Subaru Forester

    Subaru Forester

    $37,890 - $50,140 excl. on-roads

    About the Subaru Forester

    Last updated Jun 07, 2024

    Although Subaru has just revealed the new-generation Forester over in the United States, the Japanese carmaker’s local division is sticking with the outgoing model for now and has given it some minor tweaks for the 2024 model year.

    The 2024 Subaru Forester is set to arrive in Australia early next year. The company has now also reopened orders for the previously sold-out Forester Hybrid.

    Subaru Australia says there is “limited MY23 Forester stock” still available at dealers.

    All 2024 Subaru Forester models have had a price increase of $800. This means the range now starts at $38,690 before on-roads for the 2.5i, and extends to $50,140 before on-roads for the Hybrid S.

    Fuel Efficiency6.7 - 7.4 L / 100km
    ANCAP Rating5-star
    Warranty5 years
    Subaru
    7.8

    Video Review

    Subaru Forester Video Review

    Skip to chapter

    Intro
    Exterior
    Interior
    Infotainment
    Safety Tech
    Practicality
    On the Road
    0-100 km/h
    Verdict

    2022 Subaru Forester SUV review (inc. 0-100)

    Has Subaru finally nailed the perfect SUV? After a few minor mechanical tweaks and some styling changes, the 2022 Subaru Forester adds some kit that was missing the first time around. Is it any good? Paul Maric gives you a detailed review so you can see for yourself.

    Reviews

    Our expert's reviews of the Subaru Forester

    News

    All the latest Subaru Forester news

    Subaru Forester Range Guide

    Which variant of the Subaru Forester range is best for you?

    The 2024 Subaru Forester 2.5i comes standard with the following:

    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Automatic, active cornering LED headlights
    • LED front fog lights (NEW)
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • 6.3-inch multi-function display
    • 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • DAB+ digital radio
    • Six-speaker sound system
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Paddle shifters
    • Leather-wrapped gear selector
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Black or Platinum/Black fabric upholstery

    The 2.5i-L and Hybrid L add the following:

    • Adaptive high-beam
    • Rear AEB
    • Driver monitoring system
    • Front and side cameras
    • Heated front seats
    • Black premium cloth upholstery (Hybrid L only)

    The 2.5i Premium adds:

    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Power tailgate
    • Satellite navigation
    • Black or Platinum/Black premium cloth upholstery
    • Eight-way power front seats with driver’s memory

    The 2.5i Sport adds:

    • Sunroof
    • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
    • Orange and gunmetal interior highlights
    • Grey/Black water-repellent cloth upholstery

    The 2.5i-S and Hybrid S adds:

    • Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
    • Black leather upholstery
    • Platinum/black leather upholstery (2.5i-S only)

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    Interior

    Photos and Images of the Subaru Forester Interior

    For 2024, The entire range now goes without a CD player, with the media icon on the infotainment screen removed to reflect this change.

    You are treated to a practical, sensible interior with plenty of space for the whole family.

    The seats are trimmed in what feels like high-quality leather, and neatly balance softness with support. With heating and electric adjustment, you couldn’t ask for much more.

    Facing the driver is a leather-trimmed steering wheel featuring plenty of buttons. There are 17 on the wheel, and that doesn’t include the paddle shifters. Bundle in controls for the active safety down by the driver’s right knee, as well as a trip reset button behind the wheel, and there’s a bit going on.

    The rear seats were a strong point when this Forester generation launched, and time hasn’t changed that. With a tall, boxy roofline and massive windows, it feels much brighter back there than in some of its more style-focused rivals.

    Even with a panoramic sunroof fitted the Forester has enough headroom for tall teens, and legroom is good behind taller adults. The bench itself is plush, and is wide enough for three people to sit across without too much trouble.

    You get air vents, two USB ports, a fold-down armrest, and two-tiered pockets behind the front seats, along with door pockets that comfortably swallow a water bottle.

    Speaking of the rear doors, the fact they open to almost 90 degrees makes it easier to load a child seat into the Forester than some of its rivals.

    +20
    +18

    Exterior

    Photos and Images of the Subaru Forester Exterior

    For 2024, the rear spoiler and shark-fin antenna have been changed from body colour to Crystal Black Silica, while all models now come standard with LED front fog lights.

    The 2.5i, 2.5i-L and 2.5i Premium previously had halogen units. The Forester 2.5i Premium’s front fog light surrounding accents have been changed from a painted dark metal colour to all resin, and the sports pedals have been removed from the 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport, 2.5i-S and Hybrid S.

    Subaru refreshed the exterior design of the Forester for the 2022 model year which brought a revised front bumper and grille, as well as new headlights and fog lights, among other minor design changes.

    Subaru Forester Colours

    What colours are available for the Subaru Forester?

    The 2024 Subaru Forester is available in the following exterior paint colours, depending on the variant:

    • Crystal White Pearl
    • Ice Silver Metallic
    • Brilliant Bronze Metallic
    • Crimson Red Pearl
    • Autumn Green Metallic
    • Horizon Blue Pearl
    • Cascade Green Silica
    • Magnetite Grey Metallic
    • Crystal Black Silica
    • Sapphire Blue Pearl

    Cost of Ownership

    What is the running, servicing and ownership costs of buying a Subaru Forester?

    Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 12,500km, whichever comes first. Subaru also offers three- and five-year servicing plans.

    For non-hybrid models they cost $1387.25 and $2674.64, respectively, while the Hybrid’s cost $1398.62 and $2693.61.

    How it Drives

    Our expert take on Subaru Forester drivability?

    Non-hybrid variants of the 2024 Subaru Forester are powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder flat-four engine producing 136kW of power and 239Nm of torque.

    This is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.

    Hybrid variants of the 2024 Subaru Forester on the other hand are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 100kW and 196Nm, mated with an electric motor producing 12kW and 66Nm and a lithium-ion battery pack.

    Drive is also sent through a CVT to an all-wheel drive system.

    Subaru Forester Safety Rating

    ANCAP Safety Rating Australia

    All 2024 Subaru Forester models receive the following safety equipment:

    • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Lane departure warning
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Lane centring
    • Autonomous emergency steering
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Reverse camera with washer
    • Rear parking sensors

    All bar the base 2.5i come standard with a facial recognition camera to detect driver drowsiness or distraction, as well as rear AEB and front and side cameras.

    5
    overall
    94%
    adult occupants
    86%
    child occupants
    80%
    pedestrians & cyclists
    78%
    collision avoidance

    Subaru Forester Warranty

    What is the warranty period and kilometre limit for the Subaru Forester?

    The 2023 Subaru Forester has a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year and 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery.

    Subaru offers three- and five-year servicing plans.

    Subaru Forester Infotainment

    What infotainment do you get within the range?

    the infotainment system is functional. Wireless smartphone mirroring would be nice, given it’s rolling out in the Forester’s rivals, but you still get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the factory system blends a logical layout with bright, crisp graphics.

    It also has factory mapping. The shortcut buttons and volume/tuning dials below the screen are both welcome in a world that’s going touch-only, but the taller screens in the new Outback and WRX make the dash in the Forester look a bit old.

    Like the Outback and WRX, the Forester has a facial recognition system. It can remember up to five drivers, and moves the seats and configures the infotainment system when it works out who’s behind the wheel. It also chimes when you take your eyes off the road, which sounds good in theory but tends to jump at shadows in practice.

    The clear analogue dials flank a 4.2-inch trip computer with a huge range of layouts, including a digital speedo. At just shy of $50k though, they’re old-fashioned compared with the digital options Hyundai and Kia offer in their mid-sized SUVs.

    It partners a horizontal display atop the dashboard, capable of showing fuel economy, media information, a breakdown of your active safety systems, or details about your all-wheel drive system.

    The hybrid also features displays showing what’s happening with your petrol engine and e-motor, which usually serves to show you how little the electric bits are doing… but more on that later.

    They’re both useful, but both have their quirks. You lose your dash-top display in favour of an EyeSight graphic when cruise is engaged, for example, and unless you’re particular with how you set the screens up it’s easy to have the same information on show in three places.

    Subaru Forester Boot Space

    How much luggage or cargo capacity and boot space is there in the Subaru Forester?

    Boot space with the rear seats upright is 498 litres in petrol an 509 litres in the hybrid variants.

    This expands to 1779 litres in the hybrid variants, while that figure is 1768 litres in all regular petrol models except for the Sport and 2.5i-S where it’s 1740 litres.

    Subaru Forester Fuel Economy

    How much fuel does the Subaru Forester use and what are its emissions?

    The 2024 Subaru Forester is claimed to consume 7.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, or 6.7 litres per 100km in the hybrid.

    All Foresters can run on 91 RON regular unleaded petrol. The regular petrol models have a 63-litre fuel tank while the hybrid has a 48-litre tank.

    Depending on the variant, view the 2024 SUBARU FORESTER fuel usage below.

    All Highway, City, and Combined figures below are litres per 100km

    VariantSeriesStyleFuel TypeHighwayCityCombinedE10?
    2.5X (AWD)MY234D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i (AWD) LUXURYMY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i-L (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i PREMIUM (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    HYBRID L (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL/ELECTRIC--6.7-
    2.5i SPORT (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i-S (AWD) 50 YEARS EDITIONMY234D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i-S (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    2.5i-S (AWD) STI SPORTMY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL--7.4-
    HYBRID S (AWD)MY244D WAGONUNLEADED PETROL/ELECTRIC--6.7-

    Subaru Forester Dimensions

    The dimensions of the Subaru Forester

    The 2023 Subaru Forester measures 4640mm long, 1815mm wide, and 1730mm tall with a 2670mm wheelbase.

    Braked towing capacity is 1800kg on petrol models and 1200kg on hybrid models.

    The 2024 SUBARU FORESTER measures 4640mm long, 1815mm wide and 1730mm tall, with a 2670mm tall wheelbase.

    The 2024 SUBARU FORESTER has a braked towing capacity from 1200kg to 1800kg depending on the variant and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

    Subaru Forester Market Fit

    Where does it fit in the competitor segment?

    The Subaru Forester is categorised as a Medium SUV and has a price range of $37,890 to $50,140.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Enquiring through CarExpert is one of the easiest ways to order a new 2024 Subaru Forester. We connect you with an accredited dealer/s and equip you with information on current deals, what others have paid, plus, our independent reviews and ratings. You can also call our friendly Concierge team whenever you need support - they remain on hand throughout the process to ensure you get the service (and value!) we demand of our partnered dealers.


    When you buy a new 2024 Subaru Forester through CarExpert, speed, confidence and great value come standard.

    The Subaru Forester range kicks off from $37,890 (plus on-road costs) for the "Forester 2.5X (AWD)" variant and finishes at $50,140 (plus on-road costs) for the "Forester HYBRID S (AWD)" variant.

    The Subaru Forester is built in Japan and is then shipped to Australia.

    The Subaru Forester has a braked towing capacity from 1200kg to 1800kg depending on the variant and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

    Subaru suggested that owners service their Subaru Forester every 12 months or 12,000km, whichever comes first.

    The Subaru Forester has a five star ANCAP safety rating out of five.

    The variants of the Subaru Forester use Unleaded Petrol or Unleaded Petrol/electric.

    The Subaru Forester has 4 doors.

    In our latest review the Subaru Forester scored 7.8 out of 10. Read the full Subaru Forester review here.

    The Subaru Forester had a 5 year, unlimited km warranty.

    Exclusive Subaru Forester Deals

    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.
    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.
    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.
    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.
    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.
    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.
    Subaru October Demonstrator Event
    Bonus $750 Fuel Card
    This October Subaru is fueling your adventures with a $750 fuel card free with selected Subaru demonstrator models sold.
    * Only available at participating retailers. Applicable to selected Subaru demonstrator vehicles (excluding Solterra)only. Excluding new and used Subaru Vehicles. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Applicable vehicles must be sold between the 1st and the 31st of October 2024. Vehicles must be delivered before the 31st of October 2024. The supplied Fuel voucher is provided as a prepaid Visa Gift Card which is issued to the customer at the point of vehicle delivery and is subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier. The Fuel voucher must be activated by Subaru Australia prior to use and activation may take up to 10 days. The Fuel Voucherand is redeemable for purchases at all service stations (5541 merchant category code) where Visa prepaid gift cards are accepted. For full terms and conditions visit https://www.categorychoice.com.au/terms-conditions/
    Refer to Manufacturer or Dealer website for more details.