Subaru Forester 2.5i-S 2021 Review

The Subaru Forester is the Japanese brand’s best-selling model in Australia and it’s been updated for 2021, so if you’re in the market for a compelling mid-size SUV it should be on your to-drive list.

Priced from $35,990 plus on road costs, the seven-grade Subaru Forester line-up includes five petrol and two hybrid variants, but the flagship petrol-powered 2.5i-S on test here costs $44,190 plus ORCs and it’s fair to say you are not left wanting.

The Forester’s unassuming boxy silhouette may see it quietly blend into the SUV masses, but it stands out from the pack where smart safety technology is concerned – the Forester is unrivalled in its class at this price point.

The 2022 Subaru Forester brings chassis and safety updates as well as an improved equipment list with minor price increases across the range. On test here is the top-spec petrol-powered 2.5 IS. It competes with premium versions of a large number of models in Australia's biggest sales segment, including the top-selling RAV4 and Mazda CX5. It's a case of substance over style for the boxy Subaru Forester that simply blends into the mid-sized SUV set. The updated Forester has a new grille and headlight designs with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, self-leveling, and steering responsive headlights, a sunroof, roof rails, shark fin antenna, and 18-inch alloys are standard.

All Foresters are powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, displacing 2.5 litres in the non-hybrid models and there's no longer a turbo or diesel option available. It's paid to a continuously variable transmission and Subaru's permanent all-wheel-drive system. Inside the cabin, it's really busy. There are buttons and dials and screen everywhere. It feels like it's packed with tech because it is. If your idea of value for money is a long equipment list, the Forester will make you very happy.

In this top-spec S trim, the Forester is pretty slick, leather accents in contrast trim, chrome finish, high gloss surfaces, and a number of digital screens to set the scene. Keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control, an electric park brake, auto stop-start, heated electric adjust leather seats and a sliding glass sunroof are standard. I love the button-free minimalist approach. We're seeing a lot of cars these days but there is something to be said for clearly labelled buttons and intuitive pathways. And it also packs a lot of the features we'd expect for this level of coin. Satellite navigation, AM-FM and digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There are also two USB outlets, an auxiliary point and two 12-volt outlets upfront. In-cabin storage is pretty good but it is limited to smaller items. There's a spot for your phone, coffee cups, drink bottles, and a little armrest for more secure storage.

Subaru's smart safety technology is a highlight, unrivalled in its class at this price point. The second row is spacious and really comfortable, perfectly fit for three and these really large windows offer great outward vision. There are two seat back pockets, dual air vents, two USB charge points, indoor storage, as well as an armrest with two cup holders. There are two ISOFIX positions and three top tether child seat anchors. An electric tailgate reveals a large boot and a full-size spare.

Multiple bag hooks, anchor points, a light and 12-volt outlet are concealed by a retractable cargo cover. You can also fold the 60/40 split-fold second row from levers in the boot.

The overall feel behind the wheel of the Forester is a sense of comfort and ease of driving. The boxer engine needs a decent jab at the accelerator to get going, but there's plenty of go at the ready. The CVT powers along nicely and the steering is light and direct. Subaru's permanent all-wheel-drive system and multi-drive modes will also see you off the beaten track, if you're that way inclined. It'll tow a fair load too.

Comfort is excellent and I'd happily settle in for a long road trip behind the wheel of the Forester. The Forester has a rugged feel to it. It's robust but also refined. It's a winning combination for young families and adventurous sorts who could be pretty tough on their vehicles. The Forester is reasonably frugal and saves 91 when on fuel. So it majors on comfort and efficiency.

All Subaru vehicles are backed by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty in line with its major competitors. Overall the Forester feels like a car that has your back. It's efficient, comfortable, versatile, and safe as houses, but it's neither a sports car nor a hardcore off-roader.

A boxy silhouette with a lot of glass means outward vision is really good. Parking the Forester is simple and camera angles are a plenty. In addition to the reversing camera image on the large screen, the top set screen shows forward and curb-side camera angles, dynamic guides, and auto dipping side mirrors are standard.

It's easy to see why the Subaru Forester is the brand's top-selling vehicle. It is as impressive in the metal as it is on paper. What it lacks in style, it makes out for in substance and plenty of it with exceptional safety technology amenity and value for money, it should definitely be on your shopping list.