2017 Subaru Forester | CarGurus Test Drive Review
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Subaru says it redesigned the 2017 Forester, but it doesn’t look much different than last year. It does get improvements to its EyeSight driver-assistance system, adds Siri Eyes Free, and offers more standard and available features. The new version rides on the last-generation Impreza’s platform, but stands much taller than that car to provide lots of cargo capacity.
The Forester 2.5i trims get a 2.5-liter boxer four rated at 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0XT trim’s turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful engine requires a continuously variable transmission, but a manual is available with the 2.5-liter. The 2.5i trims get considerably better mileage than the XTs.
A Forester can do almost anything you need from a car and offers incredible crashworthiness. The 2.5i trims are more cost effective, but the 2.0XTs might need some additional work to meet the expectations set by their price.
Read more on CarGurus: cargur.us/gb2yX
When you’re looking for a vehicle that can do almost anything and travel almost anywhere, without costing much money and while providing impressive levels of safety and crash protection, the 2017 Subaru Forester is a good bet.
Two distinctly different Subaru Forester models exist. The Forester 2.5i provides everything that is good about this compact crossover SUV in a sensibly priced package. The Forester 2.0XT adds power, performance, and a handful of exclusive features in an apparent bid to inject excitement into the SUV, but it comes at both cost and compromise. The version you select is entirely dependent upon what you value most, and both are ready for a significant overhaul beyond the minor sprucing up that happens for 2017.
Presenter: Christian Wardlaw
Producer: Dan Sharp
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Crossovers & SUVs
• Crossovers and SUVs
I love the boxy design. Still looks like an SUV from the days when all SUVs were just boxes on wheels.
You hit the nail right on the head at the end. I drive a Forester because I don't want to feel precious about every single dent or scratch that appears on my car. It gets me from A to B, safely, in any weather, and that's enough for me.
I actually like the boxy look alot, suits the suv
"in spite of the boxy design". ....why is the boxy design a problem for all reviewers ? ....a suv should be boxy imo. ....if you want something sleek and sporty, buy a sports car.
I love u John
Maybe because design is subjective? Relax.
What would professional designers do without your standards? Sigh... You make this world turn.
Good call John.. I agree with you. I like the overall taller vehicle height and great visibility of a "boxy" SUV design. I the past 5 to 10 years, most SUV are not SUV's anymore. They are Crossovers that have lower vehicle height and have poor visibility due to sleeker designs - not to mention less room.
John Grytbakk I agree and plus it’s more space:
I just bought this vehicle for the mere fact it doesn't look like all the other cookie cutter SUV's. This vehicle is a blast to drive, can't wait til I pick it up!! It was love at first sight! Thanks Subaru!
Just purchased a 17 FXT with 30K miles for 23K. I am very very happy with its performance and size. Coming from a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT with a 2.5L EJ257 (Yes, STi Engine after the original died) I still have it, and its still on the road but I greatly enjoy the 17 FXT more. Not a single gripe, not even from the kids.
Stop accepting "loaded" top packages for loan from manufacturers! They don't reflect the car most people get and that's important! Less than 10% of Foresters sold today will be the model you reviewed, which means 90% will NOT be what you tested and 90% of viewers will feel lied to or cheated.
A lot of these car reviewers do this. So damn annoying
Often they can only review what they are given to drive
I like it when car companies put the larger seat in the back on the right. This way when folded down, a Christmas tree as well as other larger and longer items can be placed in the car with the front passenger seat down with someone sitting behind you.
I'll just take the Plain Jane Forester base model with the 6 speed manual. Good dirt road desert prospector wagon that I can sleep in the back in a pinch. Haven't had a Subaru since my 1974 green wagon and 1980 5 speed hatchback. People buy cars based on all that electronic push button crap. 10k in "special effects". Just give me an am/fm/cd with knobs + 4 speakers, a/c and a back up camera and I'll be happy as a clam.
Lol that was a refreshing perspective. I’m similar; llove the manual, extra tech not a necessity, sleep/camp inside - YES. But I require some power baby, haha
I got the simplest CVT Forester I could find. No x-mode, no eyesight, no flashy touchscreens.
Chose the CVT just for the extra crawling ability but thats it!
@@moonsapling Where to crawl?
This vehicle's design is actually incredible for my taste. Only the rear end maybe looks a bit dated, but the front and the sides are very aggressive, and eye catching. I prefer this look over the mazda and peugeot kind of 'cartoonish' and somewhat feminine look.
Arguably the best car reviewer on TH-cam. I am perplexed that these guys don't have hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
I just bought one of these. I'm not as thrilled as I expected to be but maybe in time I will love it as much as my 2005 Forester.
Was your 2005 an XT?
Great video! It goes to show you must turn OFF VCD when you need extra momentum and power to climb steep and slippery hills......
Great review 👍Forester really needs a more rugged look and better rear amenities.
I hope the force that keeps its boxy design, I love it, it's very traditional. sleek SUVs look wierd.
Agree! I was flip flopping between Outback and Forester and went with Forester BECAUSE of the boxy look. Now I don't know why I even considered the Outback
We have a 2.5 Touring with CVT. Great fuel economy, CVT is like a automatic (my companion does not even feel the difference), great visibility. As well, if you have a bad back, this is easy to get in and out of. Drives great in any weather condition, easy to park. It is not the sexiest CUV (2017 Mazda CX5 wins that!), but it will give many years of safe reliable driving!
I love the new Forester but I wish they would put the new Starlink screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like the new Outback has as well as moving the blind spot over to the mirror housing
I really am in love with this car...
Thanks for pointing out some of the things it Doesn't have
Yeah for around $35k they should put some rear seat USB chargers and heated rear seats in there. The outback has those features.
Christopher Walken, it has heated rear seats
What a great review! Thank you!
Yep a USB an 12V access and an air vent for the rear passengers would make a huge difference
I purchased a 2016 Subaru Forester after doing my research and seeing all the great reviews. After 40,000 miles I am pissed ! Subaru has tons of electrical problems. I have had 3 warranty issues where electrical switches which control vital systems like brake lights have gone out at 40,000 miles?? What makes it worse is Subaru knows they have these issues and still charge you to fix it. The latest is the passenger side air bag turns off randomly while there is a passenger in the seat. Subaru address this by saying that seat covers or having a cell phone near the passenger seat is causing the issue wth??No cell phones in the car ???On to the EYESIGHT feature which pop the extra money for ! If its a sunny winter day it works! But if its raining and you actually need it well your out of luck because it shuts off! and if it really hot summer day yeah it shuts off too. When fixing the first electrical switch Issue on my Subaru where the Steering wheel would lock up the mechanic said the" several models were having this issue so now they are adding Forester to the list" but there's been no recall? Subaru is not a reliable brand and does not stand behind their product. I am wondering how they are getting all the great reviews ???
" One of the safest small suv" not anymore since the IIHS just tested the passenger side for small offset collision and it failed with a Marginal rating. This means that Subaru only designed the driver side to pass the standard test not the passenger side. Further more, dont get rear ended in one.
Love this machine , wonder when the next gen is coming out ?
DimachkaS I heard it was supposed to be completely redesigned next year with it's new global platform
doubt it. I expect 2020 to be the earliest. This one has to at least last 2017, 18 and 19 MY for the facelift to make sense. That being said, they may start developing it next year, yes
2019
DimachkaS word on the street is the next gen Forester will debut at the NY Auto show in April.
Its not a Suv it's a Subaru Forester it's like a car but not really, like a suv but not really. its just a Forester
Hazen Grass it’s a crossover.
shut he fuck up Hazen go back to your Kia sweety
How the fuck is it not an SUV. It's the perfect example of father of all SUV's.
well for me this is the most pratical suv for my family, its got the 2.0 turbocharge engine fast to pass by other sports cars on the road
Yeah... that "pass by other sports cars on the road" is a definite practical for the family thing.
Love all your responses George. Stop it, You're killing them with logic LOL.
🤣
I'm willing to let go of all those extra features for the Forester, it's worth it. I don't need a 12-volt Outlet, however I would love to see more solf touch material.
I have the exact bronze XT touring (along with some accessories); it is fast as hell. Not as fast as a wrx but not much slower for sure. In I mode, the car drives beautifully for everyday driving, in S# the thing is aggressive as hell
ks10308 agree its fast for an suv
ks10308 what does it do 0-60? just curious because I hear some say it's fast and then this guy say it's slow
Blake Swan 6.3 secs to 60mph
Blake Swan as fast or faster than a standard porsche macan
renato muu very impressive. Basically it's a Sportage SX or 2.0XT if you want something that moves in this segment
Why isn't anyone reviewing the most purchased trim, the 2.5 Premium with Auto? I think 3 out of 4 Foresters I see are just that trim. It's a very different experience from the 2.0XT Touring.
We bought the mid level Premium, too. By far the best value. 25 grand OTD for us.
Slight variant here: bought a 2.5i Premium with the 6-speed manual. LOVE it, and I live in busy Southern California. Just can't give up the fun and control of a manual tranny, and Subaru's take on a manual is one of the best I've ever experienced (and that includes a Miata, a couple Honda's, a Mini Cooper, etc.). Best part is that, so far, I am slaughtering the anticipated gas-mileage. This latest tank, with mixed driving, I'm at 29.4 mpg. Highway is typically low 30's. Hmm, with the CVT and all it's built-in logic, I was (a little) concerned about the mileage hit I was told I'd take. Also being the owner of a 2015 Outback with CVT (my wife's car), I really do want to encourage anyone comfortable with a manual to try it. A true pleasant driving experience.
Lots of people find the shifter not so pre use and rubbery... do you experience that too? How is the clutch?
I like it. Absolutely no play in the neutral position, and the shifts are short and tight - at least for me. Doesn't take the force that the Getrag did on the Mini, which I'm fine with. Also, so far, not a single missed (grind) shift, which I have had issues with on my most recent other manual transmission vehicle (Honda Element).
The path between next up or next down gears is well defined and precise. I also find that going from say, sixth to third or fourth, as I'm slowing and turning, to be very precise. As I've commented to my wife as i'm driving sometimes, "I LOVE this gear box!". It really just feels solid to me.
As far as the clutch, again, it just feels like quality. Short enough travel, and it requires just the right force to engage/disengage.
So then it's really just a matter of the final gear ratio to make the thing do better mileage on the highway.
Good review thank you.
Not the WRX of SUV'S??? I think you're wrong. Every other review i've seen for the vehicle says that it is, and mine is SUPER fun to drive lol. Just my opinion. I also love the design and think its super cute but whatever lol
Subaru Forester received a facelift in 2016 for 2017 model
If you want a plug in the back I had them put in 110v works great.
At $440, it's very pricey.
This guy really down played the foresters off road capability. He almost didn't even go there.
That's because it's not made for the off-road. It has no diff locks nor underside protection and its overhangs are giant. It's an on-road SUV that you can drive in very poor weather.
These cars are obviously not designed to compete with purpose built 4x4 vehicles such as a military issue humvee and not meant to be. But it has an 8.7 inch ground clearance and 4x4 therefore the car goes practically anywhere. I regularly take mine on roads that require a high ground clearance and the car hasn't scraped yet or through sand drifts 12 inches deep and thats with a fully loaded car. Besides, you can easily look up other videos that clearly show what this car is capable of. This guy left out a very important aspect of this car that buyers like me expect to see.
I'm not talking about "purpose built 4x4 vehicles." I'm talking about any Trail Rated Jeep or a Land Rover or most pick-ups or a Nissan XTerra or Toyota 4Runner. The Forester is a Compact Utility Vehicle. It is designed for small families to get their stuff around and for the poorer climates like North America, Northern Europe, far Southern Europe or lots of Asia where the roads are of poor quality or suffer from snow/ice. Its 8.7" ground clearance is nice, but it wont clear many obstacle because of its poor approach and departure angles. It isn't a Jeep Wrangler or anything. Like I said, it doesn't even have any locking differentials, something even a Kia Sportage has. It has ZERO underside protection. NONE! Again, something many competitors at least offer as an option because they recognize this car may be taken off road. Subaru doesn't sell its cars to be taken onto 4WD trails. It can handle some gravel or sand surfaces or snow, but that's it. It doesn't even have a proper low gear on the CVT aside from the descent control feature. Face it, it's a family wagon. Just look at its history.
There are no roads that require high ground clearance. There just isn't such a thing. Roads are fairly flat. Anything that requires ground clearance above a speed bump isn't actually a road. There are many people who take these cars into off-road situations and think this car is made for it. It isn't. They very often end up needing tow trucks and extensive repairs after venturing. The fact that you haven't broken major components (as far as you know anyway) is more a function of luck and possibly some skill as a driver than the car's capability. I've driven my Camry on dirt and gravel roads too and I'll be the first to say it isn't an off road vehicle.
Look, face it. You haven't a clue what you're talking about. Clearly you're delusional and use TH-cam to prattle on about nonsense and things you heard from a crow passing by.
You can defend your position all you want but at the end of the day - I hate to be the one to waste my time to tell you this - you're wrong - completely and utterly wrong.
He has always reminded me of Matthew Broderick.
After too many greasy fry ups
Awesome 😀 😀 2017 Subaru Forester review.
i know you are fan of Subaru like me
Love ventilated seats!
They should have one with a powerful torqy diesel, with manual trans. ...utilitarian. ...tractorish. ....a manly suv.
They don't sell the diesel in the US so there aren't many reviews of it online.
I have to agree with you on this. The 2.0D is perfectly suited for this car, especially in the base or Premium trims, but I'm afraid the extra cost added for the engine in the US would drive away most buyers. At some point, Subaru considered bringing the Diesel here, but it looks like after the VW fiasco, they've given up. There's not enough savings in the fuel economy/maintenance department to make up for the extra cost of the engine, given that it has to be redone for the North American market. Maybe the next generation will have room for the urea injection system, but the current one doesn't.
Too many " However " s ...about rear a/c rear usb ....come on I grew up and rode in the back of my dads Chevy and frankly I'd don't recall having usb or a/c in the back seat...that's why there are windows...don't need usb...don't need rear a/c...people are just too damned spoiled this day and age...bty we bought on of these loaded Fozys....and we love it...even with out the rear a/c and lack of usb..
Your dad's chevy cost $10k. This costs $35k.
Ah ya and it was also some 50 years ago...the fact is back in the day there was no back heaters or a/c ...lucky to even have speakers ...let alone usb ports...and most of us made it to out of the 60's with out all those bells and whistles...funny thing is those old chevy's for a sweet price tag of 7$k Canadian would out last anything that is built today...in fact there are still loads on the roads...and they are worth more than they were back in the day...just sayin
50 years ago, your dad's Chevy cost $5,000, was all steel, had no stereo, automatic transmission, power anything or any safety equipment. Did it even have shoulder seat belts? 50 years ago, cars seldom reached 100k miles on the odometer. They usually rusted through at 50k. They also got about 10mpg. Any Chevy you see on the road from back then (and there are VERY few in actuality) have been rebuilt head to toe a number of times, most having been updated with more modern equipment.
Instead of "just sayin" you should actually speak the truth.
Nothing wrong with being nostalgic and looking back with adoration of the ‘good ol days’. Everything doesn’t have to be a tech or “1 up” pissing contest
Need to watch a UK review because the engine different in the XT over here
I wanted to hear something about how it corners on curvy roads
what setting were your lights on when you wanted the auto high beam to activate? i have the same car i never had auto high beam activation issue. mine is always set to auto headlights with the high beam stock left on the forward position. maybe check your settings or refer to the owners manual
Can you review the Saburu Crosstrek 😄
You could tell the anti Subaru biased from the start.
Great review, Chris Wardlaw! I cannot wait until I can start doing my full in-depth review of some Subaru products in the near future, too! Keep up the great work Car Gurus! 👍😉
-DriveAndBeDriven 🚘
"The Quest To Record The Best!" 📽
Hola, qué tal va por carretera el Forester?
did subaru fixes their problem with the head gasket failing prematurely found on earlier subie.
Put a manual all the way to the top model and ill get one
Looks good
Looks horrible
A Forester sti version with a manual trans and an optional 6 cyl turbo. A wrx of compact suv version would be great.
Why? For the name badge, a manual you can't drive properly and extra weight? Why do you need the H6? It produces less power than the turbo 4. Why do you need any of this on a top heavy SUV that sits 8.7" off the ground? Are you an adult? Do you understand basic physics?
I hate the red instruments at nightIt's not clear like some of their other models outback
Would you recommend this over the new crv? I know they have different purpose. But would you? Alex on autos put the new crv as his top choice for 2017 .
CRV for practicality and efficiency and Forester for Power and fun. It depends on what you need. Both are pretty reliable and big.
Power and fun are not present in the 2.5
Subaru is a favorite of mine, but they definitely lack ingenuity and have terrible packaging options. Given the interior is going on almost 5 years now, it still ridiculous that the XT, or any Forester, is missing what was mentioned in the video. Moreover, LED lights only come on Limited models? Come on now. People have to get leather to get lights? Not every outdoor enthusiast wants/needs leather, but they sure can use improved lighting...
Lastly, not that I care for leather in a car like this, but certain colors are only optioned with Brown leather?
Thankfully, it looks like the Blackout package on the Premium will give you LED headlamps, fog lights, 18" wheels, paddle shifters, the seats off the XT Premium, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, the winter package and black accents inside (instead of silver) for just over $1200.
Good to know. But seems like that's only an option for the 2.5i models. :(
Well... the XT Premium is a conundrum. I don't know how many they sell compared to other trims, but it makes no sense at all to me. It's a Premium with the turbo engine for an extra $3,000, which is clearly too much for just an engine update, BUT... the 2.5 has way more options you can add, including the EyeSight system. Why don't they make that optional on the 2.0XT Premium??? Not that I'd want it, but a power liftgate is also optional on the 2.5 and not the 2.0. Makes no sense!
Which handles better? Forester XT or cx5?
forester by a large margin
shopping for a new car is quite experience listening to all the boo-hooing about Apple & Android car play, charging ports and vents for rear seat passengers......nobody ever rides in the back seats of cars, anyway. having a passenger is RARE.
Surprised that a “Solitudinist” feels that way 🤔
😂😂😂 no one rides in the back of cars??
May I ask, just what the hell in your opinion are the best in every respect CUV/ SUVs a person can buy for the $$$$ ? Any make any model...............Say $30,000 max ?
Go buy a certified preowned Buick Enclave awd. Quite capable, very comfortable and safe.
Thats exactly my car
WAIT FOR 2019
but why? It is soon to be unveiled at the NY auto show, in about 2 weeks time. Not sure if it is going to be much better. The 17 and 18 models will go on sale...
I'm counting on the 17 and 18 models depreciating when the 19 comes out. So far, getting a used 17 saves you something like $2000 compared to getting a brand-new 18, if you want a Premium or Limited 2.5i with Eyesight. At least where I live.
Exactly. So when’s the best time to purchase the discontinued XT model ? Winter? Etc..
This 2017 car looks and drives same as a 2008
In the day and age when 8" infotainment screen is the norm and some car makers pushing for 12" screen, Subaru continues to stay behind with it's meager 7" screen, childish map graphics, and no option to turn off voice guidance
The CRV and Rav4 both have 7" screens. Many cars do.
It seems this reviewer has a strong bias toward American cars. After watching this review compared to his Jeep renegade review where he subtlety missed all the jeeps flaws and in this one tries to belittle and dumb down the very capable Subaru. Hmmm... nope
Passive-aggressive and arrogant much? Geez.
However
I feel so bad for those seats...
This review just goes to show how spoiled Americans are.
fake 0-60 times they should have put the 3.6 engine in it and stopped messing around with a turbo 4
Much heavier. Sucks too much gas and provides no real advantage. The H6 puts out 256bhp and 257lb/ft of torque in the Outback. The 2.0T puts out 268bhp and 258lb/ft torque. All that and the output on the H4 is lower on the tachometer than on the H6, so I ask you, what do you need the 3.6 for? The 4-banger 12 more horsepower and 1 extra pound/feet of torque over the H6 AND it provides that power at lower RPMs and keeps it there.
The only difference is that the 6 can drink regular fuel and the 4 needs the premium.
valid points thank you
Correction.... 2.0 has 250 hp, making it less than the 3.6. That being said, the 2.0 is much faster.
Get one loaded like this and pay 50% premium. Subaru electronics are notoriously yester-years the engine is weak and the outback is one of the slowest cars on the market. Insurance is higher than avg. Everything is outdated straight out of the box.
Unfortunately that's true and underscored for the US market. Did you know you could get rear heated seats and rear vents in Canada and Europe?
lol. Why would a "review" of any Subaru leave out the AWD system and how THAT compares to other SUV's. What a joke, never watch this guy for information if you're looking to buy.
Because there's not real way to really compare one AWD system to another and because that's not how people buy cars and it's specifically not how people buy Subarus. If you want to buy a vehicle based solely on its AWD capability, you'd be buying a part-time 4WD vehicle with underside protection, a great approach and departure angle and even greater clearance. A Forester is for families. It's a mom's car.
Mistake looks horrible not good I wrote good cause I rushed