Subaru Forester Review | AWD SUV | Specs | Price in Australia

The Subaru Forester has been a household name in Australia for over two decades. Known for its rugged dependability, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and family-friendly versatility, it has built a reputation that appeals equally to city commuters and adventurous outback explorers. With the 2025 model year, Subaru continues to refine the formula, adding advanced safety tech, hybrid options, and a focus on comfort and efficiency without losing its off-road DNA.

This comprehensive Subaru Forester review will walk you through everything Australian buyers need to know – from specs and performance to interior features, fuel efficiency, pricing, and whether the Forester is still one of the best AWD SUVs for Australian conditions.

The Subaru Forester Legacy in Australia

Few vehicles have managed to maintain such consistent popularity as the Subaru Forester. Introduced in the late 1990s, it carved a unique niche as a crossover that blended the practicality of a wagon with SUV toughness. Australians quickly took to its versatile nature – it could handle the school run during the week and a camping trip in the bush on the weekend.

Subaru’s brand reputation for building durable, safe, and reliable vehicles only enhanced the Forester’s appeal. Over the years, it has received multiple ANCAP 5-star ratings, countless industry awards, and a loyal owner base who often drive their cars well past 300,000 km.

In 2025, the Forester continues to be offered in multiple trims, including petrol and hybrid (e-Boxer) variants, keeping pace with Australia’s growing demand for eco-friendly SUVs while retaining the brand’s core promise of all-wheel-drive confidence.

Design and Styling

The latest Subaru Forester strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement. Its upright stance and generous ground clearance (220 mm) give it the off-road credibility drivers expect, while subtle design tweaks – a reshaped grille, sleeker LED headlights, and sharper lines – modernize its look.

For Australian buyers, the design is less about flash and more about function. Wide-opening doors, roof rails, and large windows make it an incredibly practical SUV. Subaru’s design language prioritizes visibility, durability, and safety, which resonate with families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Colour options for 2025 include popular tones like Crystal White, Magnetite Grey, Ice Silver, and Jasper Green, along with sportier trims offering exclusive finishes.

Engine Options and Performance

At the heart of the Subaru Forester is the brand’s signature Boxer engine, which sits lower in the engine bay for improved balance and handling. Australian models are offered with:

• 2.5-litre Petrol Boxer Engine: Produces around 136 kW and 239 Nm. Paired with a Lineartronic CVT transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration and dependable torque, particularly useful for towing or climbing hills.
• e-Boxer Hybrid System: Combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for enhanced efficiency in city driving while maintaining AWD traction.

The symmetrical all-wheel drive system remains a standout. Unlike part-time AWD competitors, Subaru’s setup is always engaged, constantly distributing torque to maintain grip in slippery or uneven conditions. Add to this the X-Mode terrain management system and hill descent control, and the Forester becomes one of the most capable SUVs in its class for gravel tracks, beach runs, and light off-roading.

Driving Experience

The driving dynamics of the Forester make it a unique proposition. It’s not just an SUV for the suburbs – it’s one that feels at home on dirt tracks, mountain roads, and long highway journeys.

Australian owners consistently praise the Forester’s stability and confidence in wet conditions, thanks to the low centre of gravity and AWD system. The steering is light yet precise, and the suspension is tuned to absorb bumps without compromising handling.

Noise insulation has been improved in newer models, making highway cruising quieter. While it’s not the quickest SUV off the mark, the Forester excels in offering predictable, controlled performance – perfect for family buyers and adventurers alike.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy has always been an area where Subaru has balanced performance with practicality.

• 2.5-litre Petrol: Around 7.4–7.8 L/100 km combined cycle.
• e-Boxer Hybrid: Approximately 6.7 L/100 km, with the electric motor assisting during stop-start traffic and light acceleration.

For Australian conditions, the hybrid shines in city commuting, while the petrol option offers more effortless long-distance cruising. Both require 91 RON unleaded, keeping running costs manageable compared to premium-fuel SUVs.

Interior and Cabin Comfort

Step inside the Forester, and practicality takes centre stage. The cabin is airy, with excellent visibility thanks to large windows and slim pillars. This is a big advantage for urban driving and off-roading alike.

Highlights include:

• Spacious Seating: Plenty of legroom and headroom in both rows, with supportive seats designed for long trips.
• Infotainment: Subaru’s latest touchscreen system (8–11.6 inches depending on trim) with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation.
• Storage: Generous boot space (509 litres, expandable to 1,779 litres with rear seats folded) – perfect for luggage, camping gear, or surfboards.
• Comfort Features: Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery in higher trims.

Subaru has also improved cabin materials, giving the interior a more premium feel while maintaining the durability that owners value.

Technology and Features

The Forester is equipped with technology designed to make driving safer and more enjoyable.

• Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning.
• Driver Monitoring System: Uses facial recognition to detect driver fatigue or distraction.
• Connectivity: Multiple USB ports, wireless charging (on select models), and premium Harman Kardon audio system on upper trims.
• Practical Features: Hands-free powered tailgate, roof rail systems, and 60/40 split rear seats for flexible cargo arrangements.

These features ensure the Forester appeals to tech-savvy buyers while keeping Subaru’s reputation for safety intact.

Safety Ratings

Safety has always been Subaru’s strong suit, and the Forester continues to uphold that reputation. It consistently receives 5-star ANCAP safety ratings, making it a top choice for families.

Key safety inclusions:

• 7 airbags including side curtain coverage
• Subaru’s EyeSight system across all trims
• Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring
• Strong crash protection from the Subaru Global Platform

Australian families looking for a safe and dependable SUV will find the Forester checks all the boxes.

Pricing in Australia (2025 Guide)

The Subaru Forester lineup in Australia is competitively priced, especially given its AWD capability and safety features offered as standard.

Approximate pricing (drive-away may vary by state and dealer):

• Forester 2.5i (Base): From ~$39,000
• Forester 2.5i-L / Premium: ~$43,000 – $47,000
• Forester Sport / Hybrid L: ~$49,000 – $51,000
• Forester Hybrid S (Top-spec): ~$55,000+

This positions the Forester against rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda CR-V – but with the unique advantage of standard AWD across all trims.

Subaru Forester vs Competitors

When compared to rivals, the Forester’s all-wheel drive and off-road capability stand out.

• Toyota RAV4: Offers a hybrid with better fuel economy, but AWD is not standard across the range.
• Mazda CX-5: More stylish interior but lacks the same rugged practicality.
• Hyundai Tucson: Competitive tech features but less ground clearance.
• Honda CR-V: Spacious but weaker off-road performance.

For Australian buyers who value safety, adventure-readiness, and reliability, the Forester often edges out these competitors despite being slightly less flashy.

Maintenance and Ownership

Subaru offers capped-price servicing for the Forester, helping owners manage costs. Service intervals are typically every 12 months or 12,500 km. Subaru’s network across Australia also ensures parts and servicing are readily accessible, even in regional areas.

Ownership benefits:

• 5-year/unlimited km warranty
• Roadside assistance included
• Strong resale value thanks to brand reputation

Who Should Buy the Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for:

• Families who need space, safety, and dependability.
• Adventurers who want a capable SUV for weekends in the outback, beach trips, or towing small trailers.
• City drivers who value visibility, comfort, and hybrid efficiency.
• Long-term owners seeking reliability and low maintenance headaches.

Final Verdict: Is the Forester Still a Top Pick?

In a competitive SUV market, the Subaru Forester continues to stand tall. While it may not be the most stylish or the fastest, its combination of AWD performance, safety, practicality, and reliability makes it one of the most well-rounded SUVs Australians can buy in 2025.

For buyers who want an SUV that feels equally comfortable in Sydney traffic and on Queensland backroads, the Forester remains a top contender. If you value confidence in all conditions, family-friendly practicality, and proven durability, the Subaru Forester deserves to stay on your shortlist.