Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester still incorporates Subaru’s "Dynamic x Solid" design language, but the refresh lends a more aggressive exterior design to match its adventurous and outdoorsy demeanor. Some of the prominent features are the signature hexagonal grille and full-bodied hood complemented by its those uniquely shaped headlamps. Apart from the unpainted trims on the wheel arches that remains unchanged, the latest Forester features accents on the lower door panels and lower front bumper that’s finished in silver for contrast. Other features include 18-inch wheels sporting a new design and silver colored roof rails instead of black.

Dimensions

Lighting

All variants are fitted with LED headlamps and LED tail lamps. On the entry 2.0i-L variant, the DRL and front fog lamp are halogen units while the variants are LED. On the 2.0i-S variant and up, the head lights swerve according to the steering input.

Wheels

The 2.0i-L gets 17-inch wheels with 225/60 profile tyres, while variants above it get 18-inch wheels with 225/55 tyres.

From a driver’s point of view, the interior of the Forester is straight-forward with a good driving position and great outward visibility that includes a panoramic sunroof. As for the rest of the interior, it’s predominantly black with gray inserts on the door panels and lots of matte silver accents strewn all around to add detail and break the monotony. The interior does however, prioritize comfort and ergonomics coupled with lots of space. The reworked leather seats have added bolsters making them more supportive and comfortable too with ample head and legroom even at the rear. The dashboard has a functional layout with a trio of digital gauges on top of the center cluster and it still comes with those sporty looking aluminum pedals. The space behind the rear seats is large enough, but really opens up to 2,155 liters when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded.

Dashboard

Similar to the Subaru XV, the upper part of the dashboard utilizes soft materials with contrasting stitching. It also has a wraparound design that flows to the doors.

Instrument cluster

It sports similar gauges to the previous generation Forester, with 2 analog dials and a multi-function display at the middle.

Space and practicality

The space inside is generous, with more than sufficient headroom and kneeroom at the rear. Door pocket size and centre storage space are average.

Boot

Boot space is almost CR-V large at 520 litres and load lid is fairly minor.

Safety Features

The Forester comes with a long list of updated standard set of safety features not normally found in its class. The most notable being Subaru’s Advanced Driver Assist Technology called Subaru EyeSight. The camera based safety system features Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation-Front, Driver Monitoring-Alert, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) Blind Spot and Collision Mitigation-Rear. What’s great is that it now runs on Version 4.0 which greatly widens its field of view and adds more functions. In terms of safety features the Subaru Forester is hard to beat.

All variants get 7 airbags, Stability Control (VDC), Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring. On the range topping model, it features EyeSight, which bundles:
•    Pre-Collision Braking
•    Lane Change Assist
•    Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
•    Side View Monitor
•    Blind Spot Detection
•    Lead Vehicle Start Alert
•    Adaptive Cruise Control

Comfort Features

Standard across the range are dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, 8-way power adjustable driver and passenger seat, reclining rear seats and all seats are wrapped in leather.

Technology Features

The Forester comes with an 8-inch infotainment system with easy to read graphics featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system is hooked to six speakers which puts out a decent audio quality. Located on top of the infotainment system is a multifunction LCD display which houses a digital oil and water temp gauges plus a trip meter. The aircon control display is also integrated above the gauges. The Forester has 360-degree panoramic view camera, which allows the driver a complete view of the surrounding area. This can be helpful in a number of situations, such as when parallel parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.

The Subaru Forester comes powered by a 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder gasoline with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Despite the lack of a turbocharger, the naturally aspirated engine is capable of generating 153 hp and 196 NM of torque. The Forester is also blessed with full time four wheel drive, that comes with Subaru’s X-Mode which makes it equally capable on slippery surfaces off the tarmac.

2022 Subaru Forester Powertrain

Engine - 2.0-liter, Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 16-valve

Power - 153 hp

Torque - 196 Nm torque

Transmission – Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Driveline – Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Engine

All variants are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four engine making 156 PS and 196 Nm of torque.

Transmission

All variants feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters.

Drivetrain

The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard across all variants.

Platform and Chassis

The Subaru Forester is built around Subaru’s Global Platform (SGP) that it shares with the Impreza and XV subcompact crossover. The new platform is the result of an advanced design and the liberal use of high-tensile steel, allowing it to offer greater handling capability, agility, ride comfort and crash protection. The SGP is also engineered to better absorb impact energy coming from all directions. The independent front and rear suspension utilizes MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone set up at the back. The suspension of the Forester works well together with the generous ground clearance and wide track, giving it crisp steering, remarkable handling and genuine go-anywhere capability. Stopping the Forester are front and rear ventilated disc brakes with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The Forester rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels in silver with black inner spokes.

2022 Subaru Forester Chassis

Engine performance

At a kerb weight of around 1,500 kg, power is sufficient rather than stonking.

Transmission performance

The CVT mimics a traditional automatic transmission for a more natural feel and response is reasonably quick.

Steering and Handling

Steering is direct but not quite as sharp as the Mazda 3. It goes through corners with minimal body roll and holds its line confidently, which a quite a feat for an SUV.

Sound proofing

Cabin noise is commendably low. Mechanical noises are very well suppressed but wind noise becomes apparent at highway speeds.

Passenger comfort

The suspension is on the stiffer side but still remains reasonably pliant over broken surfaces. The rear seat bench is a little flat and could do with a more inclined angle.

The Subaru Forester is rated at 7.4 litre/100 km in combined driving conditions.

The current Subaru Forester continues its tradition of prioritizing function that’s centered around the driver and what the vehicle needs to do properly and safely. Something that’s evident on its latest exterior appearance, but what really matters is all the technology and standard features that’s neatly hidden underneath all that. As one of the most popular all-wheel drive SUV’s on the market, the Subaru Forester certainly has a lot to offer in terms of safety and performance.