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

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

FROM
$38,690

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 $38,690 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.

7.4L/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 practicality almost perfect
Much improved road manners
More capable than owners would need
Dislikes
No spare wheel in hybrid
Disappointing fuel consumption
New design a bit anonymous

Subaru Forester News

OPINION
What's even the point of 4WDing? Do you really need a Toyota LandCruiser when a 2026 Subaru Forester would do? | Opinion
14 Sep 2025
INDUSTRY NEWS
Subaru's new model onslaught incoming: 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid finally arrives to take on the Toyota RAV4, but there is lots of exciting new models coming soon, said Australian boss
27 Jul 2025
SAFETY
Big hit for another new Hyundai: 2026 Hyundai Inster electric hatchback misses out on a full five-star ANCAP safety rating like the Kona, i30 Sedan and Venue, while the Polestar 4 and Subaru Forester family SUVs get full five-star ratings
10 Jul 2025
OPINION
Subaru Brumby, seven-seat Forester XL, Toyota LandCruiser and HiLux rivals - all the cars Subaru needs to do | Opinion  
28 Jun 2025
UPCOMING MODELS
Subaru Wilderness locked in for Australia: Tougher, off-road focused models set to launch Down Under to bring the fight to Chinese challengers and 4x4 icons
29 May 2025
EXISTING MODELS
Hybrid domination! Subaru plans to sell more of its new Forester Hybrid as it ramps up to contend with the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, GWM Haval H6 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Nissan X-Trail e-Power
28 May 2025
EXISTING MODELS
2026 Subaru Forester $4800 more expensive: 2026 Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, MG HS, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Volkswagen Tiguan rival more expensive than ever as it adds hybrid power to the range
28 May 2025
TRENDING
Unmarked police cars Australia: How to spot an undercover cop car
5 May 2025
UPCOMING MODELS
Bigger, boxier, better? 2026 Subaru Outback revealed with SUV design, hybrid powertrain, but can it compete with Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger?
17 Apr 2025
See all Subaru Forester News

Subaru Forester Towing Capacity

The Subaru Forester has maximum towing capacity of 1800kg for the latest model available.
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See all Subaru Forester Towing Capacity

Subaru Forester Pricing & Specs

The price range for the Subaru Forester varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $38,690 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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See all Subaru Forester Pricing & Specs

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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See all Subaru Forester Dimensions

Subaru Forester FAQs

Two 2020 Subaru Foresters with loud and occasionally faulty electric motors in the car's side mirrors. How can I have them fixed before their warranties run out?

The noise could be from the electric motors themselves or in the gears and cogs that physically move the mirrors to their new positions. Pulling the mirror apart and lubricating these mechanisms might help reduce the noise and may even fix the one mirror’s reluctance to move through its full range of positions.

As far as warranty goes, the situation is a bit complicated in that the dealer may examine the noise and decide that it’s not abnormal. But what you should do before the warranty runs out is have the car examined and the problem logged at dealership level. That way, if anything goes wrong as a result of the problem, even if it’s beyond the warranty period, you have what’s called a pre-existing condition whereby the problems is Subaru’s to fix because it existed while the warranty was still current, even if it wasn’t fixed at that time. The point being that the dealer can’t delay a fix reported during the warranty period and then claim that the vehicle is out of warranty and refuse to fix the problem.

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2000 Subaru Forester shut down while driving

A car can stop in its tracks for hundreds of reasons, but in a car like yours, first suspicions would be either the fuel pump or something like the crank-angle sensor. If the problem had been a clogged fuel filter or a dud spark plug, the problem would probably have made the engine run poorly, but not stopped it dead in an instant.

Electric fuel pumps don’t last forever and, when they die, they die quickly and without notice. Same goes for crank-angle sensors, without which, the computer doesn’t know where the individual pistons are in each cylinder and, therefore, can’t inject fuel or create spark at the precise time it needs to.

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Issues with brakes in a 2024 Subaru Forester

Any time the brakes (or any other system of a car) start to feel different than they have done since you bought the car, there’s probably something wrong. If it was an older car, I’d suggest a brake fluid change as the first step, but that’s unlikely to be the reason in an almost-new car. The problem sounds like there’s air in the braking system (there should only be brake fluid, and no air) but, again, that’s a wild card in such a new vehicle.

In any case, you’re doing the right thing by having the car independently tested. If the results come back suggesting a problem, you have good ammunition to get the dealership to fix this as a warranty matter. Make sure you get a written report from the mechanic detailing the braking system’s performance, and don’t be afraid to go over the dealer’s head to Subaru Australia’s customer service department.

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See all Subaru Forester Q&As
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 2025 with a wheel size that spans from 7x18 inches.
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See all Subaru Forester Wheel Sizes

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 ULP and Hybrid fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 7.4L/100km for SUV
*Combined fuel consumption
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See all Subaru Forester Pricing & Specs

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.