New Subaru Forester comes with hefty price rises
Subaru’s MY25 Forester introduces a new Toyota-derived hybrid drivetrain promising more power and efficiency, but also prices hikes across the range.
Up ahead
What is different about the new Subaru Forester?
How much will the new Forester cost?
What features does the new Forester have?
The Subaru Forester medium SUV has long been a favourite of families and adventurers, combining safety, capability and reliability at a budget-friendly price, but the new MY25 model pushes the top of the-line-variant to almost $60,000 by the time on-road costs are included, while raising the price of the entry-level model by a hefty $4,800.
Justifying the price hikes to some extent is the fact the new sixth-generation model has been re-engineered inside and out, with a significant boost in standard specification on the entry Forester AWD variant, more features across the range, and an improved hybrid drivetrain on three of the seven variants.
What is different about the new Forester?
The biggest technical change is the introduction of Subaru’s next-generation ‘strong’ Hybrid e-Boxer system on three variants, which combines the company’s familiar 2.5-litre ‘Boxer’ engine with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh battery, to deliver what is claimed to be a smoother, quieter and more responsive driving experience.
The so-called e-Boxer drivetrain pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an 88kW electric motor and a 1.1kW battery system, driving through an eight-speed CVT.
Other models in the range come equipped with Subaru’s proven 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder petrol engine, driving all four wheels via Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission.
Importantly, given Subaru’s earlier efforts at hybridisation failed to deliver significant fuel consumption savings, the new hybrid drivetrain is around 0.5L/100km more fuel efficient than the previous Forester hybrid, returning combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.2L/100km versus 7.9L/100km for the non-hybrid variants.
The hybrid system also brings a meaningful increase in power and torque, with maximum power of 145kW for the hybrid versus 136kW for the non-hybrid, and the electric motor contributing an additional 276kW to the combustion engine’s 212Nm, where the non-hybrid offers 247Nm all up.
The petrol-electric system is a Subaru-specific development of part-owner Toyota’s hybrid system, combining a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh battery and enabling the electric motor to power all four-wheels, contributing to a claimed driving range of over 1,000km per tank. The system adds around 95kg to the kerb weight of each model.
How much will the new Forester cost?
The new Forester range extends to seven different variants comprising four petrol and three petrol-hybrids, with pricing starting at $43,490 (MRLP) and rising to $55,990 (MRLP).
Pricing for the new non-hybrid models starts at $43,490 for the Forester AWD, rising to $46,490 for the Forester AWD Premium, $48,490 for Forester AWD Touring, and $50,990 for the Forester AWD Sport.
The Forester hybrid lineup starts at $46,490 for the Forester AWD Hybrid, rising to $54,990 for the Forester AWD Hybrid Sport, and tops out at $55,990 for the Forester AWD Hybrid Touring.
What features does the new Forester have?
Subaru claims the new Forester interior has been revamped to elevate comfort, connectivity and cabin refinement.Key features across the range include an 11.6-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless smartphone charging pad, 360-degree Surround View Monitor.
All variants are also claimed to be quieter and more refined thanks to additional cabin insulation and vibration damping, seating ergonomics have also been improved, while select hybrid variants adopt a new 12.3-inch digital driver display.
Audio quality has also been improved across the range, with most models featuring a six-speaker setup with front and rear door speakers and instrument panel tweeters, while range topping variants get a premium Harman Kardon system.
Stylistically, the new Forester features a bolder, more athletic-looking exterior design incorporating a redesigned grille, flared wheel arches, and distinctive C-shaped LED headlights.
There are also standard roof rails plus a handy 220mm of ground clearance, and a new kick-sensor powered tailgate embossed with the "Forester" name on select variants.
All MY25 Foresters come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, plus X-Mode all-terrain system which provides enhanced grip and stability on slippery surfaces and challenging terrain.
On the safety front, the new Forester features the latest-generation of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology with new emergency driving stop feature.
Other notable safety inclusions are a 360-degree view monitor, and nine SRS airbags.
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