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.

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5X AWD gets aftermarket head unit

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.