Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Subaru Forester review

The Subaru Forester is a hard-wearing, over-engineered SUV, but average fuel economy and sluggish performance count against it

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
  • Great build quality
  • Genuine off-road ability
  • Lots of safety kit
  • Niche appeal
  • Average fuel economy
  • No plug-in hybrid option
Find your Subaru Forester
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The fifth-generation Subaru Forester offers a combination of sturdy build, decent off-road prowess and idiosyncratic engineering in a package that feels more luxurious and driver-friendly than previous models, although the latest Mk6 elevates things even further.

Completely revised back in 2018, the Mk5 Forester boasts mild-hybrid electrification and much-improved road manners. There’s more space and improved quality inside, while ride and handling received a welcome boost, too. But, with a slew of talented SUV rivals to face down, the Forester's average fuel economy, bland exterior styling and frustrating onboard technology mean that it's unlikely to be considered by family buyers.

About the Subaru Forester

The Forester sits in a niche almost entirely of its own; it’s not as good to drive as some cheaper, more road-focused SUVs, instead pitched as an alternative buy, offering impressive off-road ability, proven reliability and good levels of standard equipment.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Forester has been a mainstay of the Subaru lineup for well over two decades. It began life as something of a toughened-up four-wheel-drive estate before evolving along with customer tastes into a more traditional family SUV. Throughout its various incarnations, the Forester has remained true to its original remit of providing hardy family transport that’s undeterred by bad weather, muddy fields and steep farm tracks. 

Now into its fifth generation, the Forester has taken a slight step upmarket, with improved interior quality, infotainment and on-road ride and handling, and a facelift in 2023 provided additional safety features, interior technology and some mechanical tweaks, along with some cosmetic enhancements.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Subaru’s trademark off-road ability remains, however – its permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and accompanying X-Mode drive mode make light work of terrain that would trouble most conventional family SUVs. 

The Forester is powered by just one engine, a 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder that features Subaru’s latest e-Boxer mild-hybrid tech and powers all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike conventional hybrid systems, the e-Boxer technology helps to compliment the Forester’s engine and gearbox, improving throttle response and torque – especially in off-road situations – while helping to slightly increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. All-electric drive is possible only at very low speeds. 

Subaru has been keen to distance itself from the rally-inspired racy image garnered in the 1990s and instead focus attention on its impressive reputation for safety. The Forester features the brand’s EyeSight safety system as standard, which incorporates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist and other active systems, alongside a range of passive safety features that combine to help make the Forester one of the safest cars in its class. 

At first inspection the Forester could be construed as a very expensive car for its class – but it’s worth considering exactly which SUVs can offer a similar breath of ability, quality and standard equipment. Similarly sized cars like the Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq are better to drive on the road, offer a wider range of more frugal engines and are priced more competitively, but none can quite match the Subaru for overall build quality, reliability or off-road prowess. 

Instead, it is perhaps best to consider the Subaru against more capable SUVs like the much-larger-yet-similarly-priced SsangYong Rexton, or even an entry-level Land Rover Discovery Sport. Each of these offers a similar combination of off-road ability and comfort at much the same price.

The Forester, then, exists in its own small niche in the market, offering a very specific range of attributes to a similarly specific kind of customer. Changes to its recipe have broadened its appeal slightly, but it’ll need to be far more economical to buy and run to trouble the established SUV mainstream.

For an alternative review of the latest Subaru Forester, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Forester

Show me:
Best snow cars 2024
Best snow cars - header image

Best snow cars 2024

Don’t get caught out in extreme conditions this winter. We’ve picked 10 showroom buys that should keep you safe
Best cars & vans
11 Oct 2024
New Subaru Forester 2024 review: improved tech but sole engine lacks power
Subaru Forester - front

New Subaru Forester 2024 review: improved tech but sole engine lacks power

The new Subaru Forester SUV is an improvement over its predecessor, but is let down by a lack of powertrain options
Road tests
1 Oct 2024
New Subaru Forester unveiled at LA Auto Show: new hybrid, old 4x4 toughness 
Subaru Forester - front tracking

New Subaru Forester unveiled at LA Auto Show: new hybrid, old 4x4 toughness 

More of the same for Subaru’s rugged 4x4, with hybrid and a raft of EVs to follow
News
17 Nov 2023
New Subaru Forester poised for big LA Motor Show reveal
Subaru Forester - wheel

New Subaru Forester poised for big LA Motor Show reveal

An all-new generation of Subaru’s mid-size SUV is nearing launch
News
10 Nov 2023
New Subaru Forester 2023 review
Subaru Forester - front tracking

New Subaru Forester 2023 review

The latest Forester is one of the most capable compact SUVs when it comes to off-roading, but it’s far from being a class-leader
Road tests
17 Jul 2023
New 2023 Subaru Forester: prices, performance and specs
Subaru Forester - front tracking

New 2023 Subaru Forester: prices, performance and specs

The latest Forester gets a mild-hybrid powertrain and more technology than ever before
News
9 Dec 2022
Subaru leasing deals 2022
Subaru XV

Subaru leasing deals 2022

The best Subaru leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
15 Sep 2022
New Subaru Forester e-Boxer 2020 review
Subaru Forester e-Boxer - front

New Subaru Forester e-Boxer 2020 review

The new Subaru Forester e-Boxer boasts mild-hybrid tech, but has it boosted the SUV’s appeal?
Road tests
17 Jan 2020
Used Subaru Forester review
Used Subaru Forester - front

Used Subaru Forester review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Subaru Forester covering the Forester Mk4 (2013-2018)
Used car tests
11 Dec 2019
Off the beaten track in the Subaru Forester (sponsored)
Subaru Forester - front

Off the beaten track in the Subaru Forester (sponsored)

Whether you’re looking for capability, safety or reliability, the Subaru Forester demands your attention…
Advertisement Feature
8 May 2018
New Subaru Forester SUV makes New York debut
Subaru Forester 2018 show pics

New Subaru Forester SUV makes New York debut

The new Subaru Forester has been unveiled in New York ahead of its UK arrival at the end of the year
News
28 Mar 2018
Skip advert
Advertisement
Subaru Forester (2013-2019) review

Subaru Forester (2013-2019) review

The latest Subaru Forester is spacious, well built and dependable, but remains a niche SUV choice
In-depth reviews
16 Feb 2018
Subaru Forester gets EyeSight safety tech across range
Subaru Forester - front action

Subaru Forester gets EyeSight safety tech across range

Subaru’s EyeSight technology system, which includes six safety features, now comes as standard on the Forester SUV
News
22 Sep 2017
Subaru Forester Special Edition revealed
Subaru Forester Special edition

Subaru Forester Special Edition revealed

New Special Edition version of Subaru Forester SUV gets host of extra kit
News
19 Aug 2016
Subaru Forester 2.0 XT 2016 review
Subaru Forester XT - front

Subaru Forester 2.0 XT 2016 review

The Subaru Forester has received a range of mid-life updates, so how does this top-spec XT turbo petrol stack up against rivals?
Road tests
15 Jul 2016
Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5
Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5 - header

Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5

Subaru has updated its rugged Forester with a new powertrain. We hit the trails to pitch it against the Mazda CX-5
Car group tests
28 Jun 2016
Subaru Forester gets tech and and styling upgrades for 2016
Subaru Forester 2016 2

Subaru Forester gets tech and and styling upgrades for 2016

Subaru updates its Forester SUV with a revised look inside and out, improved refinement and tweaked chassis
News
30 Mar 2016
New Subaru Forester diesel 2015 review

New Subaru Forester diesel 2015 review

Revised Subaru Forester features improved kit but struggles to impress in crowded segment
Road tests
29 May 2015
Subaru Forester STi teased ahead of November debut

Subaru Forester STi teased ahead of November debut

Subaru has released teaser images of a scorching STi variant of its Forester SUV but it's not expected to come to the UK
News
28 Oct 2014
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC front tracking

Subaru Forester 2.0D XC

We get behind the wheel of the new Subaru Forester 4x4 for the first time to deliver our verdict
Road tests
16 Apr 2013
Subaru Forester prices

Subaru Forester prices

Subaru has announced UK prices and specs for the latest version of its rugged off-roader, the Forester
News
25 Mar 2013
Subaru Forester 2.0 XT
Subaru Forester front static

Subaru Forester 2.0 XT

The all-new, fourth-generation Subaru Forester sticks close to the brand’s no-nonsense roots
Road tests
18 Feb 2013
Subaru Forester (2008-2013) review
Subaru Forester front tracking

Subaru Forester (2008-2013) review

The rugged Subaru Forester is a no nonsense compact SUV that places mechanical toughness and off-road ability ahead of high street style
In-depth reviews
5 May 2012