The adventurous Kiwi SUV Icon, (also known as the Forester) has arrived in New Zealand and to help celebrate, Subaru NZ and Australia invited us to the South Island (Christchurch and beyond) to play with it. Not only does it get three, ‘strong-hybrid heart’ variants, but it’s smarter, safer and more capable too!
For over a quarter of a century, the Subaru Forester has been a familiar part of the New Zealand landscape. It’s the SUV you’d see hauling bikes to the forest, tackling an unsealed road to a remote bach, climbing a snowy mountain or simply navigating the daily school run with quiet, all-wheel-drive confidence. It has long been the vehicle of choice for Kiwis who demand more adventure and versatility from their daily driver.
Now, the wait is over. The sixth-generation Forester has officially arrived, and the big news is a significant leap forward in technology, particularly under the bonnet.
A Proper Hybrid System, Finally
The headline act for the all-new Forester is undoubtedly its next-generation ‘Strong Hybrid’ e-Boxer system. This isn’t just a mild-hybrid tweak; oh no, it’s a completely reengineered setup that combines a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a potent 90kW electric motor, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The result is a combined system output of 145kW, a massive 31.8% power boost over the outgoing mild-hybrid model.
This new system provides instant torque for responsive acceleration from a standstill and allows for electric-only driving at low speeds. But, perhaps most impressively for Kiwis who love a good road trip, this efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of range. Subaru claims a real-world driving range of over 1,000km on a single tank (ok the tank has grown from 48L – 63L too), reducing fuel stops and expanding the horizon for those weekend escapes.
But wait, there’s more. For those who prefer their performance petrol-only, a refined 2.5-litre Boxer engine powertrain is also available, paired with an upgraded Lineartronic CVT for smoother take-offs. This engine delivers 136kW of power and 247Nm of torque, offering a familiar and trusted option
Still a Proper Subaru? You Bet.
A key question for any new Forester is whether it retains the go-anywhere attitude that made it famous. The answer is an emphatic yes. In a milestone for its class in New Zealand, the Forester is the first to pair a strong hybrid system with their renowned, permanent, mechanical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. As expected, this isn’t an on-demand system; it’s Subaru’s signature ‘always-on’ AWD, ensuring confidence across every variant in the range.
That capability is backed by a generous 220mm of ground clearance and the standard inclusion of X-Mode to help conquer multiple terrains, with Hill Descent Control for extra peace of mind. Added to this, the chassis is 10% more rigid and for better on-road manners, the new Forester borrows the dual-pinion steering system first introduced on the WRX, which promises a sharper, more intuitive response and a more engaging drive.
A Modernised Cabin for Modern Kiwis
Inside, the Forester has been reimagined for contemporary life. The dashboard is dominated by a large 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen, which comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity is covered with both USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear, and top-end models feature wireless Qi charging and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. Select hybrid variants also introduce a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, offering customisable displays for everything from trip info to hybrid energy flow.
The exterior also gets a purposeful redesign. The front stance is more upright and confident with a sharp, chiselled grille and signature C-shaped LED headlights. Practicality is enhanced with wide-opening doors, while a lightweight aluminium bonnet improves pedestrian safety through better energy absorption in an impact. Depending on the variant, the Forester rides on distinctive 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, with some models featuring an exclusive bronze finish.
Safer Than Ever
Subaru’s commitment to safety takes another step forward, reinforced by a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Every model is equipped with the latest-generation EyeSight Driver Assist System, which is now enhanced with a new wide-angle monocular camera. A Driver Monitoring System that is a bit too judgmental, a Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor, and nine airbags. This comprehensive suite moves Subaru closer to its long-term goal of achieving zero fatal road accidents in its vehicles by 2030.
New to Forester is ‘EDSS7’, designed to safely bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive. The system issues escalating visual, audible and haptic alerts then gradually decelerates and stops the vehicle in its lane, activates hazard lights, unlocks all doors, and disables accelerator input. It is Subaru’s next major step in real world accident prevention.
First impressions
Our drive took us on a multi-surface route from downtown Christchurch to Heron Station, Terrace Downs and then back to the airport, essentially a 500-ish km chance to get better acquainted.
Aside from its fresh design, my first wow-moment with the new Forester is the spacious interior. For better interaction between occupants, Subaru has created more space between the front two seats and the result is a more open cockpit. Over the two day event, we moved through most of the trim range and two powertrains but my reviews began with at the top, the hybrid touring.
Heading out of Christchurch on the tarmac, the increased power is very evident yet the cabin is remarkably quiet (NVH has been given a lot of attention). The improved steering gives sharper, more confident feedback and the electric motor(s)/ICE switching is seamless.
The ‘energy-flow’ screen is fun to watch for geeks like me and the refined trim with leather and gloss, glass roof and top-notch sound system helped eat up the kms.
Visibility all round is great, ideal for the snow-capped visage, and the 360-degree camera view helps in tight-spaces. While on the matter of camera views, when we ventured off the beaten track at Heron station, the new Forester offers a view of the terrain below, great for avoiding tyre-slicing nasties.
Historically, gravel and unsealed roads are a staple for the Subaru Forester and if it’s possible, even moreso in this 6th generation. The more stoic frame (which the seats are now bonded to) somehow offers less jarring, less head jiggling and more confidence – enough that some of the journalists were intentionally harassing the symmetrical AWD for giggles (of course – not me).
With just mountains and streams as far as the eye can see, we put the new Forester’s off-road credentials to work, with a bit of water fording, some slippery surface driving and some approach/departure angles that raised a few eyebrows – the Forester passed with flying colours and scratch-free.
With six variants in the range (three petrol-only and three hybrids) the all-new Forester builds on its legacy by dialing everything up. It offers smarter tech, greater comfort, and a genuinely powerful and efficient hybrid system without compromising the rugged, go-anywhere attitude that has made it a staple in New Zealand driveways for decades.
