When you had been to press me into shopping for an SUV, I’d nonetheless go for the brand new Subaru Forester. Though marketed as an SUV, it is primarily an off-road station wagon with a car-like drive. This model boasts a “Sturdy Hybrid” system that may ship over 1000 km on a single tank.
Surprisingly, the Forester has turn into visually interesting for the primary time, shedding its earlier blockish design. Nevertheless, it sadly nonetheless includes a CVT, which implies I’ll need to rethink my decisions. Ideally, I’d love for Subaru to include a guide gearbox like that in its spectacular WRX mannequin into this hybrid Forester.
Not too long ago, I had the possibility to preview the sixth-generation Subaru Forester at a personal racetrack close to Sydney, the place we additionally engaged in some off-road driving. The pre-production fashions we drove got here straight from Japan, however particulars relating to pricing and specs stay beneath wraps till its launch in June.
Concerning pricing, Subaru has been tight-lipped concerning the new Forester, however the present mannequin begins at $38,690 and tops out at $50,140. Whereas costs could change barely, they probably will not deviate too removed from these figures, particularly contemplating the added worth of the brand new “e-Boxer” hybrid possibility.
Apparently, Subaru will nonetheless provide a petrol-only variant of the Forester, regardless of its much less eco-friendly nature. Once I inquired concerning the demand for such a variant, I realized that some long-time prospects are hesitant to embrace new expertise and like one thing that mirrors their older mannequin.
Most patrons, nevertheless, will in all probability select the brand new “Sturdy Hybrid,” which mixes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with a sturdy 88kW electrical motor and a 1.1kWh battery. Whereas particular energy outputs are nonetheless undisclosed, Subaru hints at appreciable torque enhancements, sourced from standard Toyota hybrid applied sciences, with out compromising on the mechanical all-wheel-drive system that Subaru is thought for.
Inside, there’s a brand new 12.3-inch digital driver show and an 11.6-inch infotainment display screen, harking back to the WRX design. This setup helps smartphone connectivity alongside options like wi-fi charging, a 360-degree digicam, and Subaru’s Eyesight security methods.
After making an attempt the usual petrol mannequin, I discovered the hybrid to be superior in all respects. It operates in EV-only mode as much as speeds of 30 km/h, with the electrical motor helping to reinforce gasoline effectivity and efficiency as wanted.
The transitions between driving modes are extremely easy, providing ample energy for numerous driving circumstances. It excelled after I ventured off the monitor and tackled difficult terrain, due to its X-Mode.
I’ve all the time appreciated the Forester for its car-like dealing with and comparatively low seating place, together with steering that aligns with the Impreza WRX. Nevertheless, the CVT gearbox stays some extent of competition for me; regardless of claims of enchancment, the everyday disconnect between throttle enter and the engine noise persists.
In conclusion, whereas it’s tough to supply a definitive verdict with out understanding the ultimate worth, the Forester exhibits nice promise. If it may certainly obtain over 1000 km per tank, it represents a compelling alternative. With improved design, useful hybrid expertise, and strong off-road capabilities, it seems to be a worthy possibility, however a correct analysis can be obligatory to verify its deserves.
SCORE: 4/5 (pending particulars)
2025 Subaru Forester Sturdy Hybrid Specs
- Value: TBD
- Fundamentals: Petrol-electric hybrid, 5 seats, 5 doorways, medium SUV, AWD
- Vary: Over 1000 km (claimed)
- Battery capability: 1.1 kW lithium-ion
- Battery guarantee: 8 years/160,000 km
- Powertrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer petrol-electric
- Output: TBD (electrical motor: 88 kW)
- Mixed output: TBD
- Transmission: CVT
- Gasoline: TBD
- CO2: TBD
