Subaru Forester 2014 Review

It’s been a while since 2008, when Subaru’s Forester topped the Australian SUV sales charts, but that doesn’t mean the plucky all-wheel-drive fails to rate as a most-important model for the Japanese company.

Across Subaru’s expansive seven-model portfolio, the Forester reigns as the company’s number one – although the smaller new XV crossover is issuing a strong challenge in 2014 year-to-date sales figures – ahead of all Impreza and all Liberty models.

Check the specs and the pricing and the reasons soon become apparent.

The handy-size Forester – the current, fourth-generation model was introduced locally in December 2012 – can be bought, before on-road impositions, for a tad less than $30,000 and, unlike all of its competition, is steadfastly full-time all-wheel drive across the board.

And there are a number of engine choices – all horizontally-opposed four-cylinder units – from the base 110kW/198Nm 2.0-litre petrol, through a frugal 108kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, to a strong 126kW/235Nm 2.5-litre petrol (as tested).

Transmission choice includes a six-speed manual or, in all bar the diesel (sadly), a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Subaru has built a reputation for strength and reliability along with, in SUVs particularly, a no-nonsense approach to design and presentation that is possibly nowhere better typified than in the Forester.

Sitting comfortably among its peers – including the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai ix35, Nissan X-TRAIL and Holden Captiva 5 – in terms of size, packaging and pricing, the Forester has been the go-to mid-size SUV for many Australians.

It’s not hard to see why.

Step into the cab and you’ll find there’s not just plenty of passenger space front and back, but also a decent cargo area that expands from 422 litres seats-up to a competitive 1481 litres when everything’s folded down.

The interior may be a bit bland compared to some of the more edgy competition, but that doesn’t mean it looks cheap, or is likely to scuff-up after only a few years of use.

In the CVT-equipped 2.5i version tested ($32,990 plus ORCs), there was a distinct impression this is an SUV to be used, not pampered. The cloth-trimmed seats were comfortable and substantial enough with just the basic range of (manual) adjustments for the front seats.

There was heaps of headroom, very good all-round visibility and plenty of leg and toeroom in the back, even when long-legged passengers were travelling in the also generously-endowed front seats. The Forester’s newly-raised hip point helped accessibility too.

And that rearmost luggage space is there despite the use of a full-size spare wheel (handy when you’re heading off the beaten track). The only possible downside is that the boot floor is a little high as a result, which means heavy luggage might be a little difficult for some people to load.

The dashboard’s presentation is functional if uninspiring, with (barely) soft-touch grey trim strategically placed. All the controls are well-placed, including the steering wheel buttons for cruise control, Bluetooth and the single-CD, six-speaker audio system.

There’s a colour LCD screen in the upper-centre dash proving readouts for things like fuel consumption, average speed and driving efficiency.

The sound system is pretty basic, but the Forester 2.5i makes up for it with dual-zone climate-control, a decent glovebox and sunvisor extensions to maximise effectiveness when driving into a setting sun.

The 2.5-litre engine provides plenty of power too. It’s smooth, pretty refined and quiet with, unfortunately for some, a close to complete absence of the trademark Boxer beat. Linked to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, it accelerates solidly off the mark and has the torque to minimise time spent passing on the open road.

The Lineartronic unit might not be the best CVT currently available, but it is generally unobtrusive unless the driver asks for maximum acceleration. Then, it’s all unrelentingly-fixed high revs until the accelerator is eased.

There’s no arguing with the engine-transmission efficiency though. On test we came close to the claimed 8.1L/100km average with a recorded 8.4 over seven days of driving in mixed conditions. The Forester’s idle stop-start system undoubtedly contributes to economy city driving.

On the open road, the Forester is reasonably quiet, and rides with composure, despite having a short-ish 2640mm wheelbase.

It steers pretty well too, the wheel swinging from lock-to-lock in 3.1 turns and providing accurate turn-in. There’s a bit of body roll, but nothing untoward for a 1528kg (kerb), relatively high-set and still slightly narrow wagon.

The constant all-wheel drive (competitors use on-demand systems that operate as front-drivers until extra grip is required) adds security in all types of road and weather conditions.

The Forester is rated to tow 1500kg (braked), which does see it slip behind the likes of the Mazda’s CX-5. Look to the diesel (Forester 2.0D)model if towing is a priority. Like the CX-5 it can also tow 1800kg (braked).

In all, a tidily designed, thoroughly competent mid-size SUV that makes up for a lack of visual impact with a promise of long-term reliability, safety (seven airbags and a five-star ANCAP rating), versatility and running costs that are well short of extortionate.

2014 Make Model Type pricing and specifications:
Price: $32990 (plus on-road costs)