This SUV Isn’t Sporty, But Families Will Love It (Subaru Forester 2023 Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- Full review of the 2023 Subaru Forester in 2.5i-S AWD trim, including engine, CVT, handling, ride quality, practicality, fuel economy and boot space.
The Subaru Forester is a popular midsize SUV available with a 2.5-litre engine or a smaller hybrid powertrain. Both use a CVT automatic and have standard AWD. Multiple trim grades are sold, culminating in this 2.5i-S AWD spec ($46,340 before on-road costs).
The Forester competes with the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander and other medium-sized family crossovers.
Time codes:
0:00 - Cars are getting more expensive
0:20 - What is the Subaru Forester?
0:30 - Price
0:47 - Wait times and delays
1:00 - Megatest third place
1:17 - New rivals
1:30 - Size and dimensions
1:58 - Facelifted exterior styling
2:30 - Off-roading capability
2:45 - Leather seats
2:55 - Three interior screens
3:30 - Harman-Kardon stereo
3:45 - Missing features
4:17 - Interior storage
4:38 - Back seat space
4:55 - Rear amenities
5:40 - Wide opening doors
5:50 - Fitting baby seats
6:03 - Boot space
6:18 - Full size spare wheel & tyre
6:33 - Top-tether points
6:49 - Fuel economy
7:09 - Warranty & servicing
7:25 - Capped price servicing
7:40 - Comprehensive insurance
8:02 - Soft suspension
8:25 - Top-heavy handling
8:50 - It is not sporty
9:27 - 2.5L petrol engine
9:57 - CVT automatic
10:10 - Refinement and noise
10:29 - 1.8L turbo option overseas
10:46 - Outback turbo option
11:38 - Symmetrical AWD system
12:11 - Off-road driving
12:43 - X-Mode
13:10 - Forester Wilderness trim
13:43 - Safety rating
14:17 - Safety technology
14:38 - Lane keep assist
15:03 - Reversing AEB
15:22 - Verdict
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Do you prefer SUVs to have a cushy suspension or a sporty setup?
Ride quality is the number one priority for all car buyers - It's just that someone might take longer to realise this.
@@derekl190too right mate. I just don’t understand why high spec SUVs are all fitted with 19, 20 or 21 inch wheels. It’s purely for appearance, not performance, and ruins the ride quality. I’m glad Subaru are still choosing comfort over aesthetics
Sporty if the height of the vehicle is lower ie (outback like) and the engine is strong but cushy and top end control
The roads in my part of the world are horrendous. Why people buy giant wheels and sports suspensions is beyond me. I see them at the side of the road with blowouts constantly.
@@markscott2215 yes furthermore the less tyre sidewall makes potholes more damaging and bumps more jarring unless they have air suspension it’s a lost cause with massive flashy rims.
First time I’ve ever seen Tool in the media of the thousands of car reviews I’ve watched and I’m a forever fan of this channel now 🔥😂
We purchased a 2020 and we still have our 2010!
I wish it had a bit more grunt and it's not as exciting looking as a lot of its competitors but it just ticked so many boxes for us.
It has some actual ground clearance. Some decent soft-roading capability and the aforementioned full sized spare which is a must in remote Western Australia. The boxy shape while not stylish makes it easy to load taller items without hitting the back window as you typically do with more streamlined looking SUVs.
Well presented Tom.
BCE (before covid era) WRX STi was $55k driveaway. But people seem to have no issues paying $10k+ for the same cars.
Enjoyed this discussion. The SUV ( below $65k ) is my sweet spot for car reviews. Thanks Chasing Cars. Affordability as you said is a priority for me. I have a direct budget I have to adhere to or in Chasing Cars vernacular BudgetDirect!
Great choice with the song mate! Schism, Tool.
Funny, always mention the number of cup holders. Overlook the 63litre size petrol tank. One of the largest in the class.
As a long term multiple Suburu owner and someone who has driven this model a number times now, the older one specifically the 2nd generation 03-07 is still comparatively speaking a better car. Sure the benefits of modern safety is a good enough reason to buy a new one but it’s strange that I still enjoy driving the older version to this newer version and that is stopping me upgrading.
It's because it doesn't have a CVT!!!!
We had a 2005 manual model and it was a great car. Ever time my wife and I see one on the road we both start talking about it. Had it for 8 years and it was as tight as the day we bought it :)
As a recent owner i agree the cd player slot if removed would made the screen slightly bigger, i say keep the knobs with the aircond system they are handy . Keep the speedo like is and if it wants to hold the title of off road worthy not the laughing stock perhaps the 1 speed transmission be replaced with a proper 7 speed, and the spare wheel gets mounted outside on the rear boot lid like a proper off roader. Too many copy cats in the Suv market Toyota bean counters need to make Subaru different from a Rav 4 and a Outback which one will be my next airport Uber driver and the other take off road without being the laughing stock of 4wders. I saw youtube a few years back of Nissan xtrail and a Mazda cx5 trying to make it the barge at inskip point the nissan didnt have grunt and the mazda bottom out on the sand both were the laughing stock comments said these uber drivers took the wrong turn from Brisbane. So Forester has a good boxy shape with good rear visibility it just needs a few off road tweaks to differ its got a good formula so go dont go reinventing the wheel with dancing bears and LED strip lights I definitely wouldn’t buy any other brand for off roading Subaru for life thats if Toyota dkesnt nail the coffin shut.
Why does a modern car need cd player? I am from the cd Era and has burned many many music cds. It's simply cavemen tech. A cd can hold like what? 10 songs? And who still owns cd or knows how to burn music cds... geez..
SUV’s should have cushy suspension. Something that can soak up bumps and hard surfaces without compromising the handling and stability of the vehicle.
To tell you my experience, we bought a BMW X1 2022 sport version. Chunky steering wheel, turbo engine (although dual clutch) 19inch wheels and all the bells and whistles.
I honestly didn’t like anymore than I did my i30 n line. Ride quality was so poor that you will go deff on rural roads when going on long trips.
Since we changed our car to Subaru Forester iS top variant, my experience has been nothing but a pleasant surprise every time I sit behind the wheel.
Ride quality is awesome, can handle bumps without any cabin noise, steering is direct and you feel like you are in control of the vehicle, proper AWD safety over poor roads, wet roads is a big plus when things go wrong.
Safety systems work better than my BMW, and this vehicle is approx 15k cheaper than BMW.
I know some people will still complain about every stupid little thing that they can think off like CVT transmission.
I can say with confidence that I don’t miss the turbo one bit when I’m driving my Forester. It’s got the get up and go when you need it and honestly if you want something that fast that you want to go 0-60 every traffic light then mate go get yourself a sports car not a family SUV. Subaru is a brand with reputation and reliability like no other and you don’t get the old screen like you do in RAV4. It’s a product made in Japan and will last you for years.
If this doesn’t tick the box , then please feel free to get a BMW and see how your resale value goes in next 5 years time.
I’m trying to decide if I should get the 2019 jeep Cherokee with the 2.0L turbo engine or possibly look into getting a Subaru or something else. I’m having trouble deciding. I read your comment and saw that you did not like the turbo engine in your bmw? Why is that?
In Malaysia we only have this with 2.0 n/a..
There is a HUD of sorts, a line of LEDs that reflect onto the windscreen.
This is the only good Subaru because it has a traditional dashboard.
in my country Malaysia this priced almost RM200k.. i envy you guys coz the price around usd50k only.. 😢
What's the air conditioning like? Do they do full hybrids? Full automatics? And What's the CO2 emissions rating?
They do a hybrid… it’s appalling!!😬 In fact I think the normal ICE returned better fuel consumption from memory😂😂
How great does the cvt hold up?
The current SK Forester CVTs seem less prone to failure than the previous gen.
If you want a 300k vehicle you're still better off getting a Toyota or Mazda.
@@0HOON0 Hope to get at least 200k on my 15 forester CVT.
@@thatdude4571 I've got a 2021 and it's still a worry. Best practice is to change the "lifetime" fluid frequently and get a trans cooler + temp gauge if you tow or off-road.
@@thatdude4571 SubaruUSA has been pretty good about fully covering the cost of CVT replacement if failure occurs before 100k miles. (Assuming the vehicle is unmodified and in good condition)
Hope things are similar in other parts of the world.
I have the 2023 Hybrid S and love driving it.
Strongly agree about no spot to put my phone.
It has to go on the centre console with a long USB cable.
The hybrid system gives good acceleration but isn't as good as Toyota.
It's quick to switch off or engage the petrol engine.
I don't like that everything beeps and there is only full auto and auto climate control and it takes over.
I might do a one year or six months review soon.
Lucky to have been able to buy a Sport at $47k DA a year ago!
Are you enjoying the car?
@@chasingcars you betcha! Couldn’t really fault it. Much prefer the current infotainment and buttons galore to what Subie’s been sticking on the newer models. The only nitpick I would have would be seat ventilation and lumbar support (which I think other markets get?)
Here’s hoping they bring down a 2.4T wilderness next gen! 🤞🤞
Subaru Australia bring back the Forester XT.
Boot is a bit small for the class and its definitely missing grunt. Needs the 2.5 litre turbo instead. And drop the CVT Subaru. Please!!! And ad the 2.5 into the XV too.
2.4 turbo
Mate the figures don't do the boot justice. It's a Mary Poppins bag because of the shape of it.
@@jhref test drive it last year and boot was too small for what we needed.
Not a bad car ... for 2010.
Subaru lent me one..Im glad they did .Hideous .Cvt with the 4 cylinder sounded like a Chook going to the slaughter house.
Subaru's are totally outdated. interior, exterior and drivetrain.
@@redwhite_040 hell I’ll even add into that safety then always fell behind Volvo and heck according to crash data it’s even behind a land-cruiser prado 2010-23 so I can’t see the appeal of this junk.
Ill never buy a CVT
Everything is outdated, might as well spend 7-8K more and get a Tucson/Kia
Shame the GT-Line has been temporarily removed from sale.
I think it's a great car apart from your unreasonable remarks, shame on you.
What’s unreasonable?
@@chasingcarsprobably chatgpt trolling you.
The cheap and nasty CVT g/box is still crap!!!!!
The Sportage is a better option IMO
Except that 2.0L engine and 6-speed auto is a pretty woeful combo. The Sportage diesel goes well, though
Jesus😳😳… the sunroof looks like it was trimmed by an aftermarket company??!!😮 I know Subaru build quality has taken a serious dive… but that’s some 1990’s rubbish going on there!
Why those guys at Subaru always make ugly looking car?😂