The Subaru Forester has at all times seemed proper at residence Down Beneath.
It’s good-looking, versatile, spacious and difficult – all attributes valued extremely by the stereotypical Aussie household. So extremely, the truth is, that the Forester shortly grew to become a preferred buy amongst mid-size SUVs, and it stays simply that regardless of a rising pool of rivals.
The sixth-generation Forester arrived final yr and this petrol Sport variant sits smack bang in the midst of the vary.
Priced a tad below $50k, it’s specced for journey and positioned towards the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Path, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander. Hardly a scarcity of rivals, and that’s earlier than you contemplate newer arrivals such because the BYD Sealion 6 and Jaecoo J7.
So, how does the Forester Sport stack up? And is it worthy of the nameplate’s status? Learn on to seek out out.
How a lot does the Subaru Forester value?
This mid-spec Sport will set you again $48,490 earlier than on-road prices, whereas the vary tops out at $55,990 plus on-roads for the Hybrid Touring.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD | $43,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Premium | $46,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid | $46,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Sport | $48,490 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Touring | $50,990 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Sport | $54,990 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester AWD Hybrid Touring | $55,990 |
For context, the new-generation Toyota RAV4 begins from $45,990 earlier than on-road prices for the entry-level front-wheel drive GX, though you’ll pay a further $4080 for all-wheel drive.
Nonetheless, the most cost effective Forester Hybrid prices $500 greater than the GX, itself a hybrid.
Forester costs rose considerably with the introduction of the present mannequin earlier this yr – the outgoing Forester was priced from $38,690 earlier than on-road prices for the bottom 2.5i, and peaked at $50,140 earlier than on-roads for the flagship Hybrid S.
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
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What’s the Subaru Forester like on the within?
The inside of the Forester has been designed with utility and practicality entrance of thoughts, and that’s very true of this mid-spec Sport mannequin.
As a result of, in contrast to different variants within the vary, the Sport will get water-repellent upholstery and brilliant inexperienced distinction stitching that actually rams residence the outdoorsy aesthetic. Provided that I worth my job, I didn’t spray down the seats to check Subaru’s waterproof declare, however there’s quite a bit to be mentioned for a automobile that’s simpler to scrub after a household getaway.
Past the seats, all the things else feels fairly resilient, too. The doorways and sprint are completed in hardy plastics, whereas a wetsuit-like materials additionally options prominently all through the cabin – each match for the aim of withstanding thrills and spills.
Sturdiness will get an enormous tick, then. However if you happen to had been hoping for a slice of luxurious, you’ve come to the mistaken place, as a result of rivals such because the BYD Sealion 6, Jaecoo J7 and Volkswagen Tiguan ship extra showroom enchantment, albeit with no rugged edge.
It’s not just like the Forester Sport is disagreeable to sit down in, although. Removed from it.
The artificial leather-based seats are each supportive and cozy over lengthy journeys, with loads of bolstering and ample electrical adjustment, whereas the leather-wrapped steering is sculpted to perfection. Considerate touches like padding on the facet of the centre tunnel – the place the motive force’s left knee naturally rests – and further steering wheel attain elevate the expertise additional.
Nonetheless, seat air flow can be welcome given Australia’s summer season warmth. Oh, and steering wheel heating for these chilly winter mornings, please. The latter is lacking from all variations of the Forester, whereas solely the flagship Touring presents the previous.
Certainly, the Forester Sport is slightly mild on options by trendy requirements. For instance, there’s no head-up show, nor a digital instrument cluster.
Somewhat, the know-how suite consists of a portrait infotainment display screen and 4.2-inch instrument show, each of that are slightly yesterday, particularly for a ‘new’ mannequin.
I say that as a result of the central pill lacks polish in comparison with these present in trendy Kia, Hyundai and BYD fashions. It’s unresponsive, laggy and unimpressive to take a look at, with fuzzy graphics that belong within the 2010s.
That’s to not point out the a number of glitches I skilled when utilizing Apple CarPlay. The Forester helps wi-fi smartphone mirroring, however reliability was a continuing problem all through our check – it was uncommon that my cellphone linked to the automobile with out guide intervention, and on a number of events audio quantity grew to become ‘caught’ regardless of changes registering on the display screen.
Maybe the shortage of wires was the difficulty, by which case there’s the choice to attach by way of USB-A, USB-C, and even an AUX cable.
It additionally doesn’t assist that so many common automobile features are embedded inside the infotainment display screen, forcing common interplay with the system. Bodily controls stay for exterior digital camera views, temperature adjustment, and audio quantity, however that’s about it.
A full set of shortcuts together with local weather controls can at all times be discovered on the base of the centre display screen, though the local weather menu itself can really feel cluttered. Nonetheless, the interface is definitely fairly user-friendly… when it’s firing on all cylinders.
All native apps are set out clearly in grid style, and the fundamentals are all there – native satnav, digital radio, settings and many others. The absence of an in-car app retailer prevents entry to the likes of YouTube and Spotify, although.
Such options are thought-about superfluous by many, however there’s no escaping the sense that Subaru’s tech is a technology behind the competitors.
And, for all its famed practicality, the Forester doesn’t provide a mountain of storage up entrance, both. The door bins are comparatively slim, and the centre console bin is merely satisfactory for a automobile of this measurement.
Additional afield there’s a wi-fi cellphone charging pad, beneficiant glovebox, and a cubby for sun shades overhead.
So, why all of the fuss concerning the Forester then? Properly, the second row goes some strategy to explaining the fascination.
In brief, it’s pretty again there.
For starters, the rear doorways open large, so it’s straightforward to slip out and in. And as soon as seated, it’s shortly obvious that there’s loads of area for 3 adults to journey in type.
Leggy varieties will significantly recognize the tender entrance seat backs, in addition to the clearance between the underside of the entrance seats and the ground. Headroom can be in robust provide. To prime all of it off, big home windows and a sunroof bathe the passenger space in pure mild.
Extra than simply spacious, the consolation afforded by the rear bench suggests it was hardly an afterthought. All three seats are soft and gently reclined, which bodes properly for lengthy household highway journeys.
As for facilities, properly that base can be lined. In contrast to many rivals, the Forester options each USB-A and USB-C retailers within the second row, plus tiered map pockets, numerous drink storage, and smaller slots for unfastened gadgets.
Transferring additional again, the boot is equally family-friendly. The headline capability determine – 496 litres – may not sound noteworthy, but it surely solely tells half the story.
That quantity doesn’t inform you that the facility tailgate lifts to disclose a gap aperture that’s large and tall, nor does it inform you that the loading space is completely flat. The boot flooring sits low to the bottom, so that you gained’t battle to hoist heavy suitcases or tenting gear up into the boot.
Want more room? You’ll be able to drop the rear seats on the flick of a change, unlocking as much as 1174 litres of cargo capability.
However wait, there’s extra! Further useful options embrace a 12V energy supply, bag hooks, tie-down factors, and a retractable cargo cowl.
It’s this mixture of attributes that renders the Forester one of the vital sensible mid-sized SUVs available on the market.
Higher but, patrons will rejoice on the ongoing inclusion of a full-size spare wheel, which might be discovered below the boot flooring in petrol fashions. Hybrid variations, however, carry solely a tyre restore package.
| Dimensions | Subaru Forester AWD Sport |
|---|---|
| Size | 4655mm |
| Width | 1830mm |
| Top | 1730mm |
| Wheelbase | 2670mm |
| Cargo capability (to window line) | 496L (rear seats up) 1174L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
All Foresters function a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine, in basic Subaru style. That is mated with a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT) as normal in petrol variants.
| Specs | Subaru Forester AWD Sport |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl ‘boxer’ petrol |
| Engine energy | 136kW |
| Engine torque | 247Nm |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1651kg |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 7.9L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 10.3L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 63L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 180g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6c |
| Braked towing capability | 1800kg |
| Payload | 572kg |
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Subaru Forester drive?
Overbearing security nannies apart, the Forester is an absolute pleasure to drive – way more so than the overwhelming majority of mainstream mid-size SUVs.
It’s slightly missing within the efficiency division, not less than in non-hybrid guise, however that absence of straight-line pace is made up for by a superb chassis that strikes a candy steadiness between dynamics and luxury.
Put merely, the Forester feels smaller than it truly is, which makes for a stress-free city driving expertise. In truth, I’d go so far as to say driving the Forester round city is definitely enjoyable.
On a extra sensible entrance, the Forester’s manoeuvrability interprets to a superb turning circle and simple parking, which can be made doable by very good outward visibility, surround-view cameras, a reversing digital camera with tips, and parking sensors.
On the identical time, there’s not one of the harshness that’s usually related to excessive ranges of agility. The journey is supple sufficient which you can correctly calm down over lengthy journeys, and even the roughest surfaces not often ship shockwaves by the cabin. The identical can’t at all times be mentioned of European SUVs, which are typically firmer, whereas some Chinese language alternate options exhibit the exact opposite – uncontrolled, nauseating bounciness.
As a substitute, the Forester shows robust physique management that conjures up confidence each over bumps and round bends, the latter of which additionally brings one of the best out of this household wagon.
A fast blast down a rustic highway reveals that the Forester is greater than succesful when the tarmac will get twisty. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system ensures sustained traction regardless of the highway circumstances, and there’s a weight and directness to the steering that’s not often felt in 2026.
Nonetheless, the powertrain on this petrol Sport mannequin presents common reminders that you simply haven’t purchased a sports activities automobile. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine feels keen sufficient at low revs however presents little additional up the vary – hardly stunning given its meagre outputs.
You gained’t get a lot assist from the transmission, both. Engineered for smoothness slightly than efficiency, the CVT eliminates conventional gearshifts, changing them with a continuing slurring sensation. With that mentioned, you possibly can take extra management over the driving expertise by pulling on ‘shift’ paddles positioned behind the steering wheel.
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And, importantly, the Forester nonetheless feels like a correct Subaru, even when that soundtrack is comparatively muted on this mannequin.
A quiet powertrain suggests a refined expertise on the freeway, however that’s not likely the case. Noise from the tyres and surrounding visitors penetrates the cabin with irritating ease, whereas the adaptive cruise management system might be gradual to answer modifications in visitors circulation. After which there’s security tech…
There’s no different strategy to say it – the superior driver help methods (ADAS) within the Forester are infuriating. Except you are taking the time to configure the protection settings earlier than every drive, there’s nearly at all times some type of alert or warning chiming away within the background, whether or not it’s the motive force monitoring system, lane-keep help, or pace digital camera alert.
The previous is by far essentially the most annoying, such is its unforgiving nature. In case you a lot as look on the infotainment display screen for a second, the system senses distraction and instantly sounds the alarm. As you possibly can think about, it doesn’t take lengthy for this to drive you insane.
Now, it’s doable to make everlasting changes to some settings, however not all. For instance, the motive force monitoring system resets after each drive.
As such, it’s tough to get across the fixed intrusions of security nannies, and this could make the Forester a irritating automobile to reside with regardless of all its strengths.
Irritating on the highway, sure, however what about when the bitumen ends? In any case, the Forester has lengthy been a favorite amongst campers and adventure-centric varieties, with a status for durability and off-road functionality.
It’s early days but, however the outcomes of our latest mid-sized SUV mega check didn’t flatter the brand new Forester Hybrid from an off-road perspective.
CarExpert founder Paul Maric mentioned:
“The Forester went from being one of the vital succesful off-road mid-size SUVs to being one of many least succesful and I don’t know the way Subaru missed that temporary.
“Individuals purchased that automobile as a result of it was succesful off-road and now they’ve type of ruined it by including a hybrid system that makes it not all that good off-road.”
On one hand, you would take this consequence to imply all variations of the brand new Forester disappoint on unsealed surfaces. However, however, it might be argued petrol variants deserve their very own testing earlier than any conclusions are made.
| Off-road dimensions | Subaru Forester AWD Sport |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1565mm – entrance 1570mm – rear |
| Floor clearance | 220mm |
| Method angle | 19 levels |
| Departure angle | 24.7 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 19.3 levels |
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
Three of the Forester’s trim ranges can be found with both petrol or hybrid energy, however normal gear differs for every.
2025 Subaru Forester AWD gear highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size spare tyre
- Computerized, steering-responsive LED headlights
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- LED entrance fog lights
- Entrance cornering lights
- Ladder-style roof rails
- ‘X-Mode’ with one drive mode
- Subaru Clever Drive (SI-Drive) with two modes
- Hill descent management
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- USB-A and USB-C retailers
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 6-speaker sound system
- Heated entrance seats
- Fabric upholstery
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear vents
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Silver inside stitching
- One-touch power-folding rear seats
- 60:40 cut up/fold rear seats
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Forester AWD Premium provides:
- Energy tailgate with kick sensor
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with lumbar
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Auto-dipping passenger-side mirror
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
Forester AWD Sport provides:
- Darkish metallic 18-inch alloy wheels
- Energy sunroof
- ‘X-Mode’ with two drive modes
- Black entrance grille with inexperienced insert
- Inexperienced badging
- Water-repellent artificial leather-based upholstery
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Inexperienced inside stitching
Forester AWD Touring provides:
- Gloss black entrance grille, entrance and rear bumper accents, facet mirrors
- Low-profile roof rails
- Leather-based and suede upholstery in black or brown
- Brown inside stitching
- Ventilated entrance seats
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer
Forester AWD Hybrid provides (over base Forester):
- Tyre restore package (as a substitute of full-size spare)
- Paddle shifters for regenerative braking
Forester AWD Hybrid Sport provides (over Forester Sport):
- Bronze 19-inch alloy wheels
- Bronze exterior accents
- Low-profile roof rails
- Brown inside stitching
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer
Forester AWD Hybrid Touring provides (over Forester Touring):
- Darkish gray machined gloss end 19-inch alloy wheels
- Leather-based and suede upholstery
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Subaru Forester protected?
The Subaru Forester has a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2024. This is applicable to each powertrains.
| Class | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 83 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 91 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 86 per cent |
| Security help | 75 per cent |
Customary security gear contains:
- 9 airbags, together with:
- Far-side
- Entrance passenger seat cushion
- Energetic torque vectoring
- Autonomous emergency braking (ahead and reverse)
- Autonomous emergency steering
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver monitoring system
- Emergency driving cease system
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Entrance facet radar
- Lane centring
- Lane change help
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Large-angle monocular digital camera
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Subaru Forester value to run?
Subaru Australia backs its Forester with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual service value | $459.80 |
| Whole capped-price service value | $2299 |
5 years of protection stays par for the course, however Subaru’s service pricing is on the costly facet.
Petrol variations of the Forester might be expensive on the petrol pump, too. Over per week of metropolis commuting I noticed common gasoline consumption of 10.3 litres per 100km, whereas a hybrid RAV4, for instance, would probably return nearer to six.0L/100km. The identical goes for different hybrid SUVs, whereas PHEVs and EVs are much more frugal.
To see how the Subaru Forester strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Forester AWD Sport
Am I loopy in considering this middle-of-the-range Forester doesn’t have sufficient strings to its bow?
All variants are spacious, cozy and wonderful to drive, however the petrol Sport variant lacks the effectivity of its Hybrid siblings whereas sharing all their deficiencies.
Such deficiencies embrace a poorly-calibrated set of security aids, middling efficiency, unreliable know-how, and excessive working prices.
So, whereas the Forester guarantees acquainted and versatile household motoring, it’s not the achieved all-rounder I used to be anticipating.
Off-road lovers will nonetheless see worth within the Subaru’s storied functionality, and it’s laborious to argue with that. In any case, the symmetrical all-wheel drive system conjures up confidence, as does the Forester’s floor clearance and ‘X-Mode’.
But, even with that use case in thoughts, I’d be directing potential patrons in the direction of alternate options such because the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, each of which carried out properly in our latest mega check.
Nonetheless need a Forester? The Sport isn’t my decide of the bunch, anyway. After assessing the specs, I’d counsel the bottom mannequin represents higher worth at $43,490 earlier than on-road prices, whereas the top-spec petrol Touring is well worth the premium it instructions.
That mentioned, water-repellent upholstery and a few slick styling enhancements will undoubtedly enchantment to followers of the nice outside.
In that sense, there’s one thing for everybody within the Forester vary. However, on the identical time, there’s arguably extra to be discovered elsewhere.
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