2024 Subaru Forester Review: Unleashing the Power of Adventure

Recently, the 5th generation Subaru Forester 2024 upgrade was officially launched in its home market of Japan. Except for the expensive upgrade in safety equipment, the remaining details remain almost the same as the previous version.

Overview 2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester is an affordable compact crossover with the ability to venture at least a little off the beaten path. Competitors like the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-50 provide better on-road driving behavior, but the Forester is quiet and comfortable enough to get you from REI to Trader Joe’s without complaints. The Forester’s back seat is spacious, and the cargo area provides more than adequate space for large camping gear or a week’s worth of groceries.

The Forester comes well-equipped in all but the sparse base model, but regardless of how much you choose to spend, you’ll get a host of driver-assist tech. As might be expected of a Subaru crossover, all-wheel drive comes standard, but the 182-hp flat-four engine struggles to deliver much punch.

The 2024 model year brings no changes for the Forester. The budget-friendly Base and Premium trims remain, with the higher-end Limited and Touring trims, as well as the rugged-looking Wilderness, occupying the top of the lineup.

Exterior Design of the 2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester boasts a refreshed and modern exterior design that exudes confidence on the road. Its bold grille, sleek LED headlights, and redesigned front bumper give it a commanding presence. The sculpted body lines and available 18-inch alloy wheels contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency and sporty appeal.

Overall, the appearance of the 2024 Subaru Forester has not changed much compared to its predecessor. However, there are still some small details enough to help customers recognize the upgraded version. The vehicle still maintains the overall dimensions LxWxH of 4625 x 1815 x 1715 mm respectively.

The most obvious change at the front of the car is the refined grille with a structure of horizontal bars with wavy patterns. The chrome border surrounding the grille and both sides of the logo has been replaced by a glossy black painted border for a more masculine look.

The Full-LED front light cluster has also been refreshed to be neater and sharper, accompanied by the feature of automatically adjusting the beam height, glancing at the steering angle (SRH) and automatic pop-up headlight washing. The LED daytime running lights have been remade more compact than before.

The fog light system below has been upgraded to LED format to support better visibility, accompanied by a new decorative panel.

The only change on the side of the car is the new set of wheels with a single 5-spoke rotor-shaped structure, thinner than before, measuring 18 inches.

The 2024 Subaru Forester is equipped with a pair of rearview mirrors separated from the A-pillar to help limit blind spots, along with electric adjustment, glass drying and integrated LED turn signals. If you need to carry a lot of luggage for a picnic, users can take advantage of the canopy bar above to load more items.

Seen from the rear, the Subaru Forester 2024 is no different from its predecessor with the most prominent highlight being the characteristic “crab” shaped taillights. It’s quite a pity that the double exhaust system has not yet appeared but only a single exhaust pipe.

One of the standout features of the 2024 Subaru Forester is its impressive cargo capacity. With up to 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down, this SUV provides ample room to accommodate all your gear and equipment. The wide rear gate opening and low load floor make loading and unloading hassle-free. Additionally, the Forester offers roof rails for extra storage options, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or families with active lifestyles.

See more: 2024 Honda Passport Review: A Versatile and Reliable SUV

Interior Comfort and Space of the 2024 Subaru Forester

Step inside the 2024 Subaru Forester, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious and comfortable cabin that prioritizes passenger comfort. With ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, even taller passengers can enjoy long journeys without feeling cramped. The high-quality materials used throughout the interior elevate the overall luxury feel of the vehicle.

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the Subaru Forester 2024 model has no changes compared to its predecessor.

The Subaru Forester 2024 cockpit gives users a comfortable and pleasant feeling thanks to its neat, scientific layout combined with the sunroof to create airiness. The central entertainment screen still maintains an 8-inch size but is still enough to use.

Forester 2024 uses a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with many convenient buttons, can be adjusted in 4 directions, and especially has 2 gearshift paddles for an enjoyable driving experience. The gear lever area looks quite neat thanks to the use of the electronic handbrake.

All seats in the car are covered with high-quality leather, with the front seats featuring 8-way power adjustment.

Forester 2024 has a 2670 mm long wheelbase, so legroom in the rear seats is very comfortable. Comes with 3 headrests, a large armrest and separate air conditioning vents to help reduce fatigue on long trips.

Forester 2024 has a standard luggage compartment capacity of 1003 liters. If more storage space is needed, customers can fold the rear seats in a 60:40 ratio to expand the luggage compartment to a maximum of 2155 liters.

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Performance and Capability of the 2024 Subaru Forester

Equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2024 Subaru Forester delivers an impressive balance of power and fuel efficiency. With 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, this SUV accelerates smoothly and effortlessly. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for various terrains and weather conditions. The Forester’s ground clearance enables it to tackle off-road adventures with ease.

All Forester models are equipped with the same 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, which delivers 182 horsepower and allows for a towing capacity of 1500 pounds. Power from the engine is transmitted through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system. During our tests, the Forester Wilderness test vehicle took 8.0 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph—not particularly exciting, but sufficient for the majority of buyers.

Those seeking more power may want to consider the CR-V or the turbocharged versions of the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage. Despite not being a performance-oriented SUV, the Forester handles competently. The ride quality is smooth and refined, the steering is precise, and the brakes provide adequate stopping power in emergency situations.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2024 Subaru Forester doesn’t compromise on technology either. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. The available Harman Kardon premium audio system provides an immersive sound experience for all occupants. Other notable features include a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports for charging devices, and Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for added safety.

The cooling performance on the Forester 2024 remains unchanged with a modern 2-zone automatic air conditioning system combined with rear air vents. List of car entertainment systems includes:

• 8 inch entertainment screen
• Hands-free calling
• Bluetooth, AUX, USB, HDMI connection
• Smart key and push button start
• Open the door with PIN code

Safety Features of the 2024 Subaru Forester

Subaru has always been renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2024 Forester is no exception. The vehicle includes a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect both the driver and passengers. Some of these features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Forester has received top safety ratings from reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Most notable in the 2024 Subaru Forester upgrade is the improved EyeSight safety system with a surveillance camera with a wider scanning angle. Thanks to that, the system can flexibly and quickly handle emergency situations on the road.

Besides, this Subaru model still maintains all the old features such as:

• 7 airbags
• 360 degree camera/reverse camera
• Supports emergency braking
• Assist to begin across hill
• Downhill support
• Warning of vehicles cutting across when reversing
• Brake pedal priority function
• Engine coding system
• Anti-lock brakes
• Electronic brake force distribution
• Active moment orientation
• Electronic handbrake
• Flexible vehicle body control system
• Blind spot warning
• The system automatically holds the brake
• Reverse sensor
• ISO-FIX standard child seat mounting lock

Fuel Efficiency of the 2024 Subaru Forester

In addition to its remarkable performance capabilities, the 2024 Subaru Forester also excels in terms of fuel efficiency. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 33 mpg on the highway, this SUV ensures fewer trips to the gas station, saving you money in the long run. The Forester achieves this impressive fuel efficiency through its efficient engine design and advanced transmission system.

With EPA fuel-economy ratings that are comparable to much of the compact-crossover segment (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway), the Forester is likely to satisfy buyers who prioritize efficiency. In our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, our Forester Touring test vehicle fell short of its highway-fuel-economy rating by 1 mpg, achieving a return of 32 mpg. However, this figure is consistent with the result obtained by the Toyota RAV4. For further information regarding the Forester’s fuel economy, please visit the EPA’s website.

Subaru Forester 2024 car color

In addition to the old 7 exterior paint colors, the Japanese automaker also added 3 new paint colors to the Forester 2024 including Autumn Green Metallic, Cascade Green Silica, and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

Pricing and Trim Levels of the 2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester is available in various trim levels to suit different preferences and budgets. The base model offers an array of standard features at an affordable price point, while higher trims include additional luxury amenities and advanced technology. It’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the right trim level for you.

While the Limited and Touring trims are indeed more luxurious, we believe that the Premium model offers the best combination of value and features. The exterior enhancements, including 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and body-color side-view mirrors, give it a more distinctive appearance, avoiding the rental car look. On the inside, the Premium model boasts luxurious features such as a panoramic sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seatbacks, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system.

Specifications of the 2024 Subaru Forester

Feelings about 2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling package of performance, comfort, safety, and versatility. Its rugged yet stylish design appeals to adventure enthusiasts while providing ample space for families. With its advanced technology features and impressive fuel efficiency, the Forester is a reliable companion for both daily commutes and weekend getaways. If you’re in the market for a capable SUV that delivers on all fronts, the 2024 Subaru Forester deserves serious consideration.

While the 2024 Subaru Forester shines in many areas, it’s essential to compare it with its competitors in order to make an informed decision. Some worthy contenders in the compact SUV segment include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape. Each vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s advisable to test drive multiple models before making a final decision.

Reference: https://www.subaru.com.au/

FAQ: 2024 Subaru Forester