All-new Subaru Forester arrives with more rugged styling, new tech

Subaru unveiled the all-new Forester at the 2023 LA Auto Show with a new rugged look. The latest iteration is the nameplate’s sixth-generation model, succeeding the outgoing model which saw a production run of about five years.

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester will arrive in US retailers around the second quarter of 2024. While we await a possible Philippine entry, let’s check out what the new compact crossover can bring to the table.

Exterior

Dimensions-wise, the next-gen Forester spans 4,656 mm in length, 1,829 mm in width, and 1,729 mm in height, making it longer and wider than the outgoing model. The crossover also retains the wheelbase length of 2,670 mm, while the ground clearance measures 221 mm. It is also available with sets of alloy wheels measuring 17 inches, 18 inches, and 19 inches.

The Forester still boasts rugged styling

The Japanese automaker describes the front fascia as a shield, which debuts the updated Subaru star cluster emblem. Of course, the prominent wheel arches and bold shoulder lines are still retained to give that rugged off-roader look.

The front LED lightning cluster gets a more compact design, while the rear replaces the c-shaped taillights in favor of a more straightforward design.

Now in its sixth-gen form

The Subaru Global Platform has also been enhanced with 10 percent stiffer torsional rigidity. It has been constructed with stronger welding techniques and an additional structural adhesive. In turn, the vehicle delivers improved dynamic performance, a smoother ride, and a quieter cabin.

Interior

Inside, the cabin retains a familiar look with some changes, such as the dashboard layout which is now more linear. The front seats are also designed to be more comfortable than the old ones, with the shoulder areas slimmed down for better visibility and access to the rear seats. As a rugged vehicle, Subaru designed the interior with dirt-proof elements including contoured dash elements, textured trim pieces, and a dark headliner.

Interior of the new Forester

The automaker updated the climate control system to focus on occupied seats instead of the entire cabin, while a new kick sensor-activated hands-free power rear gate allows more convenient opening/closing of the fifth door.

Other interior amenities include remote keyless access, a tire pressure monitoring system, power door locks, heated seats, and ventilated front seats.

Tech & Safety

Subaru has integrated its Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system in the Forester for the first time. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and it will likewise feature subscription-based services like the SiriusXM Travel Link in the US. Meanwhile, the base model comes standard with a Subaru Starlink dual 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreens.

The latest iteration gets improved tech

The improved Starlink Multimedia navigation system provides functions such as voice-activated navigation powered by TomTom, SiriusXM Travel Link (three-year free subscription), and what3words, which provides a simple way to communicate precise locations using three words only. 

The Subaru Starlink Safety and Security Connected Services meanwhile, offer SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle recovery service, among others. Customers can access these features via an app.

The interior gets dirt-proof upgrades

With wireless infotainment connectivity, passengers could pair that with the wireless charging pad. This reduces the need for cables that could clutter the interior.

In terms of safety, the vehicle gets the latest version of the Eyesight Driver Assist Technology as standard. Subaru said the system operates more smoothly and quickly compared to older versions. It provides functions such as blind spot detection, reverse automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Coming out in Q2 2024

New to the system is the Emergency Stop Assist function. It stops the vehicle, activates the hazard lights, and unlocks the doors when the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using advanced adaptive cruise control.

Engine

Under the hood, the US-spec Forester carried over the 2.5-liter boxer engine with 180 horsepower and 241 Nm of torque, which is a larger engine than what the 2.0-liter boxer engine in the PH-spec version offers. For reference, the 2.0-liter engine on the locally available Forester makes 154 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque.

2.5-liter boxer engine

Other drivetrain components that were retained from the outgoing model include the symmetrical all-wheel drive and the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Subaru will release the pricing of the all-new Forester closer to its on-sale date next year.

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