The mid-sized SUV segment has long been chock-full of choice but one which has managed to gain a firm foothold is the Subaru Forester. As one of the offerings which prides itself of having the aptitude for devouring the rough stuff wholeheartedly better than several of its contemporaries, something which is well in keeping with Subaru’s ethos of go-anywhere adventure, there is no doubt the Forester has an appeal, and a mighty strong following.
For 2025, the Forester has been revamped with a new face and refined technology to keep things fresh and interesting for the old favourite in Subaru’s lineup. So, what has changed this time around for the 6th generation?
Well let’s start with the outside and straight away the changes are noticeable. You have some new look LED headlights, black detailing fore and aft, a revised LED taillight cluster and a mix of sharp angles and even a few flowing lines. There is clever aerodynamics at play here too with a lower profile front guard channels air away from the front tyres and things like a new roofline, side details and front spoilers make this Forester the slipperiest yet through the air.
There are also a set of new-look 18-inch alloys but, to me anyway, look a bit dwarfed by the profile and size of the car. This is the only gripe I have visually because overall it’s a much cleaner looking design.
There are three spec levels available for the new Forster, with petrol and hybrid versions of each, bringing the total number to six models in the lineup. My test car was the entry level Forester AWD Hybrid at $52,990, however the range starts at $49,990 for the entry level AWD Petrol and finishes at $60,990 for the flagship AWD Hybrid Touring with all the fruit.
My Hybrid came with Subaru’s 2.5L e-Boxer petrol engine coupled to a 90kWh electric motor and 1.1kWh battery pack. Total combined power sits at 145kW which is outdoes the previous generation by 31 per cent. Torque sits at 212Nm and this is sent to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system via their new TH2B Hybrid Transaxle.
Instead of a conventional CVT, this transmission works in a dual motor set up, with the first taking care of propulsion while the other works to regenerate energy and gets things moving from a standstill. Because of this revamped petrol and hybrid electric combo, Subaru claims total driving range of up to 1000km and a 6.2l/100km combined fuel economy rating.
Underneath the new Forester sits on Subaru’s Global Platform which is stronger and more rigid than before and revised spring rates and suspension mounting points means the 6th generation car can handle a far greater level of the rough stuff than the one before it, while returning a more supple ride on tarmac.
Inside you have a very Subaru-esque cabin with plenty of durable switchgear and buttons we have come to expect from the brand. Front and rear doors open rather wide to allow a greater ease of entry and exit, especially for those in the rear. There is a tonne of legroom too both for front and rear passengers, an extra 4mm front and 11mm rear no less. Drop the second row and you have a combined 1719L of space to store whatever.
Centre stage is the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Recent Subaru systems have been very crisp and intuitive, and this system is no exception. Standard equipment includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Wireless Charging, nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors all around and Subaru’s latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist system with a plethora of safety features. You also have Subaru’s Vision Assist package and Driver Monitoring System which never fails to let you know when you are eyes aren’t completely focused on the road ahead.
First off, I am happy to report the hybrid system this time around is far superior to the previous model. By that I mean it will actually hold its time in EV mode for longer periods of driving, whereas in the previous generation, the petrol engine would cut in within seconds of moving off so to have it in EV mode for longer periods at speeds of 30kph or sometimes 50 kph if you feather the throttle is nice to see. It will also see-saw between EV mode and petrol mode quite seamlessly, with no significant sensation to show the transition.
The power and torque delivery are a very linear you are never looking for extra get up and go, especially since you have that extra 31 per cent extra power on tap over the previous generation. The Forester shifts along nicely too and the boxer engine, while not exhibiting the most exciting engine note, is certainly a decently strong puller. When everything settles down to a sedate cruise, despite some tyre roar, the new Forester would make for an ideal tool for the Mt Hutt day trip or a jaunt to Queenstown.
As mentioned previously, the Forester does enjoy roughing it off the beaten path and lo and behold, its business as usual. With 220mm of ground clearance, even the most mountainous of bumps and rolling downs can be devoured with considerable ease, especially those situated between the road bridges overlooking the Waimakariri Riverbed, one of a handful of places in the greater Christchurch area.
Subaru’s proven X-Mode off road system is packed with features which allow you to make mincemeat of all manner of terrain, within reason of course. Aside from Normal mode, you have Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. These modes help regulate engine torque and X-Mode’s Brake-Limited-Slip Control sends power away from wheels which are beginning to slip to the wheels with the most grip. Hill Descent Control is also on hand and will even come into play, as I found when having to reverse down said rolling downs.
Coupled to its 50:50 torque split for the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, and you have a very clever bit of kit. In fact, one would certainly get the impression Forester owners will see most of their on-road driving as merely waiting before they get another chance to rough it.
All in all, the 6th generation Forester AWD Hybrid is much improved in my eyes over the previous model. Plus, its extra kudos in terms of immense off-road capability will likely draw even more over to the Subaru way of adventure motoring.
RATING: 7.5/10
