2025 Subaru Forester Reviews

Brett Radford is looking at a 2008 Subaru Forester sports wagon for his 17-year-old son. The asking price is $11,800, but with no trade he says he could get it for $10,000. It has had a small hit at the rear, but it has been repaired and inspected by the RTA. He wants to know if it is a good buy, and also if it has a

Competent off-road wagons are getting scarce. These two are among the best at taking on life's rough - and smooth - paths.

Memo to Subaru. Please stop trying to remove the character from your cars. The Forester XT is a case in point. It's the go-fast version with the new turbocharged engine.  It looks and goes well enough, but why oh why remove the bonnet scoop --  it's always been such a defining and 'exciting' feature of Subarus.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Forester as a used buy.

The Forester is a long time favourite with Aussie motorists. But it's a very different car than it used to be, more of an SUV than a jacked-up wagon.

It's almost inevitable. Once you two are no longer DINKS, an SUV appears in your driveway. The convertible lacks boot space, the V8 ute has no rear seat and the full-on 4WD is too big.The solution seems to be a compact or medium SUV. There are worthy station wagons to consider but new car buyers want to look like explorers, not breeders. Check the shopping centre or school car parks -- easily a third of vehicles have more than 150mm of ground clearance.Today's SUV is far from the 4WDs of yore -- it's easy to drive and load, child friendly, frugal with fuel and competitively priced.  The toughest surface these machines face is a wet speed bump so four of the five we've assessed have a 2WD variant.If you want to carry seven or more, that's the terrain of people-movers and large SUVs. Stay tuned for that. Weekly running costs include purchase, finance, registration, insurance, servicing; based on 15,000km a year, private ownership; costs vary between states and variants.Toyota RAV4 The new model brings with it a diesel -- it's unsuited to towing, so the 2.5 petrol is the option for versatility. Boot space is 506L (or 577L without a full-size spare). It has only 160mm of ground clearance and a low chin, so steer clear of serious obstacles. It scores for driver's knee airbag, spacious and quiet cabin with good storage but loses for a sharpish ride.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $199-$235 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 107kW/187Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 132kW/233Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 110kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWDThirst: 5.6L-8.6L/100km Tank 60LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: GXL 2.5 auto AWD $35,490Price: from $28,490Subaru ForesterOne of the newer models here, the Soob still leans to the off-road side of the equation. There are diesel and turbo petrol options but most buyers won't need that amount of urge. Boot space isn't great at 422L but the Forester gives occupants ample room and a smooth drivetrain. The CVT is much better than previous versions.Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmRunning costs: $210-$230 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer, 110kW/198Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer, 126kW/235Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer turbo diesel, 108kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed man, CVT; AWDThirst: 5.9L-8.1L/100kmTank: 60LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: 2.5i-L $35,990Price: from $30,990Mazda CX-5If evidence was needed that SUVs are moving away from their off-road origins, the Mazda provides it. An A-grade unsealed surface is about as adventurous as you'd want to get with the little Mazda but it has few peers for on-road dynamics and nothing comes close to its Skyactiv turbo diesel powerplant. The absence of rear vents can be overlooked but at least the child seat anchor points are on the seat backs. It's got the longest wheelbase of this quintet, which suggests reasonable cabin space, but boot space is below par at 403 litres and ride quality isn't as supple as the Honda.Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmRunning costs: $203-$244 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/200Nm; 2.5-litre 4cyl, 138kW/250Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 129kW/420NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto; FWD/AWDThirst: 5.7L-7.4L/100km Tank 58LDimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: Maxx Sport 2.2Price: from $27,880Nissan X-TrailThis version has been around for nearly a decade, hence it rates four crash safety stars from ANCAP rather than the now standard five. It tops the braked towing capacity with 2000kg, adding to its versatility despite just 410L of boot space. It has off-road prowess, diesel variant (in AWD only) and a ``lite'' option, the 2.0-litre front-driver.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $219-$243 pwSafety: 4 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 102kW/198Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 125kW/226Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 127kW/360Nm (auto 110kW/320Nm)Transmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWDThirst: 7.1L-9.1L/100kmTank: 65LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: 2.5 ST $32,690Price: from $28,490Honda CR-VOnce dominant then long lost, the Honda is getting back where it belongs. Chief asset is cargo space of 556L, the best of the bunch despite a full-size spare, although marred by roof-mounted child seat anchors. Footprint is compact but Honda says there has been no change to passenger space. Compared with previous model, much quieter and easier on the backside. Pricing is canny, there are front and all-wheel drive variants and a diesel is imminent.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $189-$225 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/190Nm; 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 140kW/222NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 5-speed auto; FWD/AWDThirst: 7.7L-8.7L/100kmTank: 58LDimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: VTi-S AWDPrice: from $27,490

Several brands like to think they invented the soft-roader, but Subaru probably has the best case. They've been making passenger-car-based 4WDs since the late 1970s, well before the RAV4 entered the fray in the mid-1990s; Suzuki was making little off-roaders in the early 1970s, but not based on a passenger car.So the Japanese brand that started off making aircraft components five decades ago has had plenty of time to get it right and the new Forester XT is a good example of that.VALUEThe turbocharged Forester are CVT-auto only and available in XT and XT Premium guise and are covered by a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty.The XT is priced from $43,490 and has a six-speaker sound system with USB and Bluetooth inputs, cloth trim, trip computer, dual-zone climate control, a slide-only sunroof, manual seat adjustments, cruise control, 18in alloys, split-fold reclining rear seats, a full-size spare, the SI-drive sport mode system and a reach'n'rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel.Stepping up the Premium means an extra $7000 but adds a powered tailgate, automatic headlights, satellite navigation, the "EyeSight" safety system, leather trim, a harman kardon eight-speaker sound system, heated seats and external mirrors, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and power-adjustment for both front seats.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain doesn't change between the pair - capacity for the forced-induction models has dropped to two litres but it has sprouted direct injection for the flat-four, producing 177kW and 350Nm, the latter spread from 2400 to 3600rpm.Despite the increases in power and torque over the out-going 2.5-turbo powerplant, the fuel use has been cut by almost 20 per cent, now claiming a combined cycle thirst of 8.5L/100km, although our time yielded around 11L/100km. The SI-Drive system is now controlled by two buttons on the steering wheel, although it could probably be done with one scroll-through set-up.The system changes the power delivery characteristics, as well as putting the clever CVT into a mode that mimics a sports-oriented traditional auto. The grunt goes to ground via a new-generation active torque split all-wheel drive system that defaults to a slight front-drive 60/40 bias - something of a departure from the breed's 50/50 mechanical system split in previous models.DESIGNA look less likely to cause offence than some of Subaru's recent efforts, the new Forester has a chunky, purposeful look from the front, minus the scoop that has long signalled forced-induction below. The body is longer thanks mostly to extra wheelbase, of which the rear passengers are the greater beneficiary - it easily accommodates four crew, but the boot depth is compromised by the raised floor covering the full-size spare.The rear compartment is, however, no longer impacted by roof-mounted child-seat tether anchor points - they've moved to the seatbacks.mountedSAFETYSubaru has long bragged about five stars across its range and the new Forester does plenty to keep that track record intact. The "EyeSight" driver assistance system brings adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision warning and auto-braking systems to a features list that already has all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, stability control, seven airbags, a reversing cameras (sans sensors) and xenon headlights.DRIVINGI'm not always a big fan of the continuously-variable transmissions but the Subaru boffins have come up with a well-calibrated unit behind the turbo-four. It doesn't flare revs towards the redline unless the right foot truly demands it, making the most of the meaty midrange on offer - in Sport# mode the transmission takes on a sporting bent to good effect.Cargo space is adequate but some will prefer the possibility of a temporary spare and a flatter floor - a personal preference for a full-size spare, particularly if you are stretching the skillset of the Suby, means the reduced bootspace is not a deal-breaker.In commuting and cruising the Subaru is quiet and smooth, riding within the boundaries of backside comfort, although it's bias towards more enthusiastic cornering - where it was composed and would hold its line under duress - is evident.A bugbear was the infotainment's argument with the iPhone - despite displayed connections it didn't feel the need to play any songs through the USB connection, muting the music as if a call was inbound - switching to the Bluetooth input alleviated the problem.VERDICTThe Subaru has a strong bloodline in this segment and the new Forester has done it ancestors proud.As soft-roaders go, the little Subaru feels more than up to the task.Subaru Forester XT & XT PremiumPrice: from $43,490-$50,490Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: noResale: 55% (Glass's Guide)Service interval: 6 months/12,500kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2-litre direct-injection flat-4-cyl, 177kW/350NmTransmission: CVT, AWDThirst: 8.51/100km, 95RON, on test 11 (xt p 10.8); tank 60 litres; 197g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1589-1607kgSpare: full-size 

Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT AWD and Subaru Forester XT go head-to-head in this comparative review.

From pirate treasure map to automobile designation, the letter ‘X’ marks the spot of something excitingly special. This is never truer than with the Forester XT, Subaru’s new high-performance mid-size SUV.A best-seller since pioneering the high-performance SUV class in 1997, the latest Forester XT shows off an array of new features, technology and styling to stir Forester fans new and old.At first, I had my doubts about the XT – a 2.0-litre petrol engine, albeit turbocharged, mated with a continuously variable transmission. Not the recipe for sprightly performance I thought.How wrong can you be? New engine and transmission technology from Subaru manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries has shifted the Forester performance up into what is almost a segment of its own.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre horizontally opposed Boxer motor makes use of direct petrol injection to pump out 177 kW of power at 5600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 2400 and 3600 rpm, a 4.7 per cent power gain and 9.4 torque increase over its predecessor.This is accompanied by a 19 per cent gain in fuel efficiency and 20.6 per cent improvement in emissions. Towing ability has also gone up by 12.5 per cent to 1800 kg for a trailer with brakes.The engine is hooked up to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission with six preset speeds when required. And Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.DESIGNOn the outside, the Forester XT has gone from an amenable compact all-wheel drive wagon 16 years ago to a mid-size SUV with substantial street presence from its bulked-up body.Not that aerodynamics have suffered, with efficiency improved by 11 per cent over the previous unit, producing a co-efficient of drag of 0.33, thanks to such refinements as a guard underneath the engine bay and a rear spoiler.Of further help is Forester’s narrower rear and lightweight aluminium bonnet, while the rear bumper corners were designed for aerodynamic efficiency, together with large underbody covers, including mudguards and air flaps.A gripe with previous Foresters has been the limited vision from the driver’s seat because of its lack of height. Seats in the new XT have got over that. Set higher, together with the A-pillar shifted 200 mm further forward, taking the windscreen further from front-seat occupants, there’s more of a command position for the driver, while the blind spot is reduced by one degree.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTPrices start from $30,990 for the Forester 2.0i manual. ‘Kid connectivity’ is well covered by USB, iPod and Bluetooth offering optimum vocal effect, richer bass tones by adding harmonics and a sound restorer that adds to the digital sound sources that get lost in music when compressed for iPod and MP3.Forester 2.0 XT also includes reversing camera, electric sunroof, dual zone air-conditioning, multi-function display, 18-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails, and is priced from $43,490 plus on-road costs.SAFETYPutting occupants at ease is vehicle dynamic stability control which constantly checks vehicle behavior, including the anti-lock brakes, engine and limited-slip differential via the traction control system.VDC can use the engine and brakes to prevent side slip and achieve a high degree of stability and can be turned off allowing engine control and torque reduction to be cancelled when driving on snow and muddy surfaces.DRIVINGThe rush from zero to 100km/h can be done in an impressive 7.5 seconds. The test car pleasantly surprised with no ‘slipping-clutch whine’ as with some CVTs, just a constant hum from the engine.All Forester XTs are fitted with Subaru Intelligent-Drive (SI-Drive) which serves up engine and automatic transmission characteristics to suit various driving styles, preferences and conditions.At the push of a button, one of three modes can be chosen: ‘Intelligent’ increases engine output more gradually for a smoother eco-friendly drive. It also makes for easier handling on snowy and slippery surfaces. Intelligent mode automatically activates on engine start-up.In ‘Sport’ the engine accelerates in a linear fashion and long trips are ideal in this mode. Sport uses the engine to maximum potential, with a sensation of powerful acceleration. It makes use of an eight-speed gear pattern.Each mode gives the driver the opportunity to experience a ‘different’ vehicle, from sedate to sporty, without having to apologise to passengers for a rough ride or dodgy handling.To really get into it, however, the driver can add his or her own input. Using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts makes for a satisfying experience for those who want to do it their way, while passengers remain comfortable taking advantage of the extra elbow and shoulder room.There should be no squabbling over cabin storage which is plentiful and versatile, as is the easily accessed rear cargo area which can take 422 litres of gear with rear seat back up and 1457 litres with it folded.MODEL RANGEForester 2.0i manual $30,990Forester 2.5i auto $32,990Forester 2.0i-L manual $33,490Forester 2.5i-L auto $35,990Forester 2.5i-S auto $43,990Forester 2.0 D manual $35,490Forester 2.0 D-L manual $37,490Forester 2.0 D-S manual $43,990Forester 2.0 XT auto $43,490Forester 2.0 XT Premium auto $50,490Subaru Forester XTPrice: from $43,490Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kilometresEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 177 kW/350 NmTransmission: CVT, AWDTare mass: 1607 kgTurning circle: 10.6 m kerb to kerbTowing: 750 kg (unbraked); 1800 kg (braked)Fuel tank capacity: 60 litresCargo capacity: 422 litres (rear seat back up), 1457 litres (rear seat back folded)0-100 km/h: 7.5 secThirst: 7.0 litres / 100km; 197 g of CO2 per kilometre (combined cycle)

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser and Subaru Forester XT go head-to-head in this comparative review.