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Man of Many
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Review
High point Low point Verdict Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is still the king in this segment for road holding ability and surefootedness Technology and use of materials on the interior are not up to scratch compared to the newcomers in the mid-size SUV segment. It's still the obvious choice for traditionally minded mid-size SUV buyers and those that want to go a little further off the beaten path than most. Scroll horizontally to view full table With a debut at the Chicago Auto Show earlier in the year, we've finally gone behind the wheel of the new Subaru Forester Hybrid at the press launch in Christchurch, New Zealand. It's the first in a line of new models that are scheduled to enter Subaru Australia showrooms over the next 12 months, but it's arguably their most important model release in decades as it arrives with Hybrid power to tackle the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and others like the Mitsubishi Outlander. But can it deliver the good? We headed to New Zealand to find out. How Much is the Subaru Forester Hybrid? The all-new Subaru Forester is available in seven variants, priced from AUD$43,490 plus on-road costs for the non-hybrid entry-level petrol model and from AUD$46,490 plus on-road costs for the Forester Hybrid. What Do You Get for the Money? Here's everything you get for your money when buying a Subaru Forester in Australia. I'll start by outlining the standard options across the petrol range before moving into the Forester Hybrid. Petrol-Only Variants of the Subaru Forester Forester AWD – from AUD$43,490 plus on-roads 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive X-Mode Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) – 2 mode Subaru's Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor 9 SRS airbags now including: Far Side airbag Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag The latest gen of Subaru EyeSight®, which now adds: Wide-angle monocular camera Emergency Driving Stop System Front-side radar Reverse Automatic Braking Driver Monitoring System An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity Wireless Qi charger Heated front seats Ladder-style roof rails 18-inch alloy wheels Forester AWD Premium – from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads adds: Satellite navigation Powered tailgate with kick sensor Powered front seats: 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver Electric lumbar support – driver 8-way power seat – front passenger Auto driver's seat and door mirror adjustment DMS functions Auto folding door mirrors with auto dipping passenger mirror on reverse Forester AWD Sport – from AUD$48,490 plus on-roads adds: X-Mode – 2 mode Water repellent synthetic leather seat trim Electric sunroof Dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels Unique styling cues such as: Black front grille with green insert Symmetrical All Wheel Drive exterior badge – Green Exterior Sport badge – Green Interior seat stitching – Green leather steering wheel with green stitching Shift boot with green stitching Forester AWD Touring – from AUD$50,990 plus on-roads adds: 10 speakers, plus sub-woofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon® audio system Leather and Ultrasuede® accented seat trim in a choice of black or brown colour themes Front seat ventilation Stylish gloss black exterior highlights on the: Front grille Front and rear bumper Side garnish Door mirror caps Low-profile roof rails Hybrid Variants of the Subaru Forester Forester AWD Hybrid – from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads Next generation strong hybrid e-Boxer Lineartronic CVT with Sports Regeneration Paddles Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive X-Mode – 2 mode Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) Subaru's Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor 9 SRS airbags now including: Far Side airbag Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag The latest gen of Subaru EyeSight®, which now adds: Wide-angle monocular camera Emergency Driving Stop System Front-side radar Reverse Automatic Braking Driver Monitoring System An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity Wireless Qi Charger Heated front seats Ladder-style roof rails 18-inch alloy wheels Forester AWD Hybrid Sport – from AUD$54,990 plus on-roads adds: Stylish bronze accents on the: Front and rear bumper Side garnish Symmetrical All Wheel Drive badge Electric sunroof 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Satellite navigation Powered tailgate with kick sensor Auto driver's seat and door mirror adjustment DMS functions Powered front seats: 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver Electric lumbar support – driver 8-way power seat – front passenger Auto folding door mirrors with auto dipping passenger mirror on reverse 10 speakers, plus sub-woofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon® audio system Enhanced suspension for improved comfort on bumpy roads Low-profile roof rails 19-inch alloy wheels – Bronze colour Forester AWD Hybrid Touring – from AUD$55,990 plus on-roads adds: 19-inch alloy wheels – Dark grey machined gloss finish Leather and Ultrasuede® accented seat trim in a choice of black or brown colour themes Front seat ventilation Stylish gloss black exterior highlights on the: Front grille Front and rear bumper Side garnish How Much Does the Subaru Forester Hybrid Cost to Run? Subaru Forester Hybrid is covered by a 5-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty in Australia and an 8-year, 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid battery. Here's how much it costs to service under the brand's 5-year/75,000km Capped Price Servicing Program, which covers both petrol and hybrid AWD variants: 1 Month (Health Check & Chat) – Free – Free 15,000km / 12 Months – $347.95 – $347.95 30,000km / 24 Months – $520.45 – $520.45 45,000km / 36 Months – $393.10 – $393.10 60,000km / 48 Months – $679.30 – $679.30 75,000km / 60 Months – $358.20 This pricing is about average for the mid-size SUV segment, but you might find cheaper pricing from some of the cut-price Chinese-made competition like MG, Chery, etc., if this is a concern. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia What's the Interior of the Subaru Forester Hybrid Like? The interior of the Subaru Forester Hybrid is pragmatic, to say the least. There's very little in the way of showy, shiny things that catch your eye like they would inside the Chinese-made competition. However, that's not to say that it's not a pleasant place to sit, and many will appreciate the simplicity of the control and the glasshouse effect of having a high driving position and low window line. To my surprise, physical buttons adorn the steering wheel, there's a large stick in the centre of the cabin to select gears instead of a nub, the cupholders are exposed so you can chuck things inside, and you can even change the direction of the aircon vents by moving them with your hands. These were all typical new car things five years ago, but they've mostly been phased out as the wave of new car brands has rewritten consumers' expectations. It's very hard for me to critique Subaru for sticking with the old ways because I'm sure it's exactly what their market research team says the customer wants, but it does feel like you're going back five years when you get inside the cabin. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Practicality and storage are areas where the Forester has always reigned supreme, but the battery has taken its toll on the cargo space inside the Forester Hybrid. The non-hybrid models have 496 litres of cargo space in the boot, while the hybrid models have just 484 litres. This is significantly less than the Toyota RAV4, which manages 542 litres of space with the floor in its highest position. Meanwhile, the larger and more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan manages 652 litres of space. Fold the second-row seats down and you'll have 1,162 litres of space in the hybrid models, which is useful for late-night Facebook marketplace finds. You'll appreciate the handful of clever features in the boot too, such as the four pull‑out tie‑down points and side‑wall cargo hooks to secure bulky items or camping gear, the ceiling hooks to hang shopping bags or garment bags upright, and the retractable cargo blind to keep valuables out of sight (tucks away when not needed). Heck, even the door pockets are large enough to store 1‑litre drink bottles. Ports-wise, there's one USB‑A and one USB‑C up front and in the rear, an aux jack, and two 12‑volt outlets. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia The technology inside the new Subaru Forester gets the job done, but there's very little wow factor compared to other vehicles in this class. There's an 11.6‑inch portrait touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (full screen) available on every grade. However, it's far from the highest-quality screen on the market, and while I never had any trouble connecting my phone to the bevy of vehicles we drove on the launch, it's like operating a Kindle while everyone else is using an iPhone. The upcoming 2026 Subaru Outback goes away from this system, but it seems the Forester will make do until a mid-cycle facelift eventually arrives. The standard 6‑speaker sound system (Core, Premium, Sport & Hybrid) sounds okay, but the better 10‑speaker Harman Kardon sound system with sub‑woofer and external amp (Touring, Hybrid Sport, Hybrid Touring) should be standard across most models in the range at this point because competitors offer better standard audio systems for less money. I was also disappointed to see that only the Touring models get the new 12.3‑inch full LCD instrument cluster with Normal, Map and EyeSight views, while every other model in the lineup has to use the same old 4.2‑inch colour Multi‑Information Display that we've seen in Subarus for years. I understand why Subaru would keep the technology updates to a minimum, but even the cheapest new cars on sale in Australia have quality screens, sound systems, and driver displays these days. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid | Image: Subaru USA What's Under the Bonnet of the Subaru Forester Hybrid? There are two powertrain options available with the new Subaru Forester in Australia. Subaru Forester Petrol models are powered by: Engine : 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder : 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder Power : 136kW @ 5,800rpm : 136kW @ 5,800rpm Torque : 247Nm @ 3,700rpm : 247Nm @ 3,700rpm Transmission : Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with: 8-speed manual mode Broader gear ratio range (8.1) Retuned for stronger take-off acceleration Lower 1st and reverse gears for increased performance on hills : Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with: Fuel economy : 7.9 litres/100km (combined) : 7.9 litres/100km (combined) Fuel tank capacity : 63L : 63L Towing: 1,800kg braked, 750kg unbraked Subaru Forester Hybrid models are powered by: Engine : 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery Power : 121kW @ 5,600 rpm Torque : 212Nm @ 4,000–4,400 rpm : 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery Combined system output : 145kW : 145kW Transmission : TH2B Hybrid Transaxle Planetary gearset Integrated secondary electric motor/generator (MG1) : Fuel economy : 6.2L/100km (combined) : 6.2L/100km (combined) Range : Over 1,000km per tank (indicative) : Over 1,000km per tank (indicative) Towing: 1,200kg braked, 750kg unbraked The non-Hybrid 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder produces 136kW @ 5,800rpm and 247Nm @ 3,700rpm. Meanwhile, the Forester Hybrid features a 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor powered by a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined power figure of 145kW. That means the overall power figure is similar to the recently unveiled 2026 Toyota RAV4 (143kW), but down compared to the 226kW RAV4 PHEV variant. Notably, the Forester Hybrid's claimed city fuel economy has jumped by 30 per cent over the naturally aspirated petrol to a claimed 6.2-litres per 100km combined. Even more impressively, this hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive driving range of over 1,000km per tank (based on laboratory results under ADR testing conditions). Even on our test drive through the twisty roads of NZ, we managed to achieve an average figure of 6.8 litres per 100km, which is good, but not quite at RAV4 levels. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia How Does the Subaru Forester Hybrid Drive? I've poked a lot of holes in the Subaru Forester Hybrid so far, but there's one thing that Subaru has always done well, and that's create a car that drives well. They've done it again with the Forester Hybrid. While I'm unsure how many buyers will be throwing it at the sweeping country roads, gravel tracks, and muddy trails that we tackled on our launch drive, these are the types of roads where the Symmetrical AWD system with its active‑torque split coupling proves its worth. There are very few mid-size SUVs that I'd want to drive on these roads with any sort of anger, but I know that the Forester is at the top of the list. I hate the word 'planted,' but that's how it feels. You try and unsettle it through a slippery gravel sweeper, and the front end stays hooked while the rear end rotates the car around in a controlled manner. It could do with some more feel through the electric rack‑and‑pinion steering, but it's much better than the previous-generation vehicle, and it keeps the tight 10.8 m turning circle. It's the same story on the backroads, winding its way through the country with ease. The only negative is the constant beeps from the EyeSight driver monitoring system, but I'm never going to turn it off as it once saved me from a very awkward phone call to Subaru's PR department. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Surprisingly, the planetary gearbox (not a CVT, but kind of a CVT) isn't taking away from the experience. While I'd prefer a snappy dual-clutch or well-tuned automatic, it's perfectly adequate. On the power front, the Forester Hybrid doesn't feel much quicker than the petrol model. It wouldn't be far off to assume that the only performance gains to be had are in the fuel consumption department. Would it have been exciting to see a little more attitude from the powerplant under the bonnet? Yes, but it's still punching out enough grunt to get out of harm's way when needed. The MacPherson struts suspension up front and double‑wishbones at the rear do a great job of softening any bumps on the smooth tarmac around Christchurch, and I would say the overall ride quality of the Forester is very good in all specifications. You'd be pretty hard pressed to tell the difference between the petrol and hybrid models in terms of suspension set-up, but the brand does assure us that there is a difference, which is likely down to the added weight of the batteries and electric motor. Lastly, we challenged a few rougher tracks to check out the full breadth of capabilities of the X-Mode II system available in the higher trims. This proved once again that the Forester is capable of keeping up with 98% of the tracks that your tradie mates drive in their dual-cab utes. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Is the Subaru Forester Hybrid Safe? The Subaru Forester scores a 5-star ANCAP safety rating with full marks for driver protection in the side impact, oblique pole and full width tests. Here's a closer look at the ANCAP ratings: Adult occupant protection – 83 per cent – 83 per cent Child occupant protection – 91 per cent – 91 per cent Vulnerable road user protection – 86 per cent – 86 per cent Safety assist – 75 per cent Standard safety equipment across the range includes (A-Z): 9 airbags, including: Far-side Front passenger seat cushion Active torque vectoring Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse) Autonomous emergency steering Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver monitoring system Emergency driving stop system Emergency lane-keep assist Front-side radar Lane centring Lane change assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Rear parking sensors Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Wide-angle monocular camera NOTE: There is no full-size spare wheel. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Man of Many's Verdict on the Subaru Forester Hybrid If you're a traditionally minded mid-size SUV buyer, the new Subaru Forester is worth taking a closer look at. While it still lacks the wow factor compared to many of the newcomers from China, it's a pragmatic vehicle that you can trust to take you further and last longer than just about anything else in this class. Still, adventurer or not, the recalibrated steering, suspension, and gearbox will make everyday driving more pleasant, as will the increased sound insulation in the cabin and upgraded tech that finally brings it closer to the standards we expect in this ever-evolving segment. I believe the hardest choice for buyers in the showroom will be between the petrol and hybrid grades. The $6,500 price increase from Sport to Sport Hybrid would buy you a lot of petrol.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2026 Subaru Outback: Boxier SUV nears Australian launch, packing turbo power
Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV. Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April. It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that "We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course." When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months. The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched. Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year. That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023. In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later. This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US. It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here. Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement. That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup. The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm. Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain. The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and "more accessible" cupholders. A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen. It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when. Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release. MORE: 2026 Subaru Outback revealed, looks more like an SUV than ever before MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom Content originally sourced from: Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV. Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April. It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that "We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course." When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months. The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched. Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year. That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023. In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later. This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US. It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here. Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement. That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup. The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm. Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain. The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and "more accessible" cupholders. A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen. It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when. Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release. MORE: 2026 Subaru Outback revealed, looks more like an SUV than ever before MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom Content originally sourced from: Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV. Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April. It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that "We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course." When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months. The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched. Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year. That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023. In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later. This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US. It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here. Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement. That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup. The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm. Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain. The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and "more accessible" cupholders. A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen. It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when. Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release. MORE: 2026 Subaru Outback revealed, looks more like an SUV than ever before MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom Content originally sourced from: Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV. Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April. It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that "We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course." When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months. The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched. Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year. That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023. In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later. This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US. It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here. Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement. That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup. The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm. Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain. The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and "more accessible" cupholders. A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen. It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when. Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release. MORE: 2026 Subaru Outback revealed, looks more like an SUV than ever before MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Subaru Outback: Boxier SUV nears Australian launch, packing turbo power
The seventh-generation Subaru Outback is set to continue offering both naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder boxer powertrains. Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV. Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April. It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that 'We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course.' When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months. The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched. Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year. That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023. In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later. This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US. It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here. Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement. That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup. The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm. Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain. The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and 'more accessible' cupholders. A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen. It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when. Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2026 Subaru Outback: Boxier SUV nears Australian launch, packing turbo power
The seventh-generation Subaru Outback is set to continue offering both naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder boxer powertrains. Government documents list both '2.5i-L' and '2.4i-T' variants of the Outback as having been approved for Australian roads, though the largely blank documents don't shed any other light on the next-generation large SUV. Subaru Australia has been tight-lipped about the new Outback, which was revealed in April. It has yet to confirm launch timing, saying upon the Outback's reveal only that 'We look forward to sharing what these global debuts mean for the Australian market in due course.' When asked for an update, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said there was no news to share at this time. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Subaru. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert However, the appearance of the Outback in Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents suggests a local launch could occur within the next six months. The new Forester mid-size SUV, for example, appeared in ADR approval documents in February 2025, before launching here in July. The current Crosstrek small SUV had a gap of around five months between being approved for local roads and being launched. Should the Outback arrive here in early 2026, Australians would gain access to the all-new model just a few months after Americans. The Outback is going on sale in the US late this year. That short delay is in stark contrast with the outgoing Outback, which entered production in the US and went on sale there in late 2019. However, its Japanese-built counterpart didn't launch here until early 2021. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The turbocharged version of the outgoing Outback was delayed even longer, also launching in the US late in 2019 but not arriving here until early in 2023. In that instance, the Outback turbo was initially produced only in the US, with Japanese production not commencing until much later. This time around, the Outback is being produced exclusively in Japan. This means Subaru needs to have naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions ready for export to markets like ours and the US. It's a smaller pool of markets this time around for the Outback. Subaru won't offer the new, blockier model in Japan or Europe. In the latter market, the Outback name will live on, albeit with an 'E-' prefix, affixed to the electric Trailseeker revealed in April. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It's worth noting that ADR approval documents will sometimes list model variants that may not end up being introduced here. Nevertheless, it appears likely Subaru will stick with a turbocharged engine in the Outback locally, given the absence of a suitable replacement. That's in contrast with other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, which is dropping turbo power globally in favour of a hybrid system that will arrive later, or the updated Hyundai Kona lineup which has sacrificed turbo power locally in favour of an expanded naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain lineup. The Outback is bigger than both those models and competes in the large SUV segment, where turbocharged engines – whether petrol or diesel – have become an expectation. Supplied Credit: CarExpert As before, naturally aspirated and turbocharged Outback variants will come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with eight artificial gears, as well as Subaru's 'symmetrical' all-wheel drive system. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat four produces 134kW of power and 241Nm of torque, while the turbo 2.4-litre produces 194kW and 376Nm. Subaru has yet to confirm a hybrid Outback, however, one seems likely to arrive eventually given the Japanese brand has introduced a new, more powerful and more efficient 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain. The seventh-generation Outback departs sharply from its predecessors in terms of styling, with a much boxier body that sees it move away from its more traditional station wagon cues. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Inside, the Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system – now larger and landscape-oriented instead of portrait – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also returned to a traditional climate control array, while other more user-friendly touches include larger bottle holders in the doors and 'more accessible' cupholders. A more rugged Wilderness variant will be available in the US once again, and Subaru Australia has confirmed it will finally introduce this nameplate Down Under… although whether it's in the form of the new Outback, Forester or Crosstrek remains to be seen. It isn't just the Outback that Subaru Australia is being tight-lipped about. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Subaru also revealed its updated Solterra and new Trailseeker (called E-Outback in Europe) electric vehicles (EVs) in April, but has yet to indicate whether they're coming here and, if so, when. Likewise, the Uncharted EV revealed this month has also yet to be confirmed for local release. MORE: 2026 Subaru Outback revealed, looks more like an SUV than ever before MORE: Explore the Subaru Outback showroom
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Subaru Forester review
After months of drip-fed information and pre-production test drives, the sixth-generation Subaru Forester has finally landed in Australia. While Subaru's Australasian media launch took place in New Zealand last week, early-bird Aussies who pre-ordered the new Forester have already been taking delivery of their vehicles for the best part of a month. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today On sale in North America since mid-2024, the Mk6 Forester was launched in Europe in October last year. That should have given us plenty of time to wrap our heads around the new Forester, but Subaru Australia had been coy about local details until recently. Full Australian pricing and specifications were only released around two months ago, which provided a long-awaited insight into exactly what the new model would bring here – lifting the fog on its new 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain in particular. What's all the fuss about, then? Well, the Strong Hybrid system pairs a significantly more powerful hybrid system with Subaru's signature boxer engine, promising enhanced performance and efficiency compared to the mild-hybrid system offered with the outgoing generation. It's a much-needed upgrade for Subaru's top-selling nameplate, as it brings it into the modern age with a hybrid powertrain that, at least on paper, can contend with segment heavy-hitters like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. The remainder of its changes are largely cosmetic, including the new body, while its interior has been brought up to speed with other current Subaru models like the Impreza, Outback, and WRX. That said, those cabin layouts have barely changed over the past three or four years, but there's also an impressive list of standard equipment in the Forester even at the bottom of the range. On the other hand, the Forester's petrol powertrain has received minimal tweaks bar a slight torque bump. Elsewhere, the suspension and steering have been retuned, noise and vibration levels have been refined, and the automatic transmission now offers broader gear ratios for a more versatile driving experience. It's worth noting that although we drove Kiwi-spec examples of the new Forester, specifications are practically identical to those in Australia. Are the changes enough to keep the Forester a favourite, or has Subaru left too much on the table? How much does the Subaru Forester cost? Prices are up by nearly $5000 across the range, with the new Forester now starting at $43,490 before on-road costs. Of course, all Foresters retain Subaru's trdemark all-wheel drive system as standard. But for context, the RAV4 range starts at $42,260 before on-roads for the entry-level front-wheel drive hybrid GX – $870 less than the base Forester. That said, the cheapest all-wheel drive RAV4 is the GX eFour, which costs $45,260 before on-roads – $1770 more than the base Forester but offers hybrid tech. The cheapest Forester Hybrid costs $1230 more than the GX eFour. For reference, the outgoing Forester was priced from $38,690 before on-road costs for the base 2.5i, and $50,140 before on-roads for the flagship Hybrid S. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Subaru Forester like on the inside? It's better to think of the interior as an evolution rather than a revolution, but even that's a stretch. Yes, it's a progression from the previous generation, featuring a larger infotainment screen and generally cleaner construction, but it's hardly groundbreaking. As mentioned previously, this fundamental layout is practically identical to that of every other current Subaru, which means it lags behind the competition. That said, some buyers may prefer a familiar interior, particularly those who have bought Subarus in recent years. It may not be as flashy as an equivalent Hyundai or a Kia, but not everyone wants a screen-heavy, all-touch interior, and they seem to be the buyers Subaru has targeted with this interior. Headlining the new cabin is the brand's monolithic 11.6-inch portrait-style multimedia touchscreen, but it somehow feels better integrated in the Forester than it does in the WRX, for example. The taller, boxier proportions of the Forester's cabin contribute to this, and everything feels quite natural from the driver's seat. The screen itself is easy enough to navigate, helped by a series of shortcuts always available above the climate section. There are driver-assist functions here, but the main buttons are for vehicle settings and connectivity options, including wireless smartphone mirroring for the latter. ABOVE: Australian Forester Touring (left), overseas instrument cluster identical to Australian models (right). The design of the infotainment screen's graphics leaves a little to be desired, as it looks like a slight reskin of what featured on the previous generation. Its glassy bubble icons (which could be confused for an early prototype of Apple's Liquid Glass UI) and starry background aren't new, and they're a big part of why the cabin looks a little dated. The icons are large though, which means they're easy to see and prod when on the move. You also have two physical knobs on either side, as well as glossy black buttons for basic climate functions including temperature and demisters. We don't like that the rest of the climate system is embedded at the bottom of the screen's display. The 'buttons' here also look out of place compared to the design of everything above, and it's still as fiddly as ever – this is a departure from the physical unit of the previous Forester. The older-school setup of the Forester's cabin lends itself well to a physical system anyway, so something bespoke here would go a long way. Still, the whole unit and its integration into the dashboard look good in the car, though we could do with a less piano black plastic. It's also worth noting that every Forester comes with the same screen, regardless of trim level. While buyers of top-shelf variants may feel short-changed by that, it's good for entry-level shoppers who will also enjoy the luxury of amenities like heated seats and a wireless phone charger. One thing that does change across the range is the instrument cluster. All petrol variants and the base Hybrid feature a standard two-gauge setup, with Subaru's old digital screen taking up the small area between them. Functional and clean, no problems here. The Hybrid Sport and Touring grades at the top of the range are the only two to get Subaru's new 12.3-inch instrument display. This is a nice-to-have rather than a necessity, but it's graphically sharp and improves the cabin environment of these higher-spec trims. Its UI matches that of the infotainment screen, yet it looks crisper thanks to its high resolution. Both clusters can be navigated using the robust physical buttons and switches located on the left side of the steering wheel, and Hybrid variants replace the tachometer with a Toyota-esque power meter. Once again the theme here is functionality, and there are a handful of displays to select from in vehicles with the digital cluster. These include standard gauges, a stripped-back minimalist layout and a map, all of which serve a purpose and look good while doing it. Upholstery also changes between trim levels. Base and Premium grades are identifiable by their cloth upholstery, while Sport grades feature a durable-looking grey synthetic leather that's supposedly water-repellent for those extended fishing weekends. The finest synthetic leather and suede mix is reserved for the Hybrid Touring, but the seats in all Foresters are comfortable and offer ample adjustment, including lumbar support in some trims. A Harman Kardon sound system is also reserved for bigger spenders, but the standard system in base variants sounds surprisingly good, too. Other items up front include two central cupholders finished in scratchy black plastic, as well as AUX, USB-A, and USB-C outlets, a sunglasses holder, and a black headliner across the range. Finally! Moving to the second row reveals loads of space. The fishbowl cabin creates a spacious atmosphere back here, which is enhanced if you happen to be in one of the trim levels that has a sunroof, even if it isn't panoramic. We didn't find the bench seat to be all that comfortable, as it's flat and firm. This at least makes the middle seat more comfortable for its unlucky occupant, but they'll still have to deal with a driveline tunnel on the floor. There are some creature comforts, like a USB-A port, USB-C port, and rear-facing air vents on back of the centre console. There's also a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, but the space is still a little bland. You'll also find more scratchy plastic on the door cards, but there's at least some personality across the range, with different-coloured accents and stitching depending on which trim you choose, the most luxe of which are found in the Hybrid Touring, naturally. The boot is where you'll find the most significant compromise for the new Forester. For petrol variants, hardly anything has changed; there's still plenty of space, a couple of cargo hooks on either side, and a neat cut-out for smaller items on the left. Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare wheel, which isn't ideal but better than nothing… we're looking at you, Forester Hybrid. Under the floor in Hybrid models is only a tyre repair kit, which is a serious omission in a car with some off-road credentials. This is undoubtedly due to the packaging of the battery. It's unfortunate because punctures can occur on even the simplest trails you might come across when going fishing or camping, as evidenced by the flat tyre suffered by one of the cars on our launch drive. You can opt for a clunky towbar-mounted spare wheel carrier at purchase, but that's hardly a glamorous workaround. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? At the heart of all new Foresters is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine, in classic Subaru fashion. This is mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard in petrol vehicles, but things get more complicated in Hybrids. For an idea of the upgrade the Forester Hybrid has received, the outgoing model – referred to as a mild-hybrid – employed an electric motor producing just 12kW of power and 66Nm of torque to supplement its smaller 2.0-litre boxer four, which produced 100kW and 196Nm on its own. Apart from its higher engine, motor and total outputs, the new Forester Hybrid also upgrades from a 48-litre fuel tank to a 63L one, while combined-cycle fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5L/100km compared with the outgoing hybrid, resulting in a longer range between refills. But it's still thirstier than the related RAV4 Hybrid, which consumes just 4.8L/100km, even though its engine pperates on the more efficient Atkinson combustion cycle. The Forester Hybrid features Subaru's TH2B hybrid transaxle, which differs from a CVT by incorporating a planetary gearset and two electric motors – one to drive the car and a secondary motor/generator to handle engine starts and battery recharging. The electric motor and gear set manage power delivery, replacing the traditional torque converter with a transaxle damper. This means that unlike the petrol Forester's CVT, the Hybrid's transmission uses no pulleys or chains. Crucially, the Forester Hybrid maintains a physical connection between the front and rear axles through a prop shaft and rear differential. On paper, this should make it more capable off-road than an AWD RAV4, which splits its hybrid system with the petrol engine powering the front wheels and the electric motor powering the rear-end. But Subaru's 'Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive' system does come at the cost of fuel economy, and our non-representative fuel figures at the launch were at least 1.0L/100km higher than Subaru's claim for both powertrains. The petrol Forester has the same power output as its predecessor, though torque is up by 8Nm and the CVT has broader gear ratios. This provides shorter first and reverse gears to aid in hill climbing and low-speed acceleration, as well as a longer top gear to reduce highway RPMs. Subaru also claims to have reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels, while improving the engine's reliability and responsiveness. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Subaru Forester drive? This is where the Forester has received the most significant upgrades, so bear with us as we lay it all out. Improving the ride was a focus, but we received little information about specific chassis changes to achieve that. We know that there was an intention to improve the car's stability both at speed and through turns, which was achieved by stiffening both the suspension and body. This ties into its steering. Subaru claims that the new Forester features 'steering technology' derived from the current WRX, resulting in a more direct feel. That should mean the car requires less steering lock in bends, as well as fewer corrections when travelling in a straight line. That all sounds like splitting hairs, and it is. Even Subaru's demonstration video revealed only slight visual differences between the new and old Forester, but what matters is how that translates to the average driver. Fortunately, the new Forester is a joy to pilot on the open road. Powertrains aside for now, there's something quite satisfying about the car's steering. It still doesn't offer class-leading feedback, but it's well-weighted, responsive and accurate, diligently going anywhere you point it, which inspires confidence and makes for an easy drive. It'll take a lot to properly unsettle the car, and mid-corner bumps are transmitted to the driver's hands with enough feedback to know what's happening beneath you, while dialling out unnecessary kick and feedback. Subaru says the electric power steering has been tuned to be more responsive, and that's something we could also feel. Equally, there's also just enough body roll to remind you this isn't a sports car, but the speed at which you can take turns is more impressive. On quick changes of direction, the Forester responds without hesitation. Then there's the ride, which is also a substantial improvement. The outgoing Forester tended to feel unsettled on its springs, making it feel a little wobbly at freeway speeds – especially compared to some other mid-size SUVs. This iteration feels much more planted despite maintaining a relatively high ground clearance. The suspension setup is firmer, but by no means uncomfortable – it reminds me of the special-edition Forester STI Sport from 2024, which featured sportier suspension tuned by Subaru's in-house performance division. Its suspension tune wasn't geared explicitly for New Zealand or Australia, which means there could be room for further refinement if Subaru were to follow the route Mitsubishi took with its updated Outlander. Interestingly, we didn't notice any meaningful difference between the ride/handling of petrol and hybrid vehicles, despite the latter being slightly heavier. Naturally, the ride becomes more uncomfortable once the tarmac ends and the rough stuff begins, when the shudder of bumps and rocks can become tiring after prolonged travel. To its credit, we didn't notice any major interior creaks or rattles, which suggests sturdy build quality. This means the car should be able to withstand rough trails, where it showcases the benefits of its relatively generous ground clearance and all-wheel drive traction, which we could feel working to find grip on uneven and loose ground. In terms of noise, the difference between old and new is hard to notice, although Subaru demonstrated minuscule improvements of no more than four decibels depending on seating position and vehicle speed, the scale of which is reinforced once you hit coarser roads. There's still a fair bit of tyre noise, albeit slightly less on the thicker sidewalls of the Forester's cheaper variants. It's not unbearable, but there is a minor improvement from additional floor insulation, thicker windows, and extra damping material in the roof and body. Now for the powertrains. The new Hybrid features some technology derived from Toyota but maintains a distinctly Subaru construction, with its all-wheel drive and traditional mechanical driveline. It also has a larger a 2.5-litre boxer engine than before, albeit detuned and on a more efficient combustion cycle. The result is a competent hybrid system that performs seamlessly in almost all conditions, even if EV Mode deactivates itself above 40km/h. Opening the power flow monitor also reveals that the car is constantly switching between engine and battery energy sources, and between charging using the engine or wheels, which seems bizarre. The Hybrid provides a nice push from a standstill, but the engine and transmission become quite loud under hard acceleration. It all works as intended, but it's just not the most inspiring combination, and it's not particularly quick as the revs climb. There's at least a difference between the I and S drive modes, as the latter provides snappier throttle response. The transition from electric to petrol power is seamless, but switching back to a petrol-only Forester is refreshing. The engine is easier on the ears under load, and it feels like it keeps pulling as it rises through the rev range – settling on a remarkably low 1500rpm at 100km/h. This more traditional powertrain suits the Forester well, especially now that it has received a slight torque increase. It just feels more conventional and predictable, which could well be the more palatable option for many Subaru buyers. Still, we want to emphasise that it's great to have two competent powertrains to choose from. Early demand reflects this, as Subaru Australia says the buyer split is currently around 60 per cent towards hybrid variants. Subaru's X-Mode is also a good feature for light off-roading and has a noticeable effect on power delivery. It's always visible at the top of the infotainment screen, making it easy to access, and it becomes more versatile as you move up the Forester range with additional off-road modes. Unfortunately, we had issues with the Forester's new driver distraction monitor. As in some other Subaru models, it's far too sensitive in normal driving and pings you at every opportunity, even if you're paying attention to the road, but it can be disabled and even disables itself automatically if the driver is wearing sunglasses. We didn't get the chance to test its highway cruise control behaviour. Visibility out of the cabin is also good, and there's a healthy array of cameras to rely on, but the omission of front parking sensors makes the car more challenging to park, although Subaru's clever EyeSight driver assistance suite should make up for this somewhat. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? Three of the Forester's trim levels are available with either petrol or hybrid power, but standard equipment differs for each. 2025 Subaru Forester AWD equipment highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels Space-saver spare tyre Automatic, steering-responsive LED headlights Power-folding exterior mirrors LED front fog lights Front cornering lights Ladder-style roof rails 'X-Mode' with one drive mode Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with two modes Hill descent control Proximity entry with push-button start 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto Wireless phone charger USB-A and USB-C outlets 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen 6-speaker sound system Heated front seats Cloth upholstery Dual-zone climate control with rear vents Leather-wrapped steering wheel Silver interior stitching One-touch power-folding rear seats 60:40 split/fold rear seats Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Forester AWD Premium adds: Power tailgate with kick sensor 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar 8-way power passenger seat Satellite navigation Auto-dipping passenger-side mirror Power-folding exterior mirrors with memory Forester AWD Sport adds: Dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels Power sunroof 'X-Mode' with two drive modes Black front grille with green insert Green badging Water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery Leather-wrapped steering wheel Green interior stitching Forester AWD Touring adds: Gloss black front grille, front and rear bumper accents, side mirrors Low-profile roof rails Leather and suede upholstery in black or brown Brown interior stitching Ventilated front seats 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer ABOVE: Forester Hybrid Touring Forester AWD Hybrid adds (over base Forester): Tyre repair kit (instead of space-saver) Paddle shifters for regenerative braking Forester AWD Hybrid Sport adds (over Forester Sport): Bronze 19-inch alloy wheels Bronze exterior accents Low-profile roof rails Brown interior stitching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer Forester AWD Hybrid Touring adds (over Forester Touring): Dark grey machined gloss finish 19-inch alloy wheels Leather and suede upholstery To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Subaru Forester safe? The Subaru Forester has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2024. This applies to both powertrains. Standard safety equipment includes: 9 airbags, including: Active torque vectoring Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse) Autonomous emergency steering Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver monitoring system Emergency driving stop system Emergency lane-keep assist Front side radar Lane centring Lane change assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Rear parking sensors Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Wide-angle monocular camera To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Subaru Forester cost to run? Subaru Australia backs its Forester with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid's battery. Subaru's capped-price service costs are outlined below. They're the same for petrol and Hybrid variants. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Subaru Forester The Forester has received a healthy upgrade, even if a lot of what's changed appears relatively minor on the surface. Its new exterior design looks smart to our eyes, and grows on you as you spend time with it in the metal. The interior isn't revolutionary, but it all works as it should and has a clean look. And it's been improved with quality items like the non-essential digital instrument display if that's what you're into. Most of the Forester's on-road characteristics have also been upgraded, and we thoroughly enjoyed driving the Forester on New Zealand roads. More direct steering and a more confident ride are just what the doctor ordered, and we could spend hours behind the wheel of this new model quite easily. The hybrid powertrain is good, but not outstanding. It has many Toyota traits, with its loud engine and dreary CVT-like transmission detracting a little from the experience. Still, the fact that it now behaves like a fully fledged hybrid is a significant advance over the mild-hybrid mill it replaces. It's easy to drive in built-up areas too, and you'll be spending more time in EV mode in such settings. This will improve fuel economy, potentially getting closer to Subaru's claim than we were able to. But I still preferred driving the petrol Forester, as it feels more traditional and easier to live with. The fuel economy trade-off is nothing new for Subaru, and the combination of the boxer engine, CVT and improved ride and handling makes for a dependable and predictable drive that's never going to throw up any drastic surprises. It's disappointing there are no front parking sensors and that the driver attention monitor is actually distracting. It's the same in the Solterra (even glancing through the instrument cluster menu sets it off) and it isn't something buyers expect from a Subaru. Those two blights aside, the new Forester is a complete package that now offers more choice than ever before. Despite the higher price tags, it should remain Subaru's sales leader, even if it's unlikely to become the new RAV4. Yes, it's higher-tech and higher-priced, but the latest Forester remains true to its roots, and it should be high on the consideration list for traditionally minded mid-size SUV buyers. Interested in buying a Subaru Forester? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Subaru Forester showroom Pros Lovely ride and steering Commendable hybrid chops Interior is unintimidating, albeit dated Cons Much more expensive Overbearing driver monitor No spare wheel in Hybrid models This article was originally published from CarExpert and appears with permission.
