2024 Subaru Forester new car review

This mid-size SUV has stood the test of time and is one of the most popular in the nation. We find out why Aussies can’t get enough of it.

The family-favourite Subaru Forester’s no spring chicken, but sales remain strong for the medium SUV all-rounder. We test the 2.5i Premium to see if it’s still a worthy choice.

VALUE

The Forester is Subaru’s best-selling model and a stalwart of the medium SUV segment.

Value has always been a Forester trademark – it’s a spacious, capable and honest family wagon/SUV with decent safety and features, at a price undercutting many rivals.

This current generation’s into its sixth year of service and that shows in its ageing design, cabin and engine – an all-new Forester’s due later this year.

Teh Forester is loved for its great all round ability.

But don’t discount the current one. These all-wheel-drive five-seaters can be had in five grades: base 2.5i, 2.5i-L, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport and 2.5i-S.

Hybrids are also offered – using a 2.0-litre rather than 2.5-litre petrol engine – but fuel savings aren’t on par with its Toyota RAV4 rival.

Prices start at about $43,500 drive-away, peaking at about $55,500 drive-away for a Hybrid S. Our mid-spec 2.5i Premium is about $49,000 in the traffic.

Standard range-wide are alloys, LED lights, smart key, dual-zone climate control, 8-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and, bar hybrids, a full-size spare.

Premiums add a driver monitor system with facial recognition, sat nav, power, heated and memory front seats and a power tailgate.

For niceties such as leather seats, sunroof and premium audio you need a range-topping 2.5i-S.

It’s reliable and packed with safety tech.

COMFORT

If you measure comfort by vast interior space front and rear, giant windows offering excellent visibility and family-friendly wide-opening back doors, the Forester’s nailed it.

The dash design’s plain, safe and lacking flair, but the steering wheel, seats and trim feel well-made and robust. Hard-wearing cloth seats add nice faux-leather bolstering.

A slim dash-top screen, centre monitor and driver display screen give information overload, then numerous knobs, buttons and dash warning lights mean there’s plenty of learning required. It’s a busy dashboard.

Solid versatility reigns with split-folding and reclining rear seats, and even tall adults fit the Forester’s second row – head and leg room are superb. The boot’s a sizeable 498 litres plus there’s extra squirrelled away under the floor.

The interior is in need of a tech uupgrade..

SAFETY

There are seven airbags and Subaru’s impressive active safety suite is standard across the range.

It brings adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, emergency steering, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

It’s best to be saintly when driving to avoid being constantly scolded. There are dashboard flashes, beeps and warnings, then tugs at the steering wheel if you dare get close to a white line or nudge over the speed limit. A lane centring feature makes steering too heavy as it makes constant fine adjustments, disturbing the otherwise relaxing drive.

More appreciated are distraction warnings – your face is constantly being monitored – and an excellent side view monitor for safer parking and off-road clearance checking. There’s even a little washer for the rear camera.

Unlike most SUVs the Forester isn’t just meant for the bitumen.

DRIVING

Subaru says its Forester’s “Engineered for Adventure” and it’s hard to argue. No other medium SUV combines on-road comfort with genuine off-road ability so well.

It won’t climb mountains or dunes as it’s no low-range-equipped 4x4, but its smart X-Mode helps it venture deep into the wilds. X-Mode adjusts gearing and throttle on loose or slippery surfaces for impressive traction, then there’s Toyota Prado-bettering 220mm clearance to help reach out-there camping spots.

But most Foresters are school run fodder. The urban ride is cosseting, quiet and easy, while handling’s acceptable if a little wobbly when pushed.

The engine is a bit underdone but adequate for a family hauler.

The 136kW/239Nm non-turbo four-cylinder’s mated to a CVT auto gearbox and best described as capable rather than punchy. It lacks urge and gets noisy on hard throttle, while our test returned a thirsty 8.2L/100km next to the claimed 7.4L/100km. If urban runs are your norm, fuel bills add up. Services aren’t cheap either: a five-year plan is $2674. A Toyota RAV4’s is just $1300.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

Remains an excellent family SUV for those seeking practicality, safety and some off-road fun. Ripe for an update, but still offers solid value.

ALTERNATIVES

Kia Sportage SX+ 1.6 DCT AWD, about $48,500 drive-away

Bold styling, luxury-packed cabin and seven-year warranty. A punchier drive with 132kW/265Nm turbo engine, but pricey servicing.

Nissan X-Trail ST-L AWD, about $50,500 drive-away

All-new generation has style, comfort and lots of tech. Engine and drive experience aren’t thrilling, but impressive family-friendly ride quality and seven seats.

Honda CR-V VTi L AWD, $51,300 drive-away

All-new with classy and spacious cabin, decent ride and strong safety and tech. Dullish drive, but leathery cabin boosts the luxe.

SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I-PREMIUM VITALS

PRICE About $49,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5 years, unlimited km, $2674 5 year/62,500km plan

SAFETY 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning and assist, rear cross traffic alert, driver monitoring

ENGINE 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 136kW/239Nm

THIRST 7.4L/100km

BOOT 498 litres

Originally published as 2024 Subaru Forester new car review