SPY PICS: Next Subaru Forester spotted

Subaru has been spotted testing the first significant upgrade for the current fifth-generation Subaru Forester, which is expected to debut in mid-2021.

Details are thin on the ground in terms of what new technology and equipment will be added to Subaru’s all-important mid-size SUV, but it’s clear from the camo on the front of the vehicle shown here that a new front-end design is on the cards.

The headlights appear to have been reprofiled and new LED fog lights are in play.

However, the main talking point remains whether Subaru’s new 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine (130kW/300Nm) will be added.

Some markets will get the new Forester Turbo model that recently appeared in Japan, but Australia is currently not one of them – yet.

When the facelifted 2021 Subaru Forester arrives in Australia, most likely later next year, it will almost certainly soldier on with the current four-cylinder boxer engine options: a 2.5-litre petrol (136kW/239Nm) and 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid (110kW/196Nm).

Subaru Australia has expressed interest in turbocharged options, but it’s understood there’s no timeline for a local debut in the Forester.

Expect the automatic (CVT) transmissions to continue.

Other potential upgrades for the 2021 Subaru Forester include an enhanced infotainment system, leveraging the massive 11.6-inch touch-screen from the new Subaru Outback that is set to launch in Australia in February 2021.

An uptick in driver assistance tech and other safety systems is also on the cards.

The Australian Subaru Forester range received a shot in the arm recently with an up-spec Sport model grade and running changes that have seen towing capacity increase by 300kg to 1800kg on all 2.5-litre models.

The Subaru Forester is currently priced between $35,190 and $46,490 plus on-road costs, and is currently the fifth top-selling mid-size SUV in Australia, behind the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-TRAIL.