New Subaru Forester is as tough as ever - but also more refined

Over five million have been sold globally since the Forester was launched in February 1997, including more than 400,000 sales in Europe.

It's an SUV that has evolved gradually over the years, retaining a reputation as a robust, go-anywhere, roomy family car.

The latest iteration stays true to those roots, offering tough build quality and using the same ‘e-boxer’ powertrain while adding an extra layer of refinement compared to previous models.

The Forester in the Spring sunshine The new Forester has simpler, leaner and understated styling, thanks to an exterior that has been significantly redesigned.

The front features a strong horizontal line connecting the grille to the headlamps, creating a wider appearance. Slim signature lamps and blackout headlamps give it a sharper, updated appearance.

With its strong wheel arch design, housing 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on specification, the side of the Forester has a prominent line running from front to back, emphasising the overall length, while the rear's high-positioned line connects the taillights.

The raised rear gate also ensures more interior space, which is generous for passengers.

The vehicle combines Subaru’s unique symmetrical, always-on, All-Wheel Drive System, with an optimised version of the brand’s custom-built e-BOXER mild-hybrid powertrain.

The interior of the vehicle It is equipped with an enhanced version of the X-MODE terrain selection system, offering a motor assist function that is now available both in forward and reverse motion, as well as a class-leading ground clearance of 220mm.

The Forester’s interior design has been enhanced with the use of 3D moulding that creates a strong horizontal line across the cabin. Seamless contours run from the instrument panel through the doors to enhance the spaciousness of the interior. The trapezoidal cross-section of the instrument panel and trim further contribute to the high-quality appearance of the interior.

The new Forester comes equipped with a new 11.6-inch, 1920x1080 Full HD infotainment system that offers improved operability of features and switches. Hardware switches for selected functions continue to be provided to minimise driver’s distraction while driving. It features enhanced connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto™ compatibility, along with improved standard navigation that now supports what3words.

The sixth-generation Forester has arrived on the scene, bringing this key model for Subaru up-to-date.

Over five million have been sold globally since the Forester was launched in February 1997, including more than 400,000 sales in Europe.

It’s an SUV that has evolved gradually over the years, retaining a reputation as a robust, go-anywhere, roomy family car.

The latest iteration stays true to those roots, offering tough build quality and using the same ‘e-boxer’ powertrain while adding an extra layer of refinement compared to previous models. Indeed, the ride quality on the 2025 Forester is excellent.

The car is 10 per cent stiffer in torsion as a result of more hefty suspension mounts and a stronger inner chassis frame.

The front end of the latest Forester The new Forester has simpler, leaner and understated styling, thanks to an exterior that has been significantly redesigned, rounding off some of the previous model’s sharper edges.

The front features a strong horizontal line connecting the grille to the headlamps, creating a wider appearance. Slim signature lamps and blackout headlamps give it a sharper, updated appearance.

With its strong wheel arch design, housing 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on specification, the side of the Forester has a prominent line running from front to back, emphasising the overall length, while the rear’s high-positioned line connects the taillights.

The raised rear gate also ensures more interior space, which is generous for passengers.

The vehicle combines Subaru’s unique symmetrical, always-on, All-Wheel Drive System, with an optimised version of the brand’s custom-built e-BOXER mild-hybrid powertrain.

It incorporates a direct-injection 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder normally aspirated engine, paired with an electric motor within the Lineartronic transmission, achieving a smoother and more responsive acceleration and torque.

Power of 134bhp results in an unexciting 12.2sec 0-62mph time, but the engine’s 134lb ft of torque i s boosted by another 47lb ft from the electric motor to make for a decent towing capability.

The side profile of the vehicle The steering has more feedback than before, but still feels a tad on the light side to offer true engagement for the driver.

Despite being a hybrid, the new Forester still doesn’t provide particularly great fuel economy, offering 35mpg combined.

The cabin has an airy feel, with lots of glass allowing light to flood in, while the use of 3D moulding creates a strong horizontal line across the cabin. Seamless contours run from the instrument panel through the doors to enhance the spaciousness of the interior.

The new Forester comes equipped with a new 11.6-inch, 1920x1080 Full HD infotainment system, which now works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and incorporates on-board navigation in higher-spec models.

Improved standard navigation now supports what3words, which allows drivers to easily navigate to any precise location using just three words.

The vehicle doesn’t provide too many driving thrills, but the ride quality is decent and comfortable.

At motorway speeds, you notice a fair but of wind noise, although Subaru Subaru claims a 39 per cent drop in cabin noise.

On longer journeys, you feel the benefit of the new, head-shaking-preventing front seats engineered to lessen back pain and neck pain.

The new Forester provides an ample boot space of between 508 litres and a maximum of 1,720 litres, with the rear seats folded down. A kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power Rear Gate is available and the lowest minimum rear gate opening headroom has been raised by approximately 30 mm for easy loading and unloading.

The new Forester is equipped with the upgraded EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which now comes with 15 functions (5 new, 7 improved).

Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid

PRICE: From £39,995

ENGINE: 1995cc flat-four-cylinder plus e-motor,

TRANSMISSION:Continuously variable transmission, four-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 12.2sec, max speed 116mph,

ECONOMY: 34.9mpg, 183g/km