sellers and it’s hard to pinpoint a particular reason. Nissan is down across its entire line-up, with even its stalwart X-Trail taking a 15.3 per cent sales hit in the first five months of the year.It certainly hasn’t helped that the company has dropped once-popular models, the Juke and Pathfinder, but both were already struggling to find an audience.The arrival of the new Navara may help to pick things up in the second half of the year, while the long-anticipated new-generation Patrol cannot come soon enough. The brand is also pinning a bounce back on a range of new hybrid ‘e-Power’ models due in the near-future to revitalise its line-up. Mitsubishi - down 26.4%In many respects this is an unsurprising result given Mitsubishi culled much of its line-up in 2025, dropping the Pajero Sport and Eclipse Cross, while also changing over to a new-generation ASX.The problem is that aside from the Triton ute, every other model in the current range is in sales decline so far this year. The ASX was the brand’s key model for years, offering an affordable small SUV option to many buyers. But the new, Renault-based ASX is simply failing to have the same results, likely because affordable, small SUVs are a key area of success for the Chinese brands.Mitsubishi has sold just 695 ASX in the first five months of the year, while BYD has sold 2919 Atto 2, Jaecoo has moved 4017 J5 and Chery has found 11,309 buyers - so it’s clear what has hurt the Japanese brands sales.The good news for Mitsubishi is that one of its most beloved models is making a return. An all-new Pajero is set to go on sale by the end of the year and could be a much-needed boost for the brand.Subaru - down 22.1%It was always going to be a tricky period for Subaru, with its two most popular models (Forester and Outback) being replaced within a 12 month period. However, the Forester has been on sale for nearly a year, so the 8.4 per cent sales decline in 2026 is concerning, while the Outback has been met with mixed reviews for its radically different styling.While there is no quantifiable evidence that Subaru is losing buyers to the Chinese brands, looking at the Forester’s mid-size SUV segment it’s clear that Australian buyers have been won over by what the newer brands are offering. The Forester sits behind the BYD Sealion 7 and GWM Haval H6, while the Chery Tiggo Pro 7 and Geely EX5 are closing in. Add to that the arrival of a new Toyota RAV4 and the continued popularity of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage and it makes for a tough challenge for the Forester.Outback sales are off to a relatively slow start, despite the introduction of the more rugged Wilderness variant, but the competition in the large SUV segment is not easy either, with a diverse group that includes the Toyota Prado, Hyundai Santa Fe and BYD Sealion 8.Subaru will be hoping its new all-electric Uncharted and Trailseeker can make an impact and capitalise on the current demand for EVs, while there is a chance both Forester and Outback sales could pick-up in the second half of the year.Suzuki - down 22.0%The key problem for Suzuki is its legacy is also built on offering affordable small models, so the arrival of so many Chinese brands offering similar (or better) products for similar (or less) money has made life hard for the brand.Sales are down across the board, with even its stalwart Jimny taking a 12 per cent hit in the first five months of the year. The arrival of the new Fronx has helped add new sales, but with so much decline it hasn’t helped the brand’s ultimate sales numbers.Suzuki is hoping that the Jimny Rhino, a new special edition of its beloved compact off-roader can help boost interest. But it will need more than that to reverse its current sales situation, which will be difficult as the competition is only going to get more intense.Volkswagen - down 17.0%It has been a mixed performance for the German brand so far in 2026. Overall sales are down and there have been big drops for some key models, but there has also been some important sales growth.The bad news is the Amarok ute has dropped more than 33 per cent, while its core SUV line-up has also been hit, with the T-Roc down 55.9 per cent, the T-Cross down 49 per cent and the Tiguan down 13 per cent.The good news is the brand is getting some traction with its electric offerings and its updated commercial vehicle line-up. Sales of the ID.4 are up over 455 per cent (only 171 sales behind the Tiguan), the ID.5 is also more popular as is the ID.Buzz van. The new Crafter (up 277%), new Transporter (up 78.1%) and the ID.Buzz Cargo (up 33.7%) are all enjoying a successful start to the year.But VW will need to get the Tiguan and Tayron really firing in the second half of the year - which is possible with the arrival of new hybrid options) if they don’t want to finish in its current position.

Subaru has reportedly confirmed it plans to continue building comparatively affordable sports cars with manual transmissions in the future.According to Japanese media, which was present at the NAPAC Fuji 24 Hour Race, Subaru held a press conference confirming its plans to forge ahead with affordable, manual versions of its next sports car offerings.Reportedly, this will be across three new models, including the next WRX, next BRZ, and a new-generation hatchback model, which is said to “change the direction” of the WRX nameplate.According to Auto Sport Web Tetsuro Fujinuki, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Subaru said the brand’s ‘TY85’ six-speed manual transmission, currently used in STI-branded performance models, would be revived in next-generation form, with the capability to "accommodate future increases in power output.”The renewed manual transmission plans will also necessitate some upgrades to the centre differential and EyeSight safety systems, according to the publication. It was spurned on by 9000 expressions of interest in a limited-edition, manual-equipped version of the current car (dubbed the WRX STI Sport# in Japan), where only 600 units were available.This new transmission will be deployed at very least in the next WRX and BRZ, although what will power the upcoming next-generation hatchback model is yet to be confirmed.Subaru said the new models demonstrate a “desire to break down preconceived notions about the increasing price and emphasis on high-power in sports models, and offer cars that are more accessible and enjoyable”.To that end, the brand said it was looking into weight reduction, simplified equipment, and different materials to increase agility and performance, rather than massive upgrades to power.It is unclear how wide-reaching these new plans will be, but expect to learn more before next year, as the brand’s roll-out plans for the reveals of these cars will be before then.Temper your expectations for an array of performance models for Australia, as Subaru is one of the brands most exposed to Australia’s recently-implemented new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES), which closes the vice on high-emitting vehicles over the coming years until 2030.The brand’s signature flat ‘boxer’ engines have long been high-emitters, and have proven difficult to electrify. Early attempts didn’t reduce emissions or fuel consumption by a significant amount despite adding a significant sum to the price.More recent hybrid offerings cut fuel consumption and subsequent emissions by a deeper amount, although it puts a Forester, for example, just on the line for attracting an NVES penalty, rather than well over for standard 2.5-litre variants.

Subaru is considering exporting its largest car from the USA, according to reports.The Ascent, which is the brand’s three-row SUV a size-up from the Forester and Outback, is also built on the same SGP platform as the rest of the brand’s offerings, but is yet to be offered outside of North America.According to Nikkei Asia, Subaru is now considering exporting the car to Japan as part of a wider automotive push to balance imports and exports to the US as manufacturers aim to avoid the ire of US regulators and potential further tariffs.Other brands, including Nissan with its US-built Murano, Toyota with its Tundra, Camry and Highlander (Kluger) and Honda with its Ridgeline ute and Pilot SUV, are considering similar plans.To make this so-called ‘reverse-importing’ process easier, Japanese regulators announced they would set up a simplified certification system for cars built in the US to make it faster for them to be able to be sold into the Japanese market.Subaru Australia has frequently expressed its interest in the Ascent, as it has not had a large three-row SUV since the Tribeca was discontinued in 2013, but the news does not necessarily mean the SUV will be built in right-hand drive to be made available in Australia.The models being ‘reverse-imported’ for ease-of-access to the Japanese market will be sold in left-hand drive, as regulations allow for left-hand drive vehicles to be sold alongside the domestically-built right-hand drive cars.Cars sold in left-hand drive in Australia are heavily regulated, and are generally only conditionally registrable.The new boss of Subaru Australia Scott Lawrence told CarsGuide there was “a really live conversation with the Subaru Corporation” on how a seven-seat SUV could come to life from the brand locally.He said the Ascent wasn’t the only option the company was looking at, but hinted that a badge-sharing arrangement with its Toyota partner was not “one of the priorities” when it came to a seven-seat offering.“I'll leave it there, but there are some really exciting Subaru plans in that space,” he said.What could come to Australia in the future is a next-generation Ascent, as the current model is due for a full overhaul following on from new-generation versions of the Outback and Forester. This could open the door for more global production and new audiences for Subaru.

I once attended a car launch where they enlisted the help of one of Australia’s leading designers to tell us that ‘good design requires no explanation’.Which made it awkward when the car company executive then spent 30 minutes explaining the design of the newest model…While it was awkward and undercut the whole point of the design-led presentation, at least it made sense, because it was not a good looking vehicle. And that’s because despite all the concept sketches, clay models and focus groups, sometimes car companies just get it wrong.Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and looks are very subjective, but sometimes you just need to call a spade a spade. And, more importantly, there have been some models that have clearly been impacted by their looks.For example, Ford’s AU Falcon is a cult icon now, but at the time it was released it was widely considered a case-study in getting design wrong. In fact, you can probably trace the decline of the Falcon (and arguably the locally-made large sedans) to the looks of the AU.Another example of design having a major impact on a vehicle’s performance is the divergent fates of the 2011 Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger. Both utes feature the same Ford-developed underpinnings, but whereas the Blue Oval went down a design path of ‘boxy, tough, truck’, Mazda went a very different way. It tried to carry across the design ethos of its then-popular CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs, which arguably made sense given the gentrification of utes. But as history has proven, ute buyers prefer boxy, tough and truck-like design. Within a few years Ford had more than doubled Ranger sales, while Mazda had grown only marginally.So, what are some of the other most ‘visually challenging’ vehicles on the market today? Below is our list, but we’d love to know what you think, so let us know in the comments or on social media which new vehicles have a face only its designer could love…Tesla CybertruckThankfully Australia has been spared the sight of the ‘dumpster-on-wheels’ on our roads. Clearly the American electric brand wanted to stand out from the pack when it entered the ute/pickup market. Unfortunately, it stands out the same way you might stand out in a crowd if you wrap yourself head-to-toe in tinfoil.It has become a symbol of Tesla the brand: unorthodox, but not necessarily in a good way.Kia EV4When it comes to Kia the Tasman is the easy whipping boy of the brand. But that would be a cheap shot to hit it again, especially as the design was deliberately created to help the Tasman stand out in a very crowded ute market. It was a swing and a miss.The more unusual car in Kia’s otherwise very attractive line-up, is the EV4. The electric mid-size sedan is the definition of ‘form over function’, shaped by the wind tunnel for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.It works, with the long range models capable of more than 600km of driving on a single charge (according to Kia’s claim), but that doesn't change the fact it is an odd looking vehicle.Mercedes-Benz C-Class EVIt’s not just the mainstream brands that occasionally strike design trouble. The German luxury brand’s latest addition is unlikely to go down as one of the brand’s most iconic creations. Memorable? Yes, just not for the right reasons.The front grille is as subtle as a Las Vegas casino and looks like you crashed into a diamante shop. While the rear has so many three-pointed stars stuffed into the design nobody should be in any doubt that you’re trying to ram down their throats you have a Mercedes-Benz.And then there’s the interior…I know the full-width ‘Hyperscreen’ is an optional extra, but it’s 39.1-inches of technology over-riding classy, sophisticated design.Subaru OutbackSubaru has taken a big gamble on its latest-generation Outback, abandoning its wagon roots for an SUV design… sort of. Actually, what they’ve done is try to splice the two concepts together and the result is neither a good-looking wagon nor a stylish SUV.Instead it looks awkwardly proportioned, with a grille that wouldn’t look out-of-place on a US pickup truck. And the new Wilderness addition only adds more stuff to make it look even more bulky and awkward.Hyundai Santa FeLike I said earlier, design is purely subjective and there’s every chance you disagree with every car I’ve put on this list. I say that with confidence because I don’t think the Santa Fe should be on this list, because I think it’s a fantastic looking SUV.But, ever since it has launched I have had people tell me they think it’s hideous. In particular, the rear-end styling, with the lights mounted too low on the body, seems to be a sticking point.Personally, I love the boxy, almost-Land-Rover-Defender looks, but I can understand why it polarises opinion.And that’s the same story for any car, because everyone sees design strictly through their own eyes. So let us know in the comments what you think are the cars that get it wrong on the styling front.

Subaru has joined the lengthening list of global carmakers pushing black plans to produce new-generation EV models, with the Japanese maker preferring to take an initial financial hit through program rescheduling to benefit from what it believes will be longer-term savings.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Honda, have shelved multiple EV model programs in the face of slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.Now, as reported by Automotive News, Subaru Corporation is delaying its independently developed electric vehicle to be produced in Japan, a move that comes in the face of the company’s dramatic 90 per cent fall in operating profit for the (Japanese) financial year ended March 31, 2026.Speaking at Subaru’s most recent Board of Directors meeting in Tokyo, President and CEO Atsushi Osaki confirmed Subaru operating profit plummeted from ¥405.3 billion ($3.58 billion) in 2025 to ¥40.1 billion ($350 million) this year.He said US tariffs on new vehicle imports alone had wiped out ¥226.9 billion ($2.00 billion) from earnings with “EV-related write-downs and impairments” accounting for another ¥57.8 billion ($510 million).“In the US, our key market, the pace of BEV adoption has slowed due in part to the easing of environmental policies. “Given this, the timing of our BEV market introduction will be pushed back.“We want to begin a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire strategy, including which models to bring to market.“We will continue developing the core components of BEVs, but we will significantly reduce the resources allocated to this effort,” he said.An all-new, in-house developed EV was scheduled to be produced at the brand’s new Oizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, which is scheduled to open in 2028.But that solo strategy departs from the relative cost-effectiveness of co-production with Toyota on current electric models including the Solterra (bZ4X), Uncharted (C-HR+) and Trailseeker (bZ4X Touring).And as noted by Osaki-san, more than 70 per cent of Subaru’s global sales come from the US, with half of them imported from Japan and subsequently levied with a 15 per cent tariff.Despite a recent uptick in demand for the Solterra, Uncharted and Trailseeker in America, deliveries fell 3.2 percent to 641,000 vehicles, with the new-generation Outback in particular failing to hit the target with prospective buyers who openly state a preference for the wagon-like configuration of prior models rather than the chunkier SUV shape of the latest iteration.As to when the Oizumi EV program will be reenergised, Osaki said, “We intend to finalize the exact launch timing of our in-house BEV models after carefully monitoring market conditions. It is still too early to say a specific timeline at this point.“We are revising our introduction strategy to anticipate when the US market enters the BEV adoption phase.”Looking ahead, Subaru forecast coming year sales to increase 4.9 per cent to 940,000 vehicles, with North America up 3.9 per cent to 736,000 vehicles and Japan up 4.9 per cent to 108,000.It’s worth noting Australian Subaru sales dropped 3.9 per cent for the 2025 calendar year (39,005 vs 40,604 units) and were down 19.3 per cent year-to-date at the end of April 2026 (9737 vs 12,067 units).

The expanding electric car price war has a new entrant.Subaru has just announced it has slashed thousands off the price of its Solterra and Trailseeker electric SUVs.The Solterra range now kicks off at $61,990 (before on-road costs) for the base variant, a reduction of $2000. The range-topping Touring grade gets a similar price cut to $67,990.Subaru already cut the price of the Solterra by $6000 late last year, while adding improvements.The regular Solterra has a driving range of 566km and the Touring 517km. Both use a dual-motor setup that delivers all-wheel-drive grip and pumps out 252kW and 337Nm.Subaru’s big five-seat all-wheel-drive Trailseeker EV has had $4000 ripped off the price tag before it has even gone on sale. Subaru’s website is still asking for expressions of interest for the Trailseeker.The Trailseeker now starts at $63,990, and rises to $69,990 for the Touring grade.It brings dual-motor grunt, which delivers Subaru’s trademark all-wheel-drive grip. The two electric motors combine for 280kW and 537Nm (according to US versions), which allow it to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in about 4.5 seconds.At its heart is a circa-75kWh battery that delivers 533km of driving range in the base version and 488km in the Touring.The prices are effective from May 14th and Subaru urges customers who have already placed an order to contact their dealer to see if the update applies to them.Subaru also announced the arrival of its Uncharted compact electric SUV, which is its cheapest EV at $59,990.All three SUVs have been co-developed with Toyota, with the bZ4X the equivalent of the Solterra and the Trailseeker and Uncharted are the twin to the bZ4X Touring and C-HR+ EV. The latter is not on sale in Australia yet, but has been confirmed for launch here in 2027.Subaru isn’t alone in rushing to sell EVs, with Hyundai, Cadillac, Volvo and Zeekr all cutting the price of some of their electric cars in recent months.A wave of new Chinese models, such as the GWM Ora 5, MG4 Urban and BYD Atto 1, are all lowering the entry price to electric motoring, which is forcing other makers to be more competitive.Subaru's electric vehicle sales are flat compared to rivals, with the Solterra moving just 324 units through the first four months of the year. Tesla's Model Y is the best-selling EV so far this year with more than 6700 finding a new home. 

Subaru just got serious about its EV game in Australia, with pricing for its new Uncharted small SUV released. It will start from $59,990, making it $2000 cheaper than its mid-size Solterra electric sibling. The Uncharted will take on popular, but cheaper rivals in the segment such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia EV3. The Uncharted comes as standard with an all-wheel drive system as opposed to the front-wheel drive exclusive Kona and EV3. The 211mm of ground clearance on the Subaru aids the car’s all-terrain capabilities further. Its dual electric motor set-up produces 252kW to offer a sharp 0-100km/h time of five seconds. It is equipped with a 75kWh battery and a total driving range of 522km, according to WLTP standards. It takes roughly half-an-hour to charge from 10-80 per cent at DC speeds. It also supports vehicle-to-load, allowing for external appliances to be powered through the car’s battery.The car’s interior boasts a 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital driver display, along with dual wireless phone chargers. The Uncharted is the latest in a sustained EV push from Subaru with the Trailseeker large SUV also on sale.  More EVs will help the brand fight off potential fines, following the first performance period of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), where Subaru incurred the third-most penalties of any brand. Pre-orders on the Uncharted are now open, ahead of its official launch in the coming weeks, with customer deliveries beginning in July. 2027 Subaru Uncharted pricing Australia 2027 Subaru Uncharted motor and efficiency  2027 Subaru Uncharted standard features Other standard features include: Power adjustable front seatsMemory driver seatHeated front and rear outboard seatsReclining rear seatsHeated steering wheelDigital rearview mirrorPowered tailgateOptions packages 2027 Subaru Uncharted safetyThe Subaru Uncharted does not have an ANCAP rating yet, with testing and results still in progress. Standard safety features: Front and rear parking sensorsBlind spot monitoringRear cross traffic alertAdaptive high beamSafe exit assist360-degree camera2027 Subaru Uncharted warranty and servicingThe Subaru Uncharted is covered with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. There is an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery.There is five-year capped price servicing available on the car, with intervals every 15,000km or 12 months. 

The Forester has definitely been a winner for Subaru in Australia. Often the brand’s best-selling model year to year, the Forester’s magic is that it blurs the line between a conventional station wagon and the now ubiquitous SUV.In that process, the Forester has built up a huge following of devoted fans who can see the logic and practicality in the overall design.For 2013, Subaru gave us the fourth-gen Forester, or SJ model as it’s known internally.The same packaging remained as before, although the SJ model was a little longer, higher and had more wheelbase than the previous gen, but the new car was only 1mm wider, maintaining its appeal to inner-city dwellers who didn’t need or want a bigger Subaru (there was the Outback for that, anyway).The range kicked off with the 2.0i and 2.0i-L which used a 2.0-litre engine with 110kW and a six-speed manual transmission. The next step up the model ladder was to the 2.5i, 2.5i-L and the 2.5i-S, all of which were fitted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 126kW and a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT).There was also a turbo-diesel option in this generation, dubbed 2.0D, 2.0D-L and 2.0D-S, which had a bit less power at 108kW and was six-speed manual only. Finally, there was the big talking point, the XT and XT Premium, which were fitted with a 2.0-litre, 177kW turbocharged petrol engine and a CVT.That all sounds pretty complex, but what it meant was that there were basically three trim levels and four drivelines from which to choose. And either way, you got that boxy but practical wagon body, slightly jacked-up suspension and Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive.That changed a bit for the Series 2 version of the Forester SJ, with Subaru taking the opportunity to simplify the model range and sneak an uprated turbo-diesel engine on to the market. The simplification took the form of dumping the previous base models (2.0i, 2.0D and 2.5i).The diesel upgrade came with new technology and construction for better performance and efficiency, but it remained a manual-only proposition, blunting its market appeal somewhat.Finally, a Series 3 version of the SJ Forester arrived in 2016, with a slight facelift and some subtle changes to the interior. Revised damping rates and improved steering were also part of the upgrade.

Subaru’s Forester is one of the brand’s most important models. In fact, based purely on sales, it’s Subaru’s number-one seller, but it’s also a model that has helped bring new buyers to Subaru showrooms. And it’s been doing that for almost three decades.The model we’re looking at here is the 'SK' model, or fifth-gen version, sold here from 2018 to 2025 when it was replaced by the all-new sixth-gen.Gone was the turbocharged Forester XT option, and every member of the SK family (apart from the hybrid variant) was powered by the then-familiar 'FB' series of engines measuring 2.5 litres.The model line-up started with the base-model 2.5i, then moved to the 2.5i-L, then the 2.5i Premium and finally the 2.5i-S. The differences were in the level of standard equipment and safety gear, because mechanically, they were the same including the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive platform.The 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid was the odd one out, with less power and performance and a slight fuel economy advantage if you could be bothered. Is Subaru Forester a good car?The beauty of the Forester is that it combines all the good bits of an SUV (higher ride height, ease of access and all-wheel drive grip) with the convenience and practicality of a conventional station-wagon. The car could have been one big compromise, but never has been and those who bought one often pony up for a second or third Forester as the years pass. That’s how good the basic premise is.While it’s not an off-roader by any stretch, the Forester’s all-wheel drive and slightly better ground clearance give it great gravel-road abilities. This is part of the reason first responders such as country fire authorities and regional patient transport services absolutely love the Forester (and its Outback big brother).That all-wheel drive platform also infers a decent degree of safety, and that’s paired with a knee airbag and side-curtain airbags in every variant, as well as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and Subaru’s 'Eyesight' safety aids including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alert. That makes for a better-than-average safety deal and, in turn, makes the Forester a good choice for younger drivers who still need a decently sized wagon body. Subaru Forester reliabilityMany other manufacturers would kill for a reliability record and reputation to match Subaru’s. And while the Forester is not perfect, most owners seem to have a pretty good run with their Subarus, including the ability to turn the odometer past that expected of the opposition.The one proviso is the vehicle has been serviced absolutely by the book. The Subaru engine has lots of small oilways which can become clogged if the oil isn’t kept fresh and clean. Details like the condition of the rubber boots on the four driveshafts are crucial, too, so they’re not exactly maintenance-free. Then again, neither is any other car.The lack of a turbocharger on the Forester helps keeps things simple and unstressed and that’s always good for reliability.The hybrid’s more complex petrol-electric driveline imposes a few more complexities and EV battery-life can be a concern. A pre-purchase check of the EV battery pack is a good idea. Subaru Forester problemsThe bad old days of head gasket failures in Subaru engines were, unless you were really unlucky, a thing of the past by the time this model rolled around. The engine also uses life-of-engine timing chains instead of a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement.Early versions of the FB (Subaru’s in-house code-name) were sometimes guilty of excess oil consumption which was usually traced to either a poor Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve design or faulty piston rings. The good news is these issues had been addressed by the 2015 model-year, so a 2018 or later Forester shouldn’t be affected. We’d still check the car’s service history, however.Although CVTs have a somewhat less than stellar reputation in the trade, the Subaru unit has proven itself to be less troublesome than other brands. Some owners have complained about a jerkiness in the CVT in traffic and at low speeds, however.Beyond that, the big thing to watch for is the sort of trim and exterior damage often inflicted in the normal course of family-car duties. Car park dings should be easy to spot, milky drinks spilled between the seat cushions less so. Subaru Forester recallThe SK Forester has a pretty clean rap sheet when it comes to safety recalls. Some cars built in 2019 were recalled to replace a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve that could fail, and another batch of cars made between 2017 and 2020 were recalled to check the integrity of the bolts holding the rear stabiliser bar.A batch of cars built in 2018 and 2019 was recalled for a potential fuel pump failure that could stop the car in its tracks and some MY2023 cars were also recalled to check for faulty front driveshafts.You can find out more about these recalls by contacting a Subaru dealer and providing the car’s VIN, or online at www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/.  Subaru Forester years to avoidNo one year is better than any other in the fifth-gen Forester, so buy on service history, kilometres and condition rather than build-year.But the one version we probably wouldn’t bother with is the hybrid. Frankly, it feels underpowered to drive and the extra complexity of the hybrid platform just isn’t borne out by the small fuel economy gain. Truth is, this is a mild-hybrid rather than a meaningful one and we’d go for the upmarket, conventional-driveline Forester with more standard equipment for the same money. Subaru Forester how many kilometresSubarus tend to keep on keeping on and the SK appears to continue that tradition. Search online, and you’ll find plenty of SK Foresters for sale with 250,000km or more showing, still with life left in them. Again however, this promise of useful life remaining is entirely dependent on that service record being intact and complete.  Subaru Forester best modelSince there’s less price difference between the base model and the upmarket versions now than when they were brand new, the temptation today is to opt for a fully-equipped model and enjoy the luxe bits for not much more money.Since there’s no real mechanical differences between the various non-hybrid versions that advice holds true and, at the same time, gets you into a car with more standard safety kit. That said, every SK Forester had all-wheel drive, seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and Subaru’s 'Eyesight' safety cameras, so even the base-model is hardly lacking.  Subaru Forester resale valuePrices for high-milers start at the mid-teens or even a bit less, but there’s probably better value to be had with an example with closer to 150,000km (or less) on board for around the high-teens or $20,000 mark.There’s also good value to be had by spending a closer to the high-20s or even $30,000 and looking for a later model Forester with around 50,000km showing on the odometer. At which point, you should be buying a car that will last the next decade or even more. Subaru Forester partsSubaru has about 120 accredited service centres across Australia, the vast majority of which are also dealerships. But a good independent workshop should be able to tackle pretty much any job on what is, after all, a fairly conventional car. Even the CVT shouldn’t trouble a transmission specialist.Parts are readily available from traditional outlets as well as an army of online sellers. Just be careful buying from offshore online sites you don’t know. Subaru Forester salesThe success of the Forester as a best-selling model for Subaru in Australia, means there are lots of them out there. In 2025 alone Subaru sold more than 15,000 Foresters so the car is well understood and in plentiful supply. In fact, a quick online check reveals there are literally thousands of Foresters for sale right now, many of them the SK model.

The Subaru Crosstrek rivals the likes of the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross, but there are areas where it's better and some where it's not. We investigate the fuel efficiency, practicality, driveability and value-for-money of this small SUV.