Subaru Forester Review (2018-2024)

What is the Subaru Forester?

Go back to 1997, and the original Subaru Forester was a four-wheel drive estate. Over the years it has steadily moved towards conventional SUV territory, although there's still something quite estate-like about the Forester's shape and styling when viewed from the side.

It's a niche offering that serves as a rival for everything from conventional family SUVs to some of the more prestigious German brands. The fifth-generation Forester, reviewed here, was replaced by a new model in 2024.

How practical is it?

This version of the Forester offers good practicality as well as being good to drive. It's longer and wider than earlier generations, with a comfortable driving position and plenty of head- and legroom, whether you are travelling in the front or the back of the car. Air vents between the front seats should keep rear-seat passengers at a comfortable temperature.

With 520 litres of space for luggage, the boot capacity is healthy, and levers either side of the tailgate quickly fold the back seats flat if more room is needed.

What's it like to drive?

Subaru has kept things simple with the latest Forester. Whereas the model it replaced was available with petrol and diesel engines, and a high-performance XT model, there's just one engine and gearbox combination for today's Forester. The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder boxer engine with some gentle electrical assistance. It can run on electric power alone at speeds of up 25mph in theory, although in practice the petrol engine is likely to wake up before this speed is reached.

With 148bhp and just 145lb ft of torque, this isn't a quick car, and anyone with fond memories of the Subaru Impreza WRX will be disappointed. But the Lineartronic automatic gearbox does a reasonable job of using the available muscle. Although it's a continuously variable transmission (CVT) – a type of automatic gearbox that often makes for noisy acceleration as the engine revs hard while the gear ratio changes to build speed – there are fixed 'steps' in the Lineartronic CVT that the driver can control using paddles behind the steering wheel.

If you can live with the car's modest acceleration, the Forester is a likeable car to drive. It sits on the Subaru Global Platform, which also underpins the Levorg and XV models. The platform contributes to the Forester's comfortable ride and tidy handling. The suspension smooths bumps in the road well, but resists lean when cornering quickly. The steering is direct and accurate. In fact, you get the feeling the Forester could comfortably handle more power.

It's also an impressive off-roader, thanks to the all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Every Forester is a true 4x4. The sophisticated AWD system shifts power to the wheels with the most traction. If you head off road, the X-Mode system helps the driver to get the most of the Subaru's abilities. It has two settings - Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud - to adjust the engine response, transmission, brakes and 4x4 system to suit the conditions.

The Forester is also fitted with Hill Descent Control to maintain a constant low speed when driving down a steep slope, leaving the driver to concentrate on steering. It probably won't take you as far into the wilderness as a Land Rover will, but it's much more able in the rough stuff than a typical crossover or small SUV.

The Forester e-Boxer's hybrid engine has three modes. In EV driving mode, the car travels on electric power alone at speeds of up to 25mph with a range of around a mile. However, in practice it takes a very gentle right foot to reach 25mph without waking up the engine.

Motor Assist Driving is for what Subaru describes as "medium speeds". The petrol engine and electric motor work together. The electric motor produces lots of torque from low speeds, which helps when offroading or towing.

Engine Driving is for higher speeds, such as motorway driving. The petrol engine is the only source of power used, while the battery recharges.

Subaru Forester running costs

If you are looking at the Subaru Forester as a new car, you'll need surprisingly deep pockets to buy one. At the time of writing (spring 2021), prices started at over £36,000. That's a lot of money for a car of this size and performance, although in fairness the Subaru is very well equipped.

Arguably the Forester makes more sense as a used car, although modest sales on the new car market mean it's only available in relatively small numbers on the used market.

There's just one engine and gearbox combination, so there's very little difference between the Forester XE and XE Premium in terms of running costs.

You'd think that a hybrid would promise good fuel economy and low emissions, and Subaru says the system delivers a 10% improvement in fuel economy in urban driving. In reality, while the hybrid system takes the edge off the petrol engine's thirst, this isn't a particularly fuel-efficient car.

The official combined economy is 34.7mpg, which is a poor mpg figure compared with rivals such as the Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq. Carbon dioxide emissions of 185g/km are also uncompetitive. It's a shame Subaru no longer offers a diesel, or a plug-in hybrid with a bigger battery and a longer all-electric range.

On the plus side, insurance bills should be reasonable. The XE model sits in group 19, while the XE Premium is in group 20. However, that compares with group 15 for the equivalent Skoda Karoq Scout, so the Skoda should be cheaper to insure.

At the time this car review was written, both models cost less than £40,000, even with an upgraded paint finish. That's good news when the car tax bill falls due, as it avoids the £325 annual premium for cars which cost more than £40,000. As the Forester is a hybrid, it's classed as an alternative fuel car and so the annual Vehicle Excise Duty cost is £140, rather than £150 for a non-hybrid petrol car.

Subaru Forester reliability

We'd be surprised if the Forester didn't prove itself to be a tough and reliable car. Subaru normally performs well in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys.

If something does go wrong, the Forester's new car warranty lasts for five years and up to 100,000 miles. That beats the likes of Seat and Skoda by two years, and is broadly similar to the cover a Hyundai Tucson (five-year/unlimited mileage) or Toyota RAV4 (five-year/100,000 miles) owner would enjoy. If you plan to keep your Subaru for a long time, the warranty can be extended at extra cost. This could be a smart move, as although the cars are very reliable, they can cost more to repair than those of some other brands.

If you are thinking of buying a used Subaru Forester, check the underside of the car for signs of offroading. Look for any damage from rock strikes. If the car is fitted with a towbar, listen out for signs of strain or any odd noises from the transmission. The Forester is capable of towing, but regularly pulling a heavy caravan or trailer may take its toll.

Subaru Proven is the brand's approved used scheme. All cars come with a warranty lasting at least a year, and have been through an extensive pre-sales check. There's also a year's home and roadside assistance included.