Subaru Forester details firm ahead of mid-year launch

SUBARU has taken the covers off its sixth generation Forester at this week’s Melbourne Motor Show ahead of the model’s mid-year launch.

Stronger, smarter, and more capable, the seven variant 2025 Subaru Forester range features a more athletic exterior with a redesigned frontal treatment, new grille, C-shaped LED headlights, and muscular wheel arches, the model continuing to offer 220mm of ground clearance and X-Mode symmetrical all-wheel drive for “added control on slippery surfaces, steep driveways, and challenging terrain”.

Powertrain options continue to include the petrol-powered 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer unit offered previously, as well as Subaru’s “e-Boxer” hybridised 2.5-litre petrol engine (up from 2.0 litres previously) now featuring an 88kW electric motor and 1.1kW battery system coupled to an eight-step Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

While Subaru Australia is yet to lock in final specifications, it says the hybrid powertrain offers a driving range of over 1000km from a tank while offering instantaneous torque and enhanced fuel economy.

The Japanese importer will continue its focus on safety through the new Forester, the model range featuring the latest generation EyeSight driver assistance technology. The equipment bundle now includes Emergency Driving Stop System, an updated Driver Monitoring System, 360-degree camera technology, reverse automatic braking, and nine airbags as standard fare.

Every Forester grade is also equipped with a high-definition 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, alongside wireless device charging capability. Select hybrid variants also introduce a customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

“The new-generation Forester is stronger, smarter and more capable than ever, and it’s exactly what Australians need from an SUV,” said Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence.

“During local testing it’s handled everything we threw at it, from rough country roads, unpredictable weather, steep climbs and changing conditions.

“It’s built to take on real Australian driving and the addition of Subaru’s latest hybrid technology gives drivers the very best Subaru SUV.”

Elsewhere, we find petrol variants offering as standard heated front seats, ladder-style roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Premium grades add native satellite navigation, powered tailgate with kick sensor, and eight-way powered front seats with memory function and electric lumbar support, and auto-folding wing mirrors with passenger-side auto dip on reverse.

The penultimate Sport grade adds dual X-Mode all-wheel drive, water-resistant synthetic leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels, unique badging and interior stitching in green, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and transmission shift boot.

Finally, the flagship Touring grade adds a 10-speaker harman/kardon premium audio system, leather and Ultrasuede combination upholstery, front seat ventilation, low profile roof racks, gloss black exterior finishing on items including the grille, front and rear bumper, and wing mirror caps.

For the petrol-electric Hybrid entry variant we again find heated front seats, a ladder-style roof rack, and 18-inch wheels as per the entry petrol grade.

The Hybrid Sport, meanwhile, adds bronze exterior garnishing, an electric sunroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, satellite navigation, powered tailgate with kick sensor, powered front seats, auto folding wing mirrors, 10-speaker harman/kardon premium sound, low profile roof rails, bronze 19-inch alloy wheels, leather and Ultrasuede combination upholstery, front seat ventilation, and “enhanced suspension for improved comfort on bumpy roads”.

The current generation Subaru Forester is priced from $38,690 plus on-road costs in entry 2.5i guise and tops out at $50,140 +ORC for the Hybrid S. The model will continue to vie against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson (from $39,100 +ORC), Nissan X-Trail (from $38,025 +ORC), and Toyota RAV4 (from $39,760 +ORC), all of which are available with petrol and petrol-electric hybrid alternatives.

Subaru Australia says full specifications and pricing for the all-new Forester will be announced closer to launch.