Subaru's best-seller, the Forester, is now in its sixth generation, and this all-new model promises to improve it for everyone, no matter what they require.
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| 2025 Subaru Forester |
The Subaru Forester SL begins at 4,048,000 Japanese Yen (approximately $40,500) for the turbocharged SPORT variant. The price increases to 4,598,000 Japanese Yen (an estimated $46,000) for the Premium S:HEV EX variant, not including any additional costs. Subaru claims that the sixth-generation Forester has the most advanced technology, a modern design, and improved ride comfort.
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| 2025 Subaru Forester |
Beginning with the design, the Forester SL features a massive front grille design that merges into the compact LED headlights. It's the first to feature the revised Subaru logo.
While retaining the looks from its predecessors, the new model also dons a more masculine shoulder line, prominent wheel arches, underguards, steep rear glass for better cargo capacity, and improved aerodynamics. Of course, if you need more style for your Subaru, your Subaru dealer may offer you some customization packages, such as the Adventure Style Package that proudly spells SUBARU at the front grille, Accent Color Package, and the STi Aero Package, among others.
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| 2025 Subaru Forester |
While seating is still up to five people, the new interior dons a similar 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK infotainment system debuted on the second-generation Levorg, which comes with smartphone connectivity. It still packs buttons for the aircon and dials for the volume and radio channels as expected. Mind you, the sat-nav system uses "what3words" to set a destination, which allows users to specify a 3m x 3m area with three words.
Other features include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, power seats, voice recognition, wireless charging port, ETC, Harman Kardon sound system, and others.
Although the wheelbase remains the same as the previous model, the extended length and width should spell a slightly increased room, but in terms of boot space, it's less compared to the previous model. with one liter less with the rear seats present, up to 48 liters less trunk volume roof-high with rear seat folded down. A fault line, the new model possesses.
On the plus side, the all-new Forester features a Subaru-first hands-free power rear gate that automatically opens when you lift your foot under the rear bumper cover. It also features Remote Keyless Access, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Individual Wheel Display, Steering Responsive LED Headlights with Automatic High Beam, Welcome Lighting, and power door locks, windows, and side mirrors.
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| 2025 Subaru Forester |
In the SPORT variant, the Forester is equipped with a CB18 1.8L DOHC Direct Injection Turbo engine, which delivers a modest 177 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque. It is paired with a Lineartronic CVT that features an 8-speed Manual Mode, offering a fuel economy of approximately 13.6 km/L.
In the X-BREAK and Premium variants, the Forester is the second Subaru model to utilize the S:HEV powertrain, which was first introduced in the Crosstrek last year. This system combines a 160 PS FB25 2.5L petrol engine with an 88 kW MC2 electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, all working in conjunction with a CVT. As a result, the Forester S:HEV achieves an impressive fuel economy of up to 18.8 km/L based on WLTC mode standards.
In terms of dynamics, the legendary Subaru Symmetrical AWD system is further enhanced with Active Torque Vectoring and the SI-DRIVE system. As for steering, it features the same dual-pinion electric power steering rack from today's Levorg and WRX S4 as well. The all-new Forester comes with X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, allowing drivers to traverse through tarmac, gravel, or snow at ease.
The all-new Forester is equipped with Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes a first-in-class feature called Emergency Stop Assist. This feature activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. It stops the vehicle, activates the hazard lights, and unlocks the doors to ensure safety.
Additionally, the new Forester is the first Subaru model to incorporate a pedestrian protection airbag specifically designed for cyclists. If a collision occurs with a pedestrian or cyclist, this airbag deploys to cover the vehicle's hard parts. Its design extends to the rear of the front pillar, making it effective for protecting cyclists whose heads are positioned higher.
In summary, the all-new Subaru Forester SL may offer less space compared to the SK model, but it comes with a choice of S:HEV and turbo powertrains, impressive styling, and enhanced safety features. Notably, it is the first vehicle to include a pedestrian protection airbag specifically designed for cyclists. This makes the Forester well-suited for today’s needs.
Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, River Rock Pearl, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl, Autumn Green Metallic, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Cashmere Gold Opal, Crystal Black Silica/Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica/Brilliant Bronze Metallic, Crystal Black Silica/Autumn Green Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica/River Rock Pearl.
Photo: Subaru
