- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.5i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
136kW, 239Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2019)
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L review – She says, he says…
The Subaru Forester is Subaru to its core.
Bringing a practical body with a focus on safety, all-wheel-drive traction and everyday usability, the Forester combines the brand’s key attributes in a manner that has remained popular with customers since the car was first introduced in 1997.
He says: The fifth-generation Forester recently arrived in Australia. This model represents evolution rather than revolution, bringing much of what customers expect from the Subaru family. It’s bigger, better-equipped and the model we’re testing here, the Forester 2.5i-L, costs the same as before at $35,490. What were your first impressions?
She says: The Forester strikes me as a box on wheels. I think this is one of the less attractive-looking cars in its class. While the front-end styling remains sensible and hasn’t evolved a great deal from the previous generation, the lobster-claw taillights look a little out-of-place. However, it wasn’t ever intended to be a glamorous-looking car. It was built for versatility and practicality, so being a box on wheels is actually a good thing. What do you think, Dave?
He says: Yeah, the Forester stacks up as one of the most practical cars in its class. That slab-sided body translates to a cabin with copious head room in the front and rear, as well as a spacious load area that is easy to use. Unlike most models in this class, the Forester comes with a full-sized 17-inch spare wheel and tyre, as well as the ability to hold nearly 500 litres of cargo. I’m a big guy and I have plenty of room in either the front or back seats - were you comfortable in the cabin?
She says: Yeah Dave, the front seats felt supportive and had good bolstering. The rear seats - not so much - so back seat passengers might feel the need to brace themselves if the driver gets too enthusiastic around a corner. The new Forester has been criticised for an overly-complicated interior (three display screens and a button-laden dash) and while it can be intimidating at first, once you get settled in, they’re fine. The instruments were all within good reach, too. Another thing I liked was the sun visor extensions, which many cars don’t get.
He says: I love the Forester’s driving position. It’s very easy to get comfortable and as you say, the key controls are well-placed. The Forester 2.5i-L we’re driving now represents the second tier in the range, sitting $2000 above the entry-point model. Our Forester is well-equipped with a generous level of standard specification including 17-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling LED headlights and Subaru’s comprehensive EyeSight safety suite which includes active cruise control, autonomous braking, lane keeping assistance and more.
She says: This Forester misses out on some of the equipment reserved for more expensive models like electric seats and a bigger 8-inch infotainment screen, instead getting a compact 6.5-inch unit that feels a little bit cheap. In saying that, I like that all spec-levels get the EyeSight suite, especially the adaptive cruise control which is great for traffic - just not heavy traffic where it tends to cut-off people trying to merge into your lane, so you’ve got to pick and choose where to use that. Also, the lane assist can be a little aggressive and at times feels as though the car is driving you.
He says: Though the active cruise control is impressive, I agree that lane-keeping needs work - I often find myself looking for the off button when testing new cars. Tech aside, the Forester is a well-resolved small-SUV. It rides well, has an adequate amount of power and generally does a good job of getting you from A to B, though we have experienced the odd hiccup from its CVT transmission.
She says: I’m not as experienced with CVTs, so to me the transmission felt smooth and well-paired to the engine. Like all Subarus, the Forester is powered by a boxer engine, but unlike performance models such as the WRX, it makes do without a turbo. You really have to work the Forester’s engine hard to get the most out of it, and the results were not as impressive as I hoped. It doesn’t feel as effortless as others in its class, like the Volkswagen Tiguan. I agree that the Forester rides well - feeling composed and balanced over bumps. Overall, you really get your money’s worth - there aren’t a lot of places you can’t take this versatile creature. Heck, you could even drop the back seats and sleep in it if you felt so inclined.
He says: You’re right to say the engine is a weak point for the Forester, though it does feel stronger than smaller motors found in the Impreza and XV. On the whole, the Forester represents a comprehensive package, though Subaru’s three-year warranty is a little stingy in the current climate. Subaru is on to a winner with this one, which really does represent the best elements of the brand today.
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L pricing and specifications:
Price: $35,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 136kW at 5800 rpm
Torque: 239Nm at 4400rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 7.4L/100km