Selecting an SUV that transitions from farm living, family life or commuting is no small feat. Over the years, the Subaru Forester has earned its reputation as a durable and versatile vehicle. Now, with a comprehensive redesign and innovative updates, The Scottish Farmer gets behind the wheel of the all‑new Forester.
This review examines every aspect of the latest Forester 2.0i Touring, with three models available on the market: the base-line 2.0i Limited (£38,995), the 2.0i Field (£40,440), and the top-spec model 2.0i Touring (£42,995).
Bold exterior design and build
The new Forester makes a strong first impression with its exterior. The assertive grille immediately stand out - especially against the River Rock Pearl colour, which notably hides road grime well. With additional colour options available in white, silver, black, blue, green and bronze, there is something for everyone.
Modern LED headlights and tail lights enhance visibility during early morning drives or in foggy conditions, a particular highlight is the cornering feature allowing headlights to follow the turns of the steering wheel as well as auto dip beam.
The high ground clearance of approximately 220mm ensures that the vehicle can easily negotiate obstacles and uneven terrain. From the side, the 19‑inch dark grey machined aluminium alloy wheels capture attention, and the low‑profile, solid matte and gloss black roof rails add a sense of ruggedness.
Driving experience
At the heart of the new Forester lies the innovative e‑BOXER mild hybrid system. This state‑of‑the‑art technology pairs a traditional 2.0‑litre petrol engine with an electric motor.
The e‑BOXER system is noted for offering improved fuel economy and reducing emissions; however, the performance felt somewhat underwhelming, with up to 34.9 mpg and acceleration from 0–62 mph taking 12.2 seconds.
Nevertheless, the system delivers a smooth transition between electric and petrol power, enhancing efficiency during stop–start traffic. Additionally, its self‑charging capability continuously supports the petrol engine without the inconvenience of manual recharging.
Complementing the hybrid system is the permanent S‑AWD (Symmetrical All‑Wheel Drive) configuration, which guarantees optimal traction by distributing power evenly to all four wheels- enhancing control and stability on snow‑covered lanes or muddy fields.
Furthermore, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps keep the engine in its optimal power band, ensuring the vehicle’s performance and efficiency across various driving conditions. In addition, the Forester boasts a towing capacity of 1870 kg (braked) and 750 kg (unbraked).
Spacious and versatile interior
Stepping inside the Forester, you are welcomed by a cabin that ticks all the boxes for both comfort and functionality. The interior is spacious enough for long journeys or short trips, featuring electronic lumbar support seats and heated front and rear seats.
A high‑quality finish is achieved in the Touring spec with black leather and suede‑insert seats, bound together with brown stitch detailing. The Limited and Field ranges offer alternative options in durable fabrics.
The leather‑wrapped heated steering wheel is another nice touch, although its heating element does not extend around the entire wheel.
Intelligent storage solutions - including deep door pockets and strategically placed compartment - are also available throughout the front and rear door panels.
The thoughtfully designed seating layout contributes to excellent visibility, a critical factor when navigating narrow country lanes or busy farmyards.
Modern technology is integrated through a large eight‑inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The system also displays a 360‑degree surround‑view camera, which is excellent when manoeuvring around tight farmyards.
Standard integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , while essential controls remain accessible via tactile buttons for quick adjustments without distraction.
Performance on every terrain
One of the Forester’s best features is its performance on the road, delivering a smooth and composed ride. Its finely tuned suspension system absorbs changes in the road surface, and potholes are handled with ease - ensuring comfort during manoeuvres in the town or long motorway drives.
Where the pavement ends, the Forester’s true capabilities emerge. Its high ground clearance, reinforced chassis, and advanced off‑road systems enable it to handle challenging terrains with ease. Systems such as X‑MODE automatically adjust various vehicle parameters to optimise traction on muddy, snowy, or uneven surfaces, while the inclusion of hill descent control further aids in managing steep declines.
Advanced safety and driver assistance
Safety has always been a cornerstone of Subaru’s design for the Forester, which includes a suite of advanced safety features. Among these are blind‑spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control (which helps maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead), lane‑change assist (which gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if unintentional drift is detected), and pre‑collision braking (which engages automatically if an imminent collision is identified).
These enhancements, though designed with safety in mind, can at times detract from the overall driving experience - especially on narrow roads. However, through the infotainment system, these features can be muted for the duration of the drive.
In addition to active safety measures, the Forester offers a relatively quiet cabin environment that reduces both road and wind noise, ideal for long journeys or everyday commutes.
Final thoughts
For those seeking an SUV that combines genuine capability with comfort, safety and practicality, the all-new Subaru Forester is a choice that’s hard to beat.
With its bold exterior design, high ground clearance, and rugged features, the all-new Subaru Forester looks the part of a capable SUV.
The e-BOXER hybrid system enhances efficiency, while Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE provide comfort and confidence on rough terrain. Inside, the spacious cabin, 360-degree camera, and practical storage solutions make it a reliable choice for daily driving, farm work or outdoor adventures.
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