2023 Subaru Forester 2.5X AWD gets aftermarket head unit

Subaru Australia has added a special-edition version of its Forester SUV to the line-up, which swaps the base model’s infotainment unit for a third-party system.

UPDATE, 2/11/2022 8:45AM – Subaru Australia has released a statement which says the Forester 2.5X is not a result of semiconductor-related shortages. See article for details

Priced from the same $37,890 plus on-road costs as the Forester 2.5i AWD on which it’s based, the 2.5X should arrive “prior to Christmas 2022” and swaps the regular 8.0-inch factory-installed infotainment system for a 7.0-inch Alpine unit with wireless smartphone mirroring.

When asked if the changes are due to semiconductor-related component shortages, Subaru said: “The new Subaru Forester 2.5X AWD is a special edition, it’s not due to semi-conductor supply”. It’s also unclear whether the 2.5i AWD is currently unavailable, and if so for how long – CarExpert is awaiting further comment from the brand’s local arm.

While the third-party head unit brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Forester line-up, it misses out on 1.0-inch of display real estate, the CD player, over-the-air (OTA) update capability, and voice command recognition of the usual system. There’s also one fewer USB-A outlet, bringing the total to one.

The 2.5X AWD retains the 2.5i AWD’s six-speaker audio, AUX jack, AM/FM/DAB+ radio tuner, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio streaming functions.

Six exterior colours for the special edition will be available; Crystal White, Ice Silver, Horizon Blue, Magnetite Grey, Crimson Red and Brilliant Bronze.

The Forester 2.5X AWD also retains the regular car’s full suite of active and passive safety technologies.

2023 Subaru Forester pricing

• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i: $37,890
• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5X: $37,890 (NEW)
• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L: $40,290
• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium: $43,090
• 2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid L: $43,290
• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport: $44,840
• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S: $46,340
• 2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid S: $49,340

Prices exclude on-road costs

MORE: Everything Subaru Forester