Being the last child to unwrap gifts on Christmas morning can be a tough gig, and in many ways, the Subaru Forester resembles that patient, mature elder sibling.

Subaru, the Japanese automaker, has been ardently revamping its entire vehicle portfolio over the past few years. The BRZ, WRX, Outback, Crosstrek (formerly known as the XV) and the Impreza, all have enjoyed a makeover, equipped with the latest in safety features and interior technology.

However, the Forester has lagged a bit: the present generation was globally introduced in 2018. Five years in the fiercely competitive world of midsize SUVs can feel like an eternity, and industry whispers hint at a comprehensive update for this popular model sometime next year.

But does the existing Forester still hold its ground? Our answer was a resounding yes in 2022, when Chasing Cars praised the Forester's qualities during our midsize SUV comparison, bestowing the Subaru, with its exclusive AWD, a respectable third place - trailing behind the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

We evaluated the Forester in a trim identical to the one presented here - the high-end, non-hybrid 2.5i-S AWD variant, attired in a striking Horizon Blue Pearl hue, and lauded it for its pragmatic design and family-oriented features.

However, the midsize SUV sector is an incredibly bustling one, and a year can feel like an epoch. New, formidable rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail have intensified the competition, and let's be frank, the Forester is not without its flaws.

So, given the impending arrival of an upgraded model and a plethora of other choices at your fingertips, is the current-generation Forester still worth a second glance?

What are the prices for the Subaru Forester range？

The Forester Sport sits close to the top end of the range, with a sticker price of $44,840 before on-road costs.

The brand-new Honda ZR-V combines sporty drivability, contemporary design, and intuitive technology in one joyful package. Available in both petrol and hybrid.

It’s priced in line with the Mazda CX-5 Touring Active AWD ($44,000), and the Toyota RAV4 GXL 2WD ($44,100). It also takes on the Honda CR-V VTi LX ($53,600 drive-away), Hyundai Tucson Elite AWD ($45,900), and Kia Sportage SX+ AWD ($47,250).

2023 Subaru Forester pricing:

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i AWD: $37,890

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L AWD: $40,290

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium AWD: $43,090

2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid L AWD: $43,290

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport AWD: $44,840

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S AWD: $46,340

2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid S AWD: $49,340

All prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s under the bonnet?

Under the hood, the Forester boasts a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol 'boxer' four-cylinder engine. Despite the 'Sport' badge, there is no extra power to differentiate it from the standard model.

The engine delivers a robust 136kW of power and 239Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel-drive system.

The L and S variants of the Forester also offer a hybrid option. This version harnesses a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 100kW/196Nm, coupled with a 12kW/66Nm electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a CVT.

Fuel efficiency is one of the Forester's strengths, with a reported consumption of 7.4L per 100km in mixed driving conditions, supported by a substantial 63-litre fuel tank. It's worth noting that the Forester is more than content to run on 91 RON regular unleaded petrol.

How does the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S drive? 

Modern Subarus are distinctive in their driving feel, offering a soft, accommodating, and laid-back experience, which could be interpreted as 'languid' by some critics. This narrative shifts a bit with the newly launched Subaru Outback XT turbo variants, showcasing lively performance that aligns with the sturdy SGP chassis. Unfortunately, the turbo engine has not returned to the Forester lineup.

The Forester's unassertive driving style certainly has its charm, particularly for SUV enthusiasts. Isn't a comfortable cruiser precisely what we desire after an exhausting day? It's not intended to be a sports car, after all.

The Forester executes this concept quite effectively, although it's not without its drawbacks. The soft suspension introduces a slight boat-like quality to the ride, occasionally challenging the vehicle during ordinary cornering.

As a driver, this might mean you also feel a bit challenged. Mild cornering speeds could result in noticeable g-forces that may lead you to brace against the centre console and door. While the Forester's compact size is an asset in parking scenarios, it might not offer the most soothing driving experience.

Broader competitors maintain a flatter, faster, and more relaxed drive than the Forester, a factor to consider even if speed isn't your primary concern. Yet, it's not a dealbreaker, and the right stretch of road, preferably some dirt, can make the Forester quite enjoyable to drive.

Beyond cornering, there's much to appreciate about the Forester's ride. Its excellent cabin visibility is a boon in busy city traffic. Its agile handling, comfortable seating, substantial tires, and soft suspension ensure that potholes aren't a nightmare.

Contrary to other SUVs' sleek design, large wheels, and low ride height, the Forester prides itself on its practical orientation, flaunting its sturdy wheels, 220mm ground clearance, and short overhangs. It makes navigating dirt roads, hiking trails, and beaches a breeze. The ample space beneath the boot floor and Subaru's effective X-Mode off-road feature give you the confidence to explore further.

It's evident in the number of Foresters seen online as off-road machines tackling tough terrains. While it's no substitute for a full-fledged 4WD, it's one of the most proficient soft-roaders when conditions get challenging.

However, there's room for refinement under the hood. The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine lacks both speed and refinement. Its 136kW/239Nm output lags behind the 138kW/245Nm variant of this engine in the Outback, reaching peak performance relatively high in the rev range. Coupled with the contentious CVT automatic transmission, it often has to rev high, and loud.

In Japan, a 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder engine variant of the Forester is available, offering better performance and potentially greater refinement. Although additional power may not be essential for this family SUV, enhanced refinement could be significant. Recent testing with the 2.4-litre turbo 'XT' Outback showed a considerable reduction in noise during moderate to full throttle. Turbocharged engines usually deliver power more quietly and at lower revs, making them a compelling choice.

Currently, Subaru Australia has not confirmed plans to introduce this option in our market, although it hasn't entirely dismissed the idea either.

With an 1800kg braked tow rating and an impressive maximum towball load of 180kg, the 2.5-litre Forester is a popular choice among mountain bike enthusiasts.

What is the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S like on the inside? 

High-tier variants of the Forester can often appear slightly subdued with their black leather and gray plastic aesthetics. However, the Sport model adds a refreshing twist by introducing orange water-resistant fabric and ample orange stitching for a distinct ambiance.

The bright orange steering wheel, gear shifter, and drive mode dial all contribute to its unique appeal, as do the small Sport emblems on the door panels.

This style is not for the faint-hearted, but that's precisely its charm. Kudos to Subaru for fully embracing this theme instead of merely adding badges and decals to a standard cabin.

The Forester's fundamentals remain strong across all variants. The seats strike a balance between comfort and support. Despite a little shortcoming for taller folks in under-thigh support, features like heating and electric adjustment ensure optimum comfort.

The driver faces a substantial, leather-wrapped steering wheel loaded with a staggering number of buttons - 17 on the wheel alone, not counting the plastic paddle shifters. With numerous controls for active safety systems and a trip reset button, there's a lot to manage. Yet, all these controls are backlit, clearly labeled, and tactile, growing familiar over time.

There's a 4.2-inch trip computer nestled between clear analog dials, displaying various layouts, including a digital speedometer. It's coupled with a slim display atop the dashboard, showcasing details ranging from fuel economy, media, safety systems to all-wheel-drive status.

These displays are valuable, despite their minor quirks. For instance, activating cruise control replaces the dashboard display with an EyeSight graphic, and if not careful with settings, you might end up displaying the same information across three screens.

The infotainment system is functional and intuitive, although wireless smartphone connectivity could be an added advantage. However, you still have wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the in-built system features a clear layout with bright, sharp graphics. The physical buttons and dials are a welcome feature in an increasingly touch-only world, but the taller screen in the new Outback and upcoming Crosstrek make the Forester's dashboard feel a tad dated.

The Forester, like the Outback, is equipped with a facial recognition system. It can recognize up to five drivers, adjusting seats and infotainment settings based on who's behind the wheel. It also alerts the driver when their gaze deviates from the road.

Storage solutions are plenty up front, with various compartments for wallets, keys, and drinks, and there are two USB-A ports.

The rear seats remain a high point for this generation of the Forester. The ample windows, tall roofline, and panoramic sunroof lend a bright, spacious feel, making it a suitable choice even for taller passengers. The rear bench is comfortable and wide enough to accommodate three occupants without much discomfort.

Additionally, the rear passengers benefit from air vents, two USB ports, a fold-down armrest, and pockets for storage. The rear doors' wide-opening angle makes installing child seats more convenient than in some rivals.

The boot offers a generous 498L of space with the second row up, which expands to 1740L with the rear seats folded. The low and flat boot floor facilitates easy loading, and the boxy design makes it a breeze to fit larger items. There's a full-sized spare wheel stowed beneath the floor, a significant plus over the usual space savers or repair kits.

Is the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S safe?

The Subaru Forester was awarded a five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in 2019, a testament to its high safety standards. This was based on scores of 94% for adult occupant protection, 86% for child occupant protection, 80% for vulnerable road user protection, and 78% for safety assist.

The Forester comes equipped with a variety of standard safety features, including:

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Lane centring assist

Lane departure warning

Lane keep assist

Autonomous emergency steering

Adaptive cruise control

In addition to these, all Forester models apart from the base 2.5i come standard with a facial recognition camera that detects driver drowsiness or distraction and rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). The rear AEB is particularly useful when reversing as it can automatically apply the brakes if it senses a potential collision.

How much does the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S cost to run? 

The Subaru Forester's fuel efficiency in your testing is relatively close to Subaru's claim of 7.4L/100km when using 91 octane fuel, with an average of 8.3L/100km observed during your tests. While it's not outstandingly efficient, it's not excessively fuel-hungry either. Subaru does offer a hybrid variant, though it's been reported to have minimal gains in terms of fuel efficiency.

In terms of maintenance, the Forester has service intervals of 12,500km or every 12 months. Subaru offers capped price servicing, with prices totaling $2675 over five years. While Subaru does give the option to pre-pay for servicing, unlike some brands like Skoda, they don't offer a discount for doing so. Compared to competitors, it's a bit more expensive; for example, Toyota charges around $1300 for a non-hybrid RAV4 Edge AWD over five years or 75,000km.

As for the warranty, Subaru provides a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which aligns with industry standards. Additionally, Subaru packages in a year’s worth of roadside assistance. This warranty and roadside assistance provision add to the Forester's overall value proposition, providing buyers with some peace of mind.

Yeecar’s Take on the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S