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Subaru Forester Review, For Sale, Colours, Specs, Models & News

Subaru Forester Review, For Sale, Colours, Specs, Models & News

FROM $43,490

The Subaru Forester was somewhat late to the small SUV party when it debuted in Australia in 1997, a full three years after the Toyota RAV4.

That said, it managed to co-lead the small SUV charge regardless, thanks to its combination of a car-like driving experience, the space of a small station wagon and a decent amount of off-road ability.

Current prices range from $43,490 to $55,990 for the Forester 2.5I (Awd) and Forester Hybrid Touring (Awd).

Because of its long suspension travel and higher ride height, the Forester certainly had the measure of the standard sedans, hatches and wagons when the going got tough, whether on Australia’s rough roads or beyond them. Its car-like driving experience is because the Forester is based on the Impreza sedan and wagon, which debuted here in 1993. These days, the Forester continues the same formula, growing larger, safer and more powerful through successive generations.

7.9L/100km (combined)
SUV
Automatic
Unleaded Petrol
Reviews For Sale News VS The Competition Towing Capacity Pricing & Specs Colours Accessories Dimensions Q&As Boot Space Wheel Size Engine Fuel Consumption Interior Seats Speed Range
Overview
Likes
Interior space
Real world efficiency
Loads of standard gear
Dislikes
It's not cheap
Overzealous driver attention alert
In-car tech not amazing

Subaru Forester Towing Capacity

The Subaru Forester has maximum towing capacity of 1800kg for the latest model available.
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Subaru Forester Pricing & Specs

The price range for the Subaru Forester varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $43,490 and going to $55,990 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.
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Subaru Forester Colours

Buyers can choose from a versatile palette including Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

Premium and Sport grades offer exclusive colour combinations with black or bronze exterior accents to stand out from the pack.

Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Crimson Red Pearl
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Grey Metallic
Sapphire Blue Pearl

Subaru Forester Accessories

Standard equipment in the 2026 Forester is generous, with every variant scoring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assist suite.

Stepping up the range adds niceties like a Harman Kardon sound system, electric front seat adjustment with memory function, leather trim and a surround-view camera.

The new top-spec Forester Sport introduces exclusive exterior and interior styling tweaks and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Subaru Forester Dimensions

The dimensions of the Subaru Forester SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
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Subaru Forester FAQs

Does the 2021 Subaru Forester have a timing chain or timing belt?

This generation of the Subaru Forester used the 2.5-litre FB25 engine which made use of a timing chain that should be good for the life of the vehicle.

For the record, the vast majority of engines that use a rubber toothed timing belt have what’s called a dry belt. A relatively small number of engines use wet-belt technology which is where the rubber belt operates in an oil bath situation. This tech has proved to be problematic for some car-makers and Ford, for one, is moving to a timing chain layout for the new engine in its Ranger, Everest and Transit line-up.

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What switch controls the light for the speedometer in a 2008 Subaru Forester?

Most cars have a rotary dial somewhere on the dashboard to control the brightness of the dashboard lights. On this model Subaru it’s extremely well hidden. But if you look closely at the indicator stalk, you should see a collar surrounding it towards the tip of the stalk. This collar can be twisted in either direction to either brighten or darken the dashboard lighting. However, I’ve read that while some of the lights will adjust this way, the speedometer’s brightness is non-adjustable.

I’m told that by holding the climate control off button down for a few seconds, you can also adjust the intensity of the lighting for that function as well.

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My 1999 Subaru Forester GT won't stay in fifth gear

Before you commit to any costly course of action, go back to basics. A car that jumps out of gear might have a poorly adjusted shifter or linkage mechanism rather than something internal to the gearbox. Even a worn engine or transmission mount can allow enough movement for the car to jump out of gear. So check that stuff first.

In terms of rebuilding a gearbox like this one, you may find the cost is greater than the retained value of the vehicle. Not to mention, with that sort of mileage, that you’ll lie awake at night wondering what’s going to break next. At that point, you have to make a call. But don’t forget, you might be able to find a second-hand gearbox in good condition at a parts recycler, and have that fitted for a fraction of the cost of an overhaul. And then you’re on your way to your second half-million kilometres.

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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. CarsGuide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Subaru Forester Boot Space

The 2026 Forester continues to impress with its practical cargo area.

It offers 496 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1719 litres when folded flat.

A low load lip and wide tailgate opening make loading bulky items easy, while hybrid variants sacrifice only minimal space (484L/1162L) thanks to clever battery placement beneath the boot floor.

Subaru Forester boot space

Subaru Forester Wheel Size

The Subaru Forester has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 225x55 R18 9 for SUV in 2026 with a wheel size that spans from 7x18 inches.
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Subaru Forester Engine

Two powertrains are available in Australia.

The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine produces 136kW and 247Nm, while the new 2.5-litre petrol-electric e-Boxer hybrid system combines for 145kW and 276Nm.

Both use a CVT and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system as standard.

Subaru Forester Fuel consumption

The Subaru Forester is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by Hybrid and ULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 6.2L/100km for SUV
*Combined fuel consumption
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Subaru Forester Interior

Subaru has stepped up the Forester’s cabin game for 2026 with a modernised layout featuring a new portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen on all grades, enhanced soft-touch surfaces and a tidier centre console.

The overall aesthetic is clean and robust, with intuitive controls and improved cabin insulation.

High-grade variants introduce a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and ambient lighting for a more premium feel, along with a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.

Subaru Forester Seats

The 2026 Subaru Forester remains a five-seat mid-size SUV, offering a comfortable and practical seating layout across the range.

Wide-opening rear doors and a high hip point make entry and exit a breeze for passengers of all ages.

Supportive front seats and a sliding, reclining rear bench with generous legroom cater to long road trips, while the top-spec variants add leather-accented upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

Subaru Forester Speed

While not designed as a performance SUV, the 2026 Forester delivers adequate everyday performance.

The carry-over 2.5-litre petrol engine should manage the 0-100km/h sprint in around 10 seconds, while the new 2.5-litre e-Boxer hybrid would be slightly quicker.

Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and symmetrical all-wheel drive, though Subaru hasn't confirmed top-speeds for either. The petrol version should be able to hit 200km/h, while the hybrid could be more limited.

Subaru Forester Range

Official combined-cycle fuel economy for the petrol-only Forester is rated at 7.9L/100km, while the new hybrid trims that to 6.2L/100km.

Both Foresters have a 63-litre fuel tank, so could theoretically travel either a maximum 797km or 1016km in petrol or hybrid respectively depending on driving style and road conditions.