2020 Subaru Forester vs 2021

What's the difference?

It’s exciting news that Subaru has released a hybrid version of its popular mid-size SUV, the Forester. With such a solid foundation, adding a hybrid option can only be a step forward, with the main benefits being fuel savings and lower carbon emissions.

Not all hybrids are created equal however, so it’s best to assess each car to make sure it matches your expectations. 

The Forester Hybrid S costs around $3000 more than a regular Forester, and this is the top-of-the-range car, so it comes in at $45,990, before on road costs.

It’s in a category with the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V but if you’re comparing hybrids, you’ll be looking closely at the Toyota RAV4, too. 

Here’s how it performed over seven days for this week’s family review. 

This is not the Subaru Forester Sport model they get in Japan, and it's therefore not the one most Aussies have been desperate to see launched here.

Nope, the giveaway is the 2.5i part of the name for this 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport model, which has just been added to the brand's range to add a bit more of an eye-catching variant to the line-up.

In Japan, the Sport gets a new turbocharged petrol engine, but this one instead soldiers on with the same powerplant as the rest of the Forester range, but there have been plenty of changes and additions besides.

Is it any good? Should you buy a Forester Sport over one of its many rivals, like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5? Let's try and answer those questions in this review.