Subaru Forester 2.5i-S AWD SUV 2023 Review

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S – Subaru Forester  has been extremely popular model for Subaru and now comes in a wide model spread. We drove the 2.5i S model priced from $46,340 plus the usual costs.

MY22 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S.

The Forester competes against such SUV as the Toyota RAV 4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The Forester is the SUV you buy if you are serious about lifestyle adventures. With a ground clearance of 220mm it rivals many dual range 4WDs, and in reality will put a few of them to shame.

It comes with a 2.5 L boxer engine that has reasonable power and torque, a 7 step CVT and the impressive active torque split symmetrical AWD system with 2 stage X-Mode.

It also has an 1800kg towing capacity which is ideal for smaller camper trailers, boats and sea-doos.

The “S’ MODEL is packed with little luxuries like heated leather front seats, auto headlights and wipers, powered tailgate, auto dipping passenger exterior mirror when reversing and a premium audio system

On top of all that its has class leading eye sight safety systems.

There is a reason why Subaru’s are so popular in areas where its often snowing or icy conditions. They really are the best AWD SUV for grip on the market

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE FORESTER 2.5I-S RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Subaru Forester Details

  • Subaru Forester has been popular, selling over 300,000 in Australia since it was first launched
  • The reason is that its really very good.
  • There are so many good features in the Forester.
  • It was transformed a few years ago when it was revamped on the new global platform.
  • However little things like the central screen now seem dated when compared to the Outback and Crosstrek.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity would also be appreciated.
  • A lack of a turbo version is extremely disappointing.
  • It should be so easy to drop the new turbo 2.4L from the XT Outback into the Forester.

MY22 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S.

What is good?

  • AWD and towing Capability with X-Mode
  • Class leading safety features
  • Ride, Handling and Dynamics

What is not so good?

  • Smart phone mirroring not wireless
  • Central screen looks dated against the outback and Crosstrek
  • No Turbo version

Also Look At

AWD SUVs in this medium size are prolific. But some are better than others.

Buyers could look at Jeep Compass , Audi Q3, Toyota RAV4 Edge, Hyundai TucsonKia SportageMazda CX-5, Haval H6 HEV, Skoda Karoq VW Tiguan, or  Nissan X-Trail.

2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S central screen duo

Some Other Forester Articles

2019 Subaru Tasmania SUV Experience, June 19-21. Featuring Subaru Forester, Outback and XV vehicles. (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S Final thoughts

Subaru Forester is class leading in so many areas including: AWD and towing capacity, ground clearance, ride and handling.

Its the choice AWD SUV for more adventurous buyers and is ideal for bush trips, towing smaller camper trailers or Sea-doos and weekend getaways.

Forester is perfect for snow trips and where there are regular icy conditions.

You simply cant beat the full time AWD system.

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S boxer engine

Subaru Forester

Model

Forester 2.5i-S

Model Price $46,340 MLP*
Engine 2.5L 4 Cyl Boxer Petrol Euro 6
Drivetrain 7 Sp Lineartronic CVT Active Torque Split AWD
Power 136kW @ 5,800rpm
Torque 239Nm @ 4,400rpm
Safety Five-star ANCAP (tested Sept 2018)
0-100kmh / Top Speed  TBA
CO2 Emissions 168 g/km
Economy ADR 7.4L/100km / 63L capacity
Economy on test 8.7L/100k
Max Range 1000 km
Servicing 12Mth / 12,500km Capped Price
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km
Roadside Assist 5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges).

MY23 Subaru Forester on sale now.

Overall Rating    

90/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing/Off Road Capability* 10 (AWD 5/5 Towing 5/5 )
Technology / connectivity 8
Value for Money 10

*Towing and Off Road capability is measured relative to other vehicles in the class. It is not to be used as a measure against vehicles in other classes.

MY22 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S. profile

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 4640mm
Wheelbase 2670mm
Width 1815mm
Height 1730mm
Wheels 18×7.0 Alloy
Tyres 225/55 R18
Max ground clearance Up to 220mm
Wading Depth TBA
Approach TBA
Rampover TBA
Departure angle TBA
Turning Circle KTK 10.8m
Boot space min 498L
Boot space Max 1740L
Tub Depth N/A
Kerb Weight 1639kg
Payload (kg) TBA
GVM (kg) TBA
GCM TBA
Towing Capacity 1800kg
Tow Ball rating 180kg

MY22 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S.

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  • 9.0/10
    Rating - 9.0/10
9.0/10

Summary

Subaru Forester is class leading in so many areas including: AWD and towing capacity, ground clearance, ride and handling. 

Its the choice AWD SUV for more adventurous buyers and is ideal for bush trips, towing smaller camper trailers or Sea-doos and weekend getaways. 

Forester is perfect for snow trips and where there are regular icy conditions. 

You simply cant beat the full time AWD system. 

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About Rob Fraser 2507 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.