TopSpeed - Subaru Forester

Here's Why The Subaru Forester Still Makes Complete Sense In 2023

Tyler Dupont — Sat, 13 May 2023 23:00:18 GMT

The Subaru Forester has benefited from a midcycle refresh and has come back as a strong competitor in its class of SUVs. While not so sophisticated as the Outback, the Forester brings a lot to the table worth talking about. Subaru has delivered a cheap SUV that gets the job done with a smile on its face. Rather than its previous reputation for being a budget car, the Forester now comes equipped with enough features to make it a great choice at its price point.

2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness - So Much More Than A Grocery Getter

Joe Parker — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:05:32 GMT

The Subaru Forester Wilderness makes its debut for the 2022 model year, as a rough-and-ready version of Subaru’s compact SUV, one that is more tuned to tackle the trails while wearing a unique kit.

New Subaru Forester STI Sport Isn't Any Faster, But It Will Probably Handle Better

Isaac Atienza — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:47:42 GMT

The 2023 Subaru Forester STI Sport has just been unveiled in Japan, nearly a year after the facelifted model made its global debut. Since this is an STI Sport and not a full-blown STI, don't expect any performance upgrades. Instead, the Forester STI Sport benefits from a number of aesthetic upgrades as well as new suspension components that supposedly offers better handling.

2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Alina Moore — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:17:26 GMT

Now in its fifth generation, the Forester is entering the 2022 model year with a series of updates necessary to keep the model fresh. Subaru gives the SUV a redesigned front fascia, with updated grille, headlights and fog light covers.

2021 Subaru Forester Buyer's Guide - Price and Trim Levels

Tudor Rus — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:55:57 GMT

Subaru is keeping the Forester fresh for the 2021 model year with subtle tweaks. In the process, the base sticker takes a hike, going from $24,495 for the 2020 Forester to $24,795 for the 2021 Forester. Granted, the $300 bump in price isn’t that much, not when it’s justified by the list of features.

Subaru Doesn't Give F.U.C.K.S About Naming Its Special Edition Car; Issues An Apology After Getting Mocked And Trolled

Sidd Dhimaan — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 23:00:00 GMT

The Subaru Forester has been around for over two decades and has made a name for itself in the industry. Although it is on the verge of becoming an icon for the company since it's the kind of compact SUV that sells itself, Subaru recently made a blunder.

2019 Subaru Forester

Philippe Daix — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Subaru went all in with the 2019 Forester, and it really paid off. When you add up the fresh, modern look, all that interior space, a little bit of extra power, and loads of updated safety tech, it’s hard not to be mesmerized by this amazing piece of machinery. Of course, looks and features are only half the story, though. What about the experience of being behind the wheel? How does the Forester handle quick maneuvers? How is it for long trips? Well, we spent some one-on-one time the 2019 Forester, and this is our experience.

The Subaru Impreza STI and Forester STI e-Boxer Concepts Coming To Tokyo are Crazy Sexy

Robert Moore — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 20:00:00 GMT

Automakers are gearing up for the Tokyo Auto Show, and it’s already proving to be a show of conceptual goodness. Outside of Mitsubishi’s interesting concepts Subaru will be in attendance with two pretty awesome concepts – the Forester STI e-Boxer and the Impreza STI. Both come wearing a beautiful helping of STI design to go with, most likely, limited performance. Here’s what we know about them so far.

2019 Off-Road Crossover Shootout - 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Vs. 2019 Jeep Cherokee Vs. 2019 Subaru Forester

Jonathan Lopez — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 20:00:00 GMT

The Toyota RAV4 just marked its fifth generation for the 2019 model year, and now comes with a fresh Adventure grade designed specifically for light off-roading duty. The question is - how does it fare against established competitors like the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester?

Video Reviews for the 2019 Subaru Forester are Finally In and You Need to See Them

Andrei Nedelea — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 23:00:00 GMT

You may not be able to instantly tell by looking at it, but the 2019 Subaru Forester is an all-new vehicle riding on a new platform. Subaru has opted to keep it looking familiar so as not to upset the excellent image it’s created for it, but at the same time, its capabilities have been expanded in all directions.

10 Best Vehicle and Technology Innovations of 2018

Safet Satara — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 20:00:00 GMT

The car industry never sleeps (except in August) and every year it provides us with numerous solutions to new problems, and with innovations that make us want new cars even more. This is a rundown of 10 awesome vehicle and technology innovations for 2018.

2019 Subaru Forester

Jonathan Lopez — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:00:00 GMT

First hitting the scene in 1997, the Subaru Forester has seen a total of four generations come and go over the years. Now, there’s a new fifth generation for the compact crossover SUV making its big debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. Framed as the “roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made,” this latest five-door brings all the right stuff for those weekend getaways, not to mention fresh styling, loads and loads of space, a bit more power, and a fresh suite of safety tech to boot.

2018 New York International Auto Show - Worst In Show

Jonathan Lopez — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 20:00:00 GMT

We saw loads of good stuff at the New York International Auto Show this year, including a variety of sultry luxury machines like the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport and Audi RS5 Sportback, not to mention the stunning new Essentia EV GT concept from Genesis. However, as is inevitable these days, we found plenty of less-than-desirable debuts as well, five of which we’ve listed here for your communal derision.

2019 Subaru Forester Adds Size And Safety, Scraps Turbo And Manual Gearbox

Jonathan Lopez — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 22:00:00 GMT

First introduced in 1997, the Subaru Forester has seen a total of four generations come and go, with last SJ model arriving back in 2013. Now, Subaru is introducing a brand-new fifth generation at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, and it looks to offer customers a more comfortable cabin and a safer ride. Unfortunately, the Forester’s turbocharged variant, the XT, didn’t make the cut, and neither did the manual gearbox.

Subaru Teases the 2019 Forester Prior to its New York Debut in a Couple Weeks

Jonathan Lopez — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Subaru has offered the Forester nameplate since 1997, with the latest fourth generation arriving in 2013. Now it’s looking like the Six Stars is gearing up for a new fifth-gen model, as previewed by a single shadowy teaser image ahead of a full reveal at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

Subaru Will Probably Kill Off Its Manual Transmission Because Eyesight Isn’t Compatible

Jonathan Lopez — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMT

In a bid to make its cars safer, Subaru will look to double down on its high-tech Eyesight suite of features. Unfortunately, that could mean the death of its manual transmission offering, which so far is not compatible with Eyesight.

2018 Subaru Forester 50th Anniversary Edition

Mark McNabb — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:00:00 GMT

Subaru used the 2018 Chicago Auto Show to launch special 50th Anniversary Edition models for each of its vehicles as a celebration of the five decades the Japanese automaker has been selling inside the U.S. While no mechanical upgrades are made, there are several visual changes that help distinguish the 50th Anniversary Editions from their standard counterparts.

Subaru Unveils Big Batch of Not-So-Special Limited-Edition Cars in Chicago

Ciprian Florea — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:00:00 GMT

Placed right between Detroit and Geneva, two of the year's most important automotive events, the Chicago Auto Show is rarely something to write home about. And in recent years it has become the venue where automakers launch many special-edition and limited-edition models. The 2018 even is no exception from this rule and Subaru just showcased eight limited-edition models to celebrate its 50th anniversary on U.S. soil. The lineup includes all but the recently unveiled Ascent crossover: the BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, and WRX STI.

Subaru Enthusiast Makes Intake Out Of Cardboard, Goes Faster: Video

Jonathan Lopez — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 03:00:00 GMT

Folks like us do some pretty silly things in the name of performance. Whether its justifying the purchase of a new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as a “family car,” or breaking your back running coilovers on the daily driver for a few seconds per lap on the weekends, you wouldn’t be wrong for calling our perspective “skewed” at best. That said, where there’s a will, there’s a way, as evidenced by this intrepid young Subaru driver’s unorthodox approach to boosting horsepower. Documented in a short five-minute, 21-second video from our friends over at 1320 Video, the Subaru in question is a mostly stock early 2000’s Forester running flat out at the Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack event at the Colorado Springs Airport. In a bid to crest the 100-mph mark, the driver fabricated a new intake from a Pringles can and cereal box, plumbing it through the headlight for a budget-friendly ram air effect. The result is just enough extra power to reach three digits, making this driver our new hero.

Car Throttle Mixes Cargo Space And Fun With Two JDM Wagons: Video

Jonathan Lopez — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 11:00:00 GMT

You gotta love a vehicle that has the power and performance to haul ass, plus the cargo space to haul everything else. Here in the states, it’s a combo we usually associate with high-performance SUVs, but overseas, there are a few other options. Our friends over at Car Throttle decided to explore a couple alternatives from Japan in this nine-minute video review, including the Subaru Forester STI and Mitsubishi Evo Wagon, and after watching the vid, we were left wondering what it would take to get one of these bad boys into our garage.

Subaru Skips Super Bowl (Again) In Favor Of Puppy Bowl

Kirby Garlitos — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 07:42:18 GMT

Subaru->ke86 has shown a history of eschewing the commercial vortex that is the Super Bowl in favor of its infinitely more adorable alter ego, the Puppy Bowl. So for the sixth straight year, Subaru will serve as the official auto sponsor of Puppy Bowl XII, which will be held on the same day as Super Bowl 50 (February 7, 2016) on the Animal Channel. This year, the Japanese automaker will air five commercials as part of its new "Dog Tested. Dog Approved." campaign.

Subaru upgrades the Forester JDM ahead of Tokyo Motor Show

TPS Staff — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:00:00 GMT

The 2016 Subaru Forester->ke1151 is officially here, well sort of. This is a specialized JDM version that will only be sold in Japan. The crossover->ke288 is being placed into the spotlight ahead of its public debut, which will take place at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.->ke1834 The new model brings several updates for the exterior and interior compared to the previous model year.

2017 Subaru Forester

Jacob Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:20:24 GMT

First introduced in 2014, the fourth-generation Subaru Forester->ke1151 is still pretty new. But Subaru->ke86 is already looking to the future with a facelifted version slated for the Tokyo Motor Show.->ke1834 It might seem as though the automaker is rushing things a bit, but initially, the facelifted crossover->ke288 will only be available in Japan, and the updates probably won't reach the U.S. any earlier than the 2017 model year. At that point, the timing will be a bit closer to the norm, but the truth is, the Forester doesn't really need help in the U.S. market. The model has experienced a sales boom in the past few years, and it's still on an upward trajectory.

Subaru Launches Making Memories Campaign: Video

Mark McNabb — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Subaru->ke86 kicks us right in the feels with its latest ad campaign titled, “Making Memories.” Not to spoil the minute-long TV spot, but it shows a dad pulling out random personal effects from the back seat of his first-generation Forester->ke1151 that include a crayon, an old pair of shoes, a hospital wristband, and a wilting corsage – each recalling memories of life events surrounding his daughter. The commercial wraps up with the dad passing the keys along to his now-grown girl.

2015 Subaru Forester tS

Jonathan Lopez — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:00:00 GMT

Nowadays, it seems like everyone is doing a crossover->ke288, but it should be noted that Subaru->ke86 was one of the first. The Forester->ke1151 was first introduced to the Japanese market in 1997, and a U.S. version emerged hot on its heels only a year later. The advertising theme was simple: “SUV tough, car easy." It’s a formula that’s widely copied: take a vehicle that has car-like handling and road presence and endow it with the spacious interior and high stance of an SUV. It's an idea that had such wide appeal, the Forester has been going strong ever since.

2015 Subaru Forester STI

Jonathan Lopez — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMT

The tall, boxy features of the Forester, which made its U.S. debut in 1999, may not make it the best looking crossover to grace the pages of TopSpeed, but we can’t deny its utilitarianism. Tons of space for storage, all-wheel-drive grip, and a car-like personality combine to make it an ideal choice for someone looking for a vehicle that can do it all. The only real drawback is a lack of power. Luckily, for a brand with roots in the World Rally Championship->ke523, this isn’t a difficult problem to fix, as Subaru->ke86 will unveil an STI version of the Forester later next month.

2013 Subaru Forester Sport Concept

Alina Moore — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Alongside the BRZ Premium Sport Package concept, Subaru->ke86 will also unveil the Forester Sport Concept at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon. This vehicle has been specially designed for highway driving and city cruising, and has been customized as an "On-road super SUV".

Report: The Subaru BRZ STI's Future Isn't So Bleak After All

Justin Cupler — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:00:00 GMT

We all know and mostly love the WRX STI that Subaru pumps out each year. The latest model produces a stout 305 horsepower and 290 pound feet of torque through Subaru's->ke86 famed AWD system, all for a relative bargain of $34,000. Unfortunately, the STI nameplate has never extended beyond the WRX lineup.

2011 Subaru Forester

Bryan — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:09:11 GMT

Subaru->ke86 has just released the official details on the new 2011 Forester->ke1151. The Japanese automaker has placed a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder motor in the vehicle’s engine compartment. There will also be a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the performance oriented XT.

2011 Subaru Forester tS

Alina Moore — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:30:00 GMT

Here's another cool special edition Subaru Forester->ke1151 that will not be offered on the US market! It's called the Forester tS and will come with lots of STI components and upgrades that offer an improved driving dynamic. It will be limited to only 300 units and deliveries in Japan will begin in 2011.

2010 Subaru Forester S-Edition Concept

Alina Moore — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 08:00:00 GMT

If you're wondering what the next generation Subaru Forester->ke1151 will look like, check out the Forester S-Edition Concept unveiled today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited

Terence — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Subaru is upgrading their lineup with an all new Legacy for 2010, and while we enjoyed driving the larger sedan, we have to admit that the 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited we recently test drove offered a similar experience to the old four door wagon alternative, and that is certainly not a bad thing. Like all Subarus our Forester->ke1151 came from the factory with symmetrical all wheel drive so it can go anywhere, because it is a Forester the cabin is quite roomy and thanks to the boxy layout there is plenty of storage space for whatever adventure you can dream up.

Initial thoughts: 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited

Terence — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:00:00 GMT

We recently received an all new 2010 Subaru Forester->ke1151 2.5X Limited into the Top Speed test fleet. Our Camellia Red Pearl small SUV was completely redesigned back in 2008 and from what we can see, the improvements keep on coming into 2010. Like all Subaru->ke86s, the Forester comes from the factory with all wheel drive, the cabin is quite roomy thanks to the boxy design and there is plenty of storage space in the back. The new touch screen navigation unit has Bluetooth built in and the infotainment system is made up of an AM/FM/XM radio with an in dash CD player and auxiliary audio and video inputs thanks to the popular Option package number 10, which for an extra $1,800 over the $25,995 MSRP gives you all those electronic goodies.

2010 Subaru Forester prices revealed

Alina Moore — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

I feel like a Subaru salesman, just like the Japanese automaker announced the pricing of both their four door sedan, and compact crossover, the subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries is letting the world know the pricing for their classic two box shaped SUV the 2010 Forester.

2009 Subaru Forester XTI Concept

Alina Moore — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:09:00 GMT

Subaru will present at the SEMA Show the Forester XTI, a concept based on the Forester 2.5XT, while adding elements from the Impreza WRX STI.

2008 Subaru Forester and Impreza Diesel

Alina Moore — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:31:16 GMT

Subaru will unveil at the Paris Auto Show the Forester and Impreza models equipped with Subaru Boxer Diesel. Both models will go on sale in Europe after this autumn.

Highest Ratings in NHTSA NCAP Crash Tests for 2009 Forester

Alina Moore — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:59:00 GMT

Subaru today announced that the 2009 Subaru Forester earned the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Subaru Forester received five stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for all seating positions.

"Subaru customers have come to expect the highest level of safety in their vehicles," said Thomas J. Doll, Executive Vice President, Subaru of America, Inc. "The Subaru Forester continues to deliver the highest levels of occupant safety as evidenced by its recent five star performance in the NHTSA NCAP tests."

New for 2009, all Subaru Forester models feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system and Brake Assist safety system. A roll-over sensor activates seatbelt pre-tensioners and the side-curtain air bags.

Subaru Making Safety Standard

To Subaru, safety means more than protecting a car's occupants in the event of a collision. Ideally, a passenger vehicle should provide the driver with the means to help avoid hazardous situations. Subaru calls this concept Active Driving/Active Safety. Designing a vehicle for active safety gives a driver a strong sense of control, maneuverability and security.

Active Safety: Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive forms the core of the Subaru Active Driving/Active Safety concept. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives a Subaru a significant traction advantage over two-wheel drive cars (front- and/or rear-wheel drive) on all road surfaces. On all Subaru models, the standard 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). This system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

Passive Safety: The compact Subaru Boxer engine helps enhance safety, because it allows more crush room in front and on the sides. Subaru vehicles are designed to allow the entire powertrain to slide under the car along the floor tunnel in a severe collision, helping to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. All Subaru models are built around a Ring Frame Reinforced body structure design that incorporates front and rear crumple-zone construction to absorb the energy of an impact and help protect the reinforced passenger compartment. Essentially, the Ring Frame Reinforced structure forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment, providing excellent protection in a variety of collision types. This structure increases cabin rigidity and can absorb impact energy from any direction.

Advanced Restraint Systems: All 2008 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca models feature side curtain air bags (full side coverage) for head protection. The side curtain air bags deploy from the headliner. All models also employ the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. A seat position sensor on the driver's seat track detects if the driver is sitting too close to the air bag, in which case the system would delay deployment of the air bag's second stage. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that detects weight on the passenger seat -- determining if it's a child or adult -- to control air bag deployment.

All Subaru models feature standard front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact airbags offer protection regardless of seat position.

The Subaru model lineup also incorporates electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. The seatbelt pre-tensioners operate simultaneously with the front air bags and cinch the front seatbelts to help restrain the driver and front passenger in their seats. Next, the mechanically operated torsion-bar force-limiters extend the belts to reduce the belt forces on the occupants' torsos. The seatbelt mechanism also absorbs energy through internal deformation.

All Subaru models are equipped with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat. Subaru sedan models are equipped with an internal emergency trunk release with a self-illuminating handle.

Subaru ad with Sumo wrestlers washing the car

Alina Moore — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:17:05 GMT

It seems that this new Subaru Forester ad is a new prof that "men can't pose!". But we have to admit the idea was pretty cool and considering is coming from Japan... well, enough said, no?

2009 Subaru Forester - pricing announced

Alina Moore — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:02:45 GMT

Subaru today announced the pricing for the all-new 2009 Forester that made its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show. The SUV starts from $19,995, a $1200 decrease compare with the previous model.

2009 Subaru Forester

Alina Moore — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced the debut of its new generation of Subaru Forester in Japan. The new Forester went on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships on Christmas.

2009 Subaru Forester Teaser

Alina Moore — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:00:00 GMT

Subaru launched a teaser image of the 2009 Forester, model which, according to the Japanese page will be launched in 27 days. Also a member from NASIOC Forum published a few images scanned from a magazine. This give us a first look of how the future model will look like.

2009 Subaru Forester to be unveiled at Detroit Motor Show

Alina Moore — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Subaru will unveil the all-new redesigned 2009 Forester next year at the Detroit Auto Show. As the previous model, the 2009 Forester will be built on the Impreza platform, so it can easily compete with Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V.

Top ten Quickest Cars of 2007 between $25K-$30K

Alina Moore — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:00:00 GMT

Have you believed that for a car that has a great top speed you have to pay millions of dollars? Well no, you are wrong! You can buy a car with a very good top speed and pay between $25000 and $30000.

2006 - 2007 Subaru Forester

Javier — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 04:00:00 GMT

Since its introduction for the 1997 model year, Subaru’s somewhat oddly proportioned Forester has been a welcomed alternative to more traditional SUVs, thanks to its uncanny ability to handle the road like a car, haul cargo like a small sport/utility vehicle, and scramble through a snow drift or a sand dune with equal aplomb.

2007 Subaru Forester Sports

Alina Moore — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Subaru of America, Inc. is showcasing two new versions of its All-Wheel Drive 2007 Forester compact SUV at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The 2007 Forester Sports models combine new, more powerful styling with exclusive interior features and enhanced standard equipment. The Forester Sports 2.5 XT adds to that the 224-horsepower intercooled turbocharged Boxer engine from the 2.5 XT Limited model.

2006 Subaru Forester X Weekender Special Edition

Alina Moore — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 18:45:17 GMT

The Limited Edition Forester X Weekender comes with a load of extras, including a cargo area hard mat. It also comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 5-star ANCAP3 occupant safety rating, making it one of the safest compact SUV's on the road.

2006 Subaru Forester

Alina Moore — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 20:34:14 GMT

Subaru of America, Inc., America's All-Wheel Drive market leader, has introduced the redesigned Forester for 2006. Proven one of the safest and most reliable small SUVs on the market, the Forester for 2006 gains new, more refined, yet rugged exterior styling, more powerful engines and a host of enhancements to driving performance, comfort and utility.