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Subaru Forester 2021
Carsguide Managing Editor - Head of Video Matt Campbell had this to say at the time: The Subaru Forester Sport is an interesting new addition to the range, despite not really moving it forward in any other way apart from its eye-catching looks. It is a competitive counterpoint to the likes of the CX-5 and CR-V, but still doesn't quite reach the same levels of refinement and driving enjoyment of the RAV4.
You can read the full review here.This is what Matt Campbell liked most about this particular version of the Subaru Forester: Interesting looks, Excellent safety, Good space and practicality
The Subaru Forester SUV competes with similar models like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V in the Under $40k category category.
The 2021 Subaru Forester carries a braked towing capacity of up to 1800 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
Subaru Forester 2021 Price and Specs
Pricing guides

Subaru Forester Model | Body Type | Specs | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2.5I (awd) | SUV | 2.5L ULP CVT AUTO | $35,190 | |
2.5I Premium (awd) | SUV | 2.5L ULP CVT AUTO | $40,440 | |
2.5I Sport (awd) | SUV | 2.5L ULP CVT AUTO | $41,990 | |
2.5I-L (awd) | SUV | 2.5L ULP CVT AUTO | $37,440 |
Subaru Forester 2021 Q&As
Check out real-world situations relating to the Subaru Forester here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.
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What is causing a whistling noise from the exhaust of my 2007 Subaru Forester?
The whistling sound could be coming from some weird combination of acoustics within the muffler as it rots from within and begins to change shape internally. But more likely, what you’re hearing is the sound of a dying turbocharger bearing. Generally, these should be almost silent, but as they wear, they get louder and louder. The turbocharger sits inside the exhaust system, which is why you can hear it through the tailpipe.
Left to its own devices the bearing will eventually collapse, taking the turbocharger impeller/turbine with it. The bigger danger is that some of the small fragments of metal from the bearing will be free to enter the intake side of the turbocharger where they will be travel through the engine causing all kinds of destruction. That’s possibly what will happen if you ignore it.
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Is a 4WD necessary for travelling through regional Queensland?
It sounds like you don't really need a big, heavy and expensive 4WD for the type of vehicle you require. Maybe ample ground clearance would be an advantage, but otherwise, as all the driving is on sealed or some dirt roads, a good front-drive (2WD) medium-sized SUV should suffice. This type of vehicle is typically more stable at speed as there isn't a high centre of gravity to contend with - a big safety plus. And while all-wheel-drive might be useful driving out of ruts, on sand or in snow, if none of the these apply, the 2WD's stability and traction control system ought to be enough.
As a result, we recommend the latest-model (from May 2019-onwards) Toyota RAV4 GX or GXL. It is an exceptionally practical, roomy and robust SUV, with a high level of standard safety features, and big comfy seating. Its 2.0-litre engine is strong, smooth and economical. And you won't have a problem finding somewhere for it to be serviced.
If AWD is deemed essential, then the base Subaru Forester 2.5i is another great choice. Lots of ground clearance, a gutsy 2.5L engine and a soft, relaxing ride. Nowadays Subaru has increased its service intervals from six to 12 months, taking away one of the hassles of running these well-engineered Japanese SUVs.
Finally, the Mazda CX-5 AWD is recommended as well, for it too has a well-sorted AWD system. This is quite a sporty number, with plenty of higher-speed power for effortless overtaking, as well as responsive handling.
All three SUVs mentioned retail at well under $40,000, and all are enjoyable, capable and reliable choices.
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What is the best family SUV for around $20000?
While the Mitsubishi Outlander is spacious, reliable and easy to drive, our experience testing it against rival medium SUVs have found it to be noisy and a little too firm riding to be truly comfortable and relaxing. At your price point, there are better alternatives out there.
Have you considered a Mazda CX-5? In petrol or diesel, we have found it to be a superior and more economical proposition, and is definitely quieter and more refined. Plus, the Mazda's all-wheel-drive system is more sophisticated and better at dealing with loose surfaces like sand.
A late-model (post 2014) S5-series Subaru Forester 2.5i petrol is far more economical than the earlier iterations, since it switched to a more efficient CVT continuously variable transmission. And there's also the 2.0D turbo-diesel which is economical. This, too, is a fine SUV on-road or for light off-road driving.
Finally, the Nissan X-Trail diesel is a roomy and capable choice, especially from 2017, when it received a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel to replace the older 1.6L unit.
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What model X-Trail or Forester should I buy for less than $19000
We'd recommend the Nissan T32 X-Trail Series II from mid-2017-onwards and Subaru S4 Forester (2013-2018), since they both make strong secondhand buys due to their reliability, economy, ease of operation, spacious interiors, practicality and strong resale values.
The reason why we'd buy the 2017-onwards X-Trail Series II is because it standardises Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). With the Forester, you'll need to skip the lower grades 2.0i-L (manual-only) and 2.5i-L (auto only) for the S and XT for that important safety technology Subaru calls 'EyeSight'.
The X-Trail comes in front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, but the Forester is AWD-only. All automatics are of the continuous variable transmission (CVT) variety, which priorities fuel economy but can make the engine drone under hard acceleration. Subaru calls its CVT Lineartronic while Nissan dubs its version X-Tronic.
Our recommendation is to check the service and maintenance history of any car you buy, to ensure every interval has been met and carried out by a proper dealer or brand specialist. This is especially important with the Forester, as it is a slightly more complicated vehicle mechanically. Note that all Subarus of this generation require six-monthly service intervals, not 12-monthly ones like the Nissan, which might be an inconvenience.
We'd steer clear of ex-rentals as they tend to have a very hard life (both models were popular with such agencies), though they're almost always the base X-Trail ST and Forester 2.5i-L grades that end up as rental fodder.
If you're thinking about diesel engined versions, the X-Trail in middle-range TL and up-spec TS guises switched from the earlier (2014-2017) Series 1's 1.6-litre turbo-diesel to a much more powerful and effective 2.0-litre unit, so that's worth remembering. In the Forester the 2.0D equates to the mid-level petrol models in terms of equipment levels.
Finally, we recommend a mechanical check-up to see that your potential used-buy has not been subjected to punishing off-road treatment. While both the Forester and X-Trail offer good ground clearances, they're not for off-road use, only light gravel, snow or trail driving.
We hope this helps. Good luck.
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Subaru Forester 2021 Towing capacity
The Subaru Forester’s towing capacity ranges from 1200kg to 1800kg. Some models also offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options which can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities can vary wildly on a large number of factors. These include engine, transmission, model, and options chosen. Always check with the manufacturer or in your vehicles handbook before attempting to tow anything.
Subaru Forester Model | Body Type | Specs | Braked Capacity | |
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2.5I (awd) | SUV | 2.5L,ULP,CVT AUTO | 1800kg | |
2.5I-L (awd) | SUV | 2.5L,ULP,CVT AUTO | 1800kg | |
2.5I Premium (awd) | SUV | 2.5L,ULP,CVT AUTO | 1800kg | |
Hybrid L (awd) | SUV | 2.0L,Hyb/ULP,CVT AUTO | 1200kg |
Subaru Forester 2021 Dimensions
Dimensions for the 2021 Subaru Forester are dependent on which body type is chosen. The maximum width and height is 1815mm x 1730mm and can vary on the basis of model.


Subaru Forester Model | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance | |
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2.5I (awd) | SUV | 1730x1815x4625 mm | 220 mm | |
2.5I-L (awd) | SUV | 1730x1815x4625 mm | 220 mm | |
2.5I Premium (awd) | SUV | 1730x1815x4625 mm | 220 mm | |
Hybrid L (awd) | SUV | 1730x1815x4625 mm | 220 mm |
Subaru Forester 2021 Wheel size
Wheel size for the 2021 Subaru Forester will vary depending on model chosen, although keep in mind that many manufacturers offer alternate wheel sizes as options on many models.The wheel size available will alter the range of tyres available to be fitted.
Subaru Forester Model | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Tyre Size | Rear Rim | |
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2.5I (awd) | SUV | 225x60 R17 9 | — | 225x60 R17 9 | — | |
2.5I-L (awd) | SUV | 225x60 R17 9 | — | 225x60 R17 9 | — | |
2.5I Premium (awd) | SUV | 225x55 R18 9 | — | 225x55 R18 9 | — | |
Hybrid L (awd) | SUV | 225x60 R17 9 | — | 225x60 R17 9 | — |
Subaru Forester 2021 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2021 Subaru Forester is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Subaru Forester currently offers fuel consumption from 6.7 to 7.4L/100km. The Subaru Forester is available with the following fuel types: ULP and Hyb/ULP.
Subaru Forester Model | Body Type | Specs | Fuel Consumption | |
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2.5I (awd) | SUV | 2.5L,ULP,CVT AUTO | 7.4L/100km | |
2.5I Premium (awd) | SUV | 2.5L,ULP,CVT AUTO | 7.4L/100km | |
Hybrid L (awd) | SUV | 2.0L,Hyb/ULP,CVT AUTO | 6.7L/100km | |
Hybrid S (awd) | SUV | 2.0L,Hyb/ULP,CVT AUTO | 6.7L/100km |
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