It never surprises how condescending the comments on the this channel are whenever it's not a high powered exotic car. Of course the buyers know what the engine is, that's why they are the the ones putting down money and not the teenagers that watch car vids.
@@stuntmonkey00 FYI, I hate the Lambo videos. If it's over $100k, it's boring to me. I just wish Subaru would bring back their fun cars. They used to have some soul. Now they're just another CUV, CVT company.
I'll give a bit of a counterpoint here. This vehicle isn't made for enthusiasts. It's made for the mainstream buyer. I find one thing that is overblown in most reviews is the amount of power or how "slow" the vehicle is. We bought a Forester Wilderness to replace our Kia Sorento Turbo and despite having considerably less power, we don't miss it at all (thought we would miss it more). It is plenty quick in normal driving. You aren't doing 0-60 runs around town. The handling around town is great. It's easy to drive, easy to park, easy to see out of and has a great AWD system. The new hybrid model might help appease some of the people who want more power, but the reality is, they dropped the XT model due to low take rates (low sales volumes). The new hybrid model will also boost fuel economy (this vehicle isn't bad on fuel, but a hybrid option at least gives people options). If you are looking for a vehicle that is capable and easy to live with as a daily driver, you'll love it. It's why Subaru has one of the best brand loyalty ratings on the market. They also have good reliability ratings and resale value. They aren't perfect (no vehicle is) but if you are in the market, try one out and see how it fits your needs before writing it off as being "too slow" or whatever.
As a 2017 Forester and 2021 Tiguan owner, I can verify it is slow. Undisputedly slow, had a hard time to pass trucks on highway. Especially those busy countryside roads, it basically impossible to make a pass. Compared with my Tiguan, it is also significantly less refined. CVT is one thing, noise control is a disaster. I also tested drive the new Forester, it is still less refined as a daily drive. Nonetheless the bad fuel economy. But I agree with you, try one out, and found out it is too slow yourself.
@@wj_desmond2252 Well, I don't find our Forester slow, and we came from a Sorento Turbo. I'm not saying it's fast, I just think the "slow" part is overblown. With 180hp, it is inline with most of its competition. These aren't sportscars, they don't need to be competing for first place in 0-60 times. That's just a marketing gimmick to get people to spend more money than they need to. Drive one of these around town, you can beat plenty of other vehicles out there around town if you need to. I do it all the time, hence why I said we don't miss the extra 80hp the Kia Sorento Turbo had over this. These vehicles aren't for spec sheet warriors or enthusiasts, they are for everyday people who want a capable, reliable vehicle they can easily live with as a daily driver.
You buy a Subaru because you want a reliable vehicle that will get you home safely. The Forester does have most visibility of any vehicle I’ve ever been in. The lack of blindspots is amazing.
As a bajillion other posters have noted, its not about the speed/ acceleration. It's about the interior room, the visibility, the reliability, and the track record of the Forester. Yes, it is lethargic when you punch it. But for the market this is meant for, it is fantastic. Nonetheless, another excellent review. You guys are fun to watch, and your car knowledge and humor is always a pleasure!
A “review” of the Forester without a mention of the area where it truly shines - its AWD system is unmatched. The way these guys are harping on speed tells me they miss the whole point of this car.
They just got out of BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Porsches, and even a Lamborghini Revuelto. They haven't reviewed a normal car for like over 2 months now. I think they've been pretty out of touch with reality lately. They're treating the Forester like it's a bad car. It's been in the US for like almost 30 years now, and it's always good at off roading, and Overlanding. That's one of the reasons why it's one of the best selling cars. People want affordable cars that's easily maintainable and reliable. It's not meant to be fast like a Corvette, which these guys own. And They're not off road enthusiasts.
@@Jhunt12303As a subaru owner that infotainment system has become my favorite. Yes it’s a little laggy at times but it’s so easy to use, screen doesn’t stick over the dash AND you get analog gauges!
@@David-dx5wzI don’t hate it. I had a 2023 WRX with the same infotainment. I guess, I thought Subaru would have updated the screen with a brand new 2025 design. I equate it to cost-saving measures. Subarus are good cars, nonetheless.
Im actually in one of these as a loaner. Because my other subaru is getting all new gaskets, spark plugs, tube seals, front axles and seals, timing cover, CVT chain reseal. Oh and a new battery. Something light 😆
I see some people complaining about the chaps testing the 0-60 on a forester. Do you ever need to overtake a lorry on a country road? That's where you need acceleration, not to do 0-60 at the traffic lights. It's just that a car that does a good 0-60, it generally has what we car guys call active safety. It can get you out of harms way much faster than a slow car.
Well a country road isn't that populated, generally. And if the vehicle is doing 30mph, this car should get to passing speed in a few seconds. If it's not safe to pass, stay where you are. And then you get to your destination a few minutes later in one piece. It's ok to go slow sometimes
@@deansmits006 Country roads differ from country to country. Here in Greece, a lorry can do 80kmh in what we call country road. Also, it's never safe driving behind a lorry. You can't see ahead, you get pebbles and spray all over your windshield, and most importantly, the lorry driver can't see YOU. The best thing to do, is pass them as fast and as soon as you can.
I drove a rental Forester for two weeks and did over 2000km, driving on mostly backroads with lots of overtaking. It has more than enough power for what it is. The CVT does a good job of masking the lack of torque.
I have a 2009 Forester 2.5X manual. It has a full aftermarket suspension and handles like a gocart. I blew the engine in it and bought a low mileage JDM replacement for $1600. I had to swap the intake manifold and some sensors from old engine and was back on the road. Unbelievably easy to work on. In September I paid $500 and saved a 2006 Forester 2.5X auto from the scrap yard. It has 336,000 miles on it. All it needed was a radiator and a crankshaft pulley. I added a pair of new rear shocks, front brake pads and rotors plus a gently used set of Michelin X Snow/Ice tires and this car is unbeatable in the snow. Love Foresters
@@gizmobudayb3933 Made specifically for the USA and Canadian market maybe this type of look just appeals to that demographic, Honda's vehicles in Europe look a lot like cars they have over there they just adapt to specific markets, I do agree the rear end is just a 2020 ford explorer though
Bought a 2025 Premier trim. Roomy, great visibility, super comfortable heated and ventilated seats. Infotainment works great (not sure what the criticism is about; 90% of Forester owners do NOT upload Instagram videos through the infotainment system....). It accelerates, drives, and stops. Power is decent and it is not a sports car. But why should it be? The Subaru/StarLink app is also useable and comprehensive and includes remote start and the parameters for interior climate to your taste. We like it! The price point, even for the top trim, is IMHO ok in this crazy car market where nothing is below 30k and a 100k truck is a "good deal". The Forester is really good at what it is intended to do. If you want to do laps on the track, don't buy it. Simple. In the winter it is extremely sure-footed, X-mode is a hoot and it never feels like it will get you stuck and stranded. Ground clearance is class leading. I like the StraightPipes reviews, but this one was hardly objective or fair. I see the bad side of professional car reviewers - when hopping from one exotic or luxury vehicle to the next, $200k vehicles become "just about bearable". Anything "cheaper" that compromises in the way a "normal" car buyer has to, now just feels "ridiculous" to the reviewers. It is a matter of maintaining a reasonable baseline, my friends.
Subaru will throw a Wilderness package on this if they haven't yet and sell a ton of them. My friend bought a 2025 Subaru. Real nice interior for the money and it is plenty powerful for his driving.
Im my experience having owned several Subarus, the CVT equipped models NEVER meet their MPG estimates. They always fall short. However every manual equiped model I have had exceeded the EPA estimates.
Yes Looks like a Ford, but these are actually made well, will last 300k with maintenance & have the best Awd system. Plus Most reliable brand now per Consumer Reports.
The technology in a Subaru is just horrible and the interior design is bad. Two of my neighbors purchased/leased new Subarus around the same time about 3 years ago and now they own a Toyota and a Honda. It’s about 15 years behind. It’s reliable, because they worked the bugs out 10 years ago. There is no way I’m picking this over a Toyota or Honda. If I don’t need all the interior space, I’m definitely picking a modern Mazda. However, I’m not in the market for cars at this price point or a car period. I still drive my 15 year old body on frame GM suv with 119K miles.
@@malcolmn.5222 No, sadly I do not have the ability to make cars cheaper, not sure what about my comment implied this. The only thing I am saying is that it is a bad value at this price.
Why are you guys complaining about power?? Nobody is gonna care about power when it comes to these type of crossovers. This is not an enthusiasts car, unless you're going off roading, camping or overlanding, which the Forester is always good at since the beginning. My Dad had a 2018 Crosstrek Limited for over 6 years before he gave it to me 4 months ago, and I completely understand that its not fast, but that doesn't mean that its not adequate or dangerously slow. Remember... Driving slow cars fast is more fun than driving supercars slow. It's not meant to be fast like a Corvette.
@@gemdiver They just recently reviewed a lot of BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Porsches, and even a Lamborghini Revuelto. They haven't reviewed a normal car for like 2 months now. Jakob is a car enthusiast, and Yuri is a hipster who likes weird funky cars. They also don't talk about reliability in a lot of their videos anymore.
Die-hard Subaru fan here (obviously) but I still don't see any new offerings that are tempting me to trade-in (or sell) my 2020 Impreza Sport hatchback. I'm not sold on the bigger screen, I like having an actual spare (even if it is a donut), and the Harmon-Kardon system is probably the best stock system I've heard in a sub-$50k car. The new WRX gained weight and is down on power, the Outback is more than I need for the price, and now the new Forester is underwhelming. Nothing wrong, but nothing great either. That glossy gray with the black grille looks good, though; just needs the black 18" 5x100 STi wheels.
I have an 2023 Forester touring and I love it. Yes power is not it’s strength but decent fuel economy and winter driving capability are what counts in northern Virginia Great review guys
Imagine then being a Subaru buyer in Europe. You even have to pay extra for front and rear parking sensors, and thats on a 46k€ (47k USD) Subaru Forester Platinum with the top engine (150HP 2.0 i4 e-Hybrid)... Thats just sad for that price. No wonder they dont sell any cars here.
I know but They are actually a good deal many people are sleeping on them. German Suvs are double the price and not offroad compatible I will buy this one in 2 years used
@@Tom-eq5bz Hardly a good deal when you have tech that is almost ancient to modern standards and you have to pay for it. Added to that the offroad capability isn't anything more significant compared to a regular car, because real "offroading" isn't for anything than for Land Cruisers, vintage Range Rovers and so on. On a lightly offroady unpaved road regular cars are fine. For the 46k base price on this you can get a VW Passat oder Skoda Octavia/Superb all day with more features and a better engine lineup. If you rise the budget just slightly you get a 5 Series which as a base model has almost 50 more HP and cutting edge tech as standard
I have 2021 Subaru forester. Best car I ever had. I bought it for the kids, safety. I feel very confident driving this car specially because handling of symmetrical AWD is really good. Not the fastest but I’m not willing to drive very fast while kids in the car. I’ll take care of it and planning to keep it for years.
My sister bought a 2025 Forester Touring about 6mons ago after her vehicle was totalled we test drove about everything in the small crossover class and the Subaru stood out the most by far and I think itll make her a reliable safe vehicle
FINALLY you guys review the new Forester! Ive been waiting months and checking your page for it all the time. Only your review matters to me. And only yours always shows the rear visibility, which is very important to me. Thank you!
Is Ford Escape not even a thing? No mention at all. But out of all these it has 2.0t 250 hp engine, is kinda fun to drive, comfortable, infotainment is touchscreens yes, but they're ok.
@ you guys did great - comments here were a little harsh. It’s hard to believe but some folks don’t have any interest in going fast. My wife is one of them and loves her Forester lol
I bought the 2025 Forester for its visibility, the power is better than I had in my 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Truck, I do not bang my head on the car when I enter the car, inside is so much room. Very nice , practical car. would have preferred a car without all the gadgets and computer screens , I do not even need a radio , never turn it on. but most cars nowadays have even more of this stuff [ what eventually breaks down built in] .
My thing with Subaru (Suzuki too but they don't sell in NA anyway) is that their interiors are perpetually stuck in 2013. Even further it confuses the mind when they didn't change the interior at all between the Forester generations, but it's not old school in a good, simple way either no no they still give you a vertical screen with all the function integrated into it. It all just looks ancient.
@@Hefe179 It's not, I tried to imply that that's the one modern thing they decide to put in there so it's not nice and simple like a lot of 2013 interiors. Although, you don't have to go much further than to 2015 and Citroen, Renault, Tesla and Volvo will've already shoved everything into a center screen.
They didn't even list how fast it went, but likely selling 8 second to 60. Fine for everyday driving at safe speeds. Still, I prefer more torque, even if I'm not acceleration hard. I like the feeling of a quiet, effortless surge.
Either people no longer read or their comprehension skills are sub-standard. The Forester competes with the Honda CRV LX, EX N.A. version that does 0-60 in approximately. 10 seconds. The Forester is a top safety pick and performs much better. Like a small 2.0 diesel engine, off the line acceleration is not the focus but torque at low RPMs . Reviewers (most) treat these cars the same and launch these vehicles like they are high performance sports cars. That is not the mission of this vehicle. Everyone does not want a turbo charged engine and find an 8 second 0-60 acceptable for their driving style. If there was an ACTUAL huge demand for an XT version of the Forester, Subaru would offer it. The Forester has all the latest tech Toyota has on offer but could benefit from a reskin of the UI to something more modern.
@@TheStraightPipes Not providing context for the actual competitors to the Forester (4 cylinder, non turbo, AWD CUVs) 1) RAV4 AWD XLE Gas 2) CX-50 AWD Premium plus 3) Chevy Equinox AWD 4) Honda CRV LX AWD 5) Subaru Forester Sport or Forester Limited I am pretty sure you would not review a RWD BMW 340i and compare it directly to Mercedes CLA (FWD architecture, 4 cylinder) as they target different markets/consumers
Agreed. For what it's worth, Car & Driver tested it and it did an 8.3 second 0-60 mph time. Perfectly competitive in the class. For comparison's sake, the CRV was 8.1, RAV-4 was 8.3, Rogue was 8.0, Equinox was 8.6, Tiguan was 8.2 and the CX-5 (non-turbo) was 8.1.
I owned a 2023 Outback Wilderness but drove the Forester as a dealership loaner with this same 2.5L engine. When putting around town, you forget about the CVT and the low end torque is fine. It rewards smooth and slow driving. The problem is, if you need to overtake or merge on the highway, the engine sounds unrefined and out of breath, and those fake shifts further deter from the experience. For the small price delta, get the Outback Wilderness with the turbo motor. Where in the Forester, you have to be over 50% throttle most of the time (which activates the fake shifts), in the OBW, you can be 20% throttle and let the CVT do its thing. That makes it a much better cruiser, because the engine never feels strained. As a bonus, the steering and handling feels better (more like a car than SUV), you get more ground clearance, and it feels better put together inside.
I wish VW still brought the Alltrack to North America. I have a 19 SEL top trim spec with the 1.8t new since 19, that car has been amazing. Only down side is premium fuel required and poor fuel economy. We picked up a second daily run around car, 25 Jetta SEL Premium (top spec) with the new 1.5t , punchie little engine at 150hp (30 less than Alltrack) 184ft lbs (4 more than Alltrack) but, average fuel economy for us has been 38mpg on regular (87 octane fuel). The new MK8/MK8.5 Alltrack with the fuel efficient 1.5t would make for a great versatile daily driver.
When I owned a car, I never watched videos in it, but if I had Samsung/Android allows you to choose output for audio. You wouldnt have to disconnect your phone. Just choose the phone speakers as output
In order to get some of the desired safety features, you have to upgrade to the higher models and even then, on some they are extra cost options.... Blind spot and rear cross traffic for example....
The start of the video was BS. It's not supposed to be fast. I have an outback that is slow, but doesn't feel that way when driven normally. I like to see it pick up speed at 2000 RPM. It does fine, and gets decent MPG..
This Forester is faster than the Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox, it is comparable to the CRV, Rogue, and non-turbo CX5. The power complaints are all invalid.
@cecilthecavetroll9743 They just recently got out of BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Porsches and even a Lamborghini Revuelto. They haven't reviewed a normal car for like 2 months now. They just seem pretty out of touch lately. People want affordable cars, and nobody's gonna care about power when it comes to these type of crossovers you see everywhere everyday. It's not meant to be fast like a Corvette. But it's good at off roading. And these guys are not off road enthusiasts.
Test this vs the CRV, RAV4 and CX in a legit sketchy deep snow storm though. That’s the Subaru difference. Also, 13:15 you lose your man card if you use automatic car washes, you savage.
For your information, I own Subaru Forester 2014 bought NEW until today 1/10/25... Based model 2.5i. NOW I got 90,000 miles on it without Any Major issue..... only very small thing with noise from the outside and fan noise during Winter Season. Engine and everything else Works fine in Normal Driving and do maintenance as it REQUIRED. IN 2025 Subaru Ranked #1 in Reliability by Consumer Reports 😂❤
I don’t know what needs to happen to this TH-cam channel but you guys need to step it up man. I use to love this channel and it’s just seems so off lately.
It’s the same it’s always been. We’re just that consistent outlet for realistic car reviews. The cars are just worse these days and everybody is getting older
@@TheStraightPipesthat’s fair just sucks to see the viewership go down. And even Jakub mentioning it in the video on not many people watching the Subaru engine failure video. I just want you guys to be bigger cause you deserve it 🎉
WHEN is the Forester going to get the body & gearbox it deserves... and a logo ( appearing as the Pleiades which is cool) straight out of a Mighty Boy comic!
It is disappointing they do not offer the turbo in this unit but it seems the future focus is on the hybrid instead. We currently own a 22 Forester Sport and while not a fast vehicle it does seem faster than this one to highway speed. I was shocked how “slow” the 2025 was. However in town it was fine. And give the cost of insurance and plethora of speed cameras around, the quieter, less bouncy ride may be worth it. These things slay snow too.
I disagree with your overall review of the Forester. I have never owned a Forester or a Subaru, so I have no bias. But I have rented one of these and I feel you guys haven't reviewed this car well. The points that I agree with you on are that the infotainment system needs work, and styling is not to everybody's taste. But, you guys clearly haven't driven this car outside of the city or multi lane highway settings The Forester really shines on backroads, where the steering and handling are well above the competition. It is very well composed through corners and absorbs bumped without nvh in the cabin. The engine and CVT combo aren't powerful, but the car does pull very well on the open road and honestly I think it has enough power for what it is. I would happily consider the Forester if I was in the market for this type of vehicle.
CX50, CX-5 all day long. The Forestar looks much better than before but still retains it’s quirky nature that has always set Subaru apart from its competitors
We had a Forester for many years. It was insanely reliable until it wasn't. They're really great for about 200K miles an then they just fall apart. You can refresh them and get another 200K, but we were looking at $3-5K for everything that failed on it. Also, you guys didn't compare to the Tiguan, which I'd probably take over all of the mentioned vehicles. Just nicer to drive all around.
I’m considering the new Forester, but I have to wait until they at least give us a hybrid with a bit more power since they refuse to give us an XT version.
Most people buying these crossovers don’t even know what engine they have. As long as it reach the speed limit it’s ok for them.
In 30 seconds.
I could never drive this living in Miami, the acceleration is unacceptable
@@coreygarcia622great. It’s not for you. This comment section is filled with car enthusiast fans, it’s a lose lose for Subaru here.
It never surprises how condescending the comments on the this channel are whenever it's not a high powered exotic car. Of course the buyers know what the engine is, that's why they are the the ones putting down money and not the teenagers that watch car vids.
@@stuntmonkey00 FYI, I hate the Lambo videos. If it's over $100k, it's boring to me. I just wish Subaru would bring back their fun cars. They used to have some soul. Now they're just another CUV, CVT company.
I'll give a bit of a counterpoint here. This vehicle isn't made for enthusiasts. It's made for the mainstream buyer. I find one thing that is overblown in most reviews is the amount of power or how "slow" the vehicle is. We bought a Forester Wilderness to replace our Kia Sorento Turbo and despite having considerably less power, we don't miss it at all (thought we would miss it more). It is plenty quick in normal driving. You aren't doing 0-60 runs around town. The handling around town is great. It's easy to drive, easy to park, easy to see out of and has a great AWD system. The new hybrid model might help appease some of the people who want more power, but the reality is, they dropped the XT model due to low take rates (low sales volumes). The new hybrid model will also boost fuel economy (this vehicle isn't bad on fuel, but a hybrid option at least gives people options). If you are looking for a vehicle that is capable and easy to live with as a daily driver, you'll love it. It's why Subaru has one of the best brand loyalty ratings on the market. They also have good reliability ratings and resale value. They aren't perfect (no vehicle is) but if you are in the market, try one out and see how it fits your needs before writing it off as being "too slow" or whatever.
As a 2017 Forester and 2021 Tiguan owner, I can verify it is slow. Undisputedly slow, had a hard time to pass trucks on highway. Especially those busy countryside roads, it basically impossible to make a pass. Compared with my Tiguan, it is also significantly less refined. CVT is one thing, noise control is a disaster. I also tested drive the new Forester, it is still less refined as a daily drive. Nonetheless the bad fuel economy. But I agree with you, try one out, and found out it is too slow yourself.
@@wj_desmond2252 Well, I don't find our Forester slow, and we came from a Sorento Turbo. I'm not saying it's fast, I just think the "slow" part is overblown. With 180hp, it is inline with most of its competition. These aren't sportscars, they don't need to be competing for first place in 0-60 times. That's just a marketing gimmick to get people to spend more money than they need to. Drive one of these around town, you can beat plenty of other vehicles out there around town if you need to. I do it all the time, hence why I said we don't miss the extra 80hp the Kia Sorento Turbo had over this. These vehicles aren't for spec sheet warriors or enthusiasts, they are for everyday people who want a capable, reliable vehicle they can easily live with as a daily driver.
You don't always need power but when you need it, you NEED it
🤓☝
@@wj_desmond2252 If you think todays cars are slow you must have never driven an 80s or 90s car lol.
Looks like a reasonable family car. 👍🏽
You buy a Subaru because you want a reliable vehicle that will get you home safely. The Forester does have most visibility of any vehicle I’ve ever been in. The lack of blindspots is amazing.
Great car for seniors. Absolutely love it. Great visibility and easy to get in and out of. Very reliable
I agree. I drove this for a month as a loaner and it was very comfortable and capable.
Yup. Not everyone wants the latest equivalent to a Countach.
for some reason subaru community is the nicest people in all car comunitures.
Same. We got this for my mother because of the visibility.
''Great car for seniors'' is a bit presumptive and condescending.
Unknowingly drove through cliche corner yesterday… couldn’t believe it. Life’s good for at least a week now
We just filmed there yesterday, must’ve missed you!
where is the cliche corner ??
@@davidphilip3448 it's falling apart at the moment, so don't worry about it
As a bajillion other posters have noted, its not about the speed/ acceleration. It's about the interior room, the visibility, the reliability, and the track record of the Forester. Yes, it is lethargic when you punch it. But for the market this is meant for, it is fantastic. Nonetheless, another excellent review. You guys are fun to watch, and your car knowledge and humor is always a pleasure!
A “review” of the Forester without a mention of the area where it truly shines - its AWD system is unmatched. The way these guys are harping on speed tells me they miss the whole point of this car.
They just got out of BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Porsches, and even a Lamborghini Revuelto. They haven't reviewed a normal car for like over 2 months now. I think they've been pretty out of touch with reality lately. They're treating the Forester like it's a bad car. It's been in the US for like almost 30 years now, and it's always good at off roading, and Overlanding. That's one of the reasons why it's one of the best selling cars. People want affordable cars that's easily maintainable and reliable. It's not meant to be fast like a Corvette, which these guys own. And They're not off road enthusiasts.
Yeah but the AWD system has been the same for over 10 years now, so it's not really a highlight of this model.
Didn’t we at 12:12
@@LemonyFreshthat’s because the AWD system was perfected. Now it can only be refined. Subaru AWD and build quality ARE the features of choice.
@@TheStraightPipes You absolutely did! 20 seconds you lauded the off-road traction.
This is the epitome of the “everyday car”.. not my taste, but I see a ton on the road where I live.
…and they cheaped out using the same infotainment design. Guess we’ll see that for the next 6 to 7 years
Yeah they’re popular in Aus too, legitimately good for dirt and soft-road applications.
I just wish they still made the turbo variant
@@Jhunt12303As a subaru owner that infotainment system has become my favorite. Yes it’s a little laggy at times but it’s so easy to use, screen doesn’t stick over the dash AND you get analog gauges!
@@David-dx5wzI don’t hate it. I had a 2023 WRX with the same infotainment. I guess, I thought Subaru would have updated the screen with a brand new 2025 design. I equate it to cost-saving measures. Subarus are good cars, nonetheless.
@@Jhunt12303 New doesn’t always mean better. I sell cars and almost every infotainment system these days are over complicated and non user-friendly
Glad that Subaru has kept its Fuji Heavy Industry DNA. Practical, economical, safe, reliable, rugged. Love the car seat: time goes one way.
time isn't real
They use the drone from this CVT as a mind torture soundtrack at Guantanamo Bay
🤣
this is why they add fake gwra shifts but people still complain lol
I just hear engine sound. Isn't that what you hear in any other car? I'm not quite getting it
I wish they still produced an XT (or better yet, an STi) version for those of us who feel the need for speed. 😎
Why would you get an suv if you want to feel the need for speed?
My ‘15 Forester XT was fun to drive! Quick and practical but couldn’t trust it at the 5 year mark and traded it.
@@hutzman7664my 16 XT was fun until it getting all the problems and trade in after 5 years.
And it wouldn’t sell lol
Easily one of the suvs of all time!
best/worst?🙂🙃😂
Im actually in one of these as a loaner. Because my other subaru is getting all new gaskets, spark plugs, tube seals, front axles and seals, timing cover, CVT chain reseal. Oh and a new battery. Something light 😆
You need to tell us year and mileage.
I'm in a similar boat! 🤣Still think my 2019 is cooler though
@@tylerjohnson7825 What's going on with your 2019?
@@tylerjohnson7825 you have a 2019 that needs that much work???
LMAO I can relate. My 2015 Forester XT has been in the shop lately for all sorts of maintenance.
I see some people complaining about the chaps testing the 0-60 on a forester. Do you ever need to overtake a lorry on a country road? That's where you need acceleration, not to do 0-60 at the traffic lights. It's just that a car that does a good 0-60, it generally has what we car guys call active safety. It can get you out of harms way much faster than a slow car.
Well a country road isn't that populated, generally. And if the vehicle is doing 30mph, this car should get to passing speed in a few seconds. If it's not safe to pass, stay where you are. And then you get to your destination a few minutes later in one piece. It's ok to go slow sometimes
@@deansmits006 Country roads differ from country to country. Here in Greece, a lorry can do 80kmh in what we call country road. Also, it's never safe driving behind a lorry. You can't see ahead, you get pebbles and spray all over your windshield, and most importantly, the lorry driver can't see YOU. The best thing to do, is pass them as fast and as soon as you can.
I drove a rental Forester for two weeks and did over 2000km, driving on mostly backroads with lots of overtaking. It has more than enough power for what it is. The CVT does a good job of masking the lack of torque.
I have a 2009 Forester 2.5X manual. It has a full aftermarket suspension and handles like a gocart. I blew the engine in it and bought a low mileage JDM replacement for $1600. I had to swap the intake manifold and some sensors from old engine and was back on the road. Unbelievably easy to work on. In September I paid $500 and saved a 2006 Forester 2.5X auto from the scrap yard. It has 336,000 miles on it. All it needed was a radiator and a crankshaft pulley. I added a pair of new rear shocks, front brake pads and rotors plus a gently used set of Michelin X Snow/Ice tires and this car is unbeatable in the snow. Love Foresters
If it had a Ford badge you could barely tell the difference. This is how boring design is now.
The Explorester
Sad but true
Take a look at the 2026 Honda passport. That one looks more ford than this
It's definitely Ford looking. But at this point if your family is safe that's all you need. People aren't buying Subarus to stand out.
@@gizmobudayb3933 Made specifically for the USA and Canadian market maybe this type of look just appeals to that demographic, Honda's vehicles in Europe look a lot like cars they have over there they just adapt to specific markets, I do agree the rear end is just a 2020 ford explorer though
My mom has a forester and she absolutely loves it. That's the market they're going for now, for better or for worse.
Bought a 2025 Premier trim. Roomy, great visibility, super comfortable heated and ventilated seats. Infotainment works great (not sure what the criticism is about; 90% of Forester owners do NOT upload Instagram videos through the infotainment system....). It accelerates, drives, and stops. Power is decent and it is not a sports car. But why should it be? The Subaru/StarLink app is also useable and comprehensive and includes remote start and the parameters for interior climate to your taste. We like it!
The price point, even for the top trim, is IMHO ok in this crazy car market where nothing is below 30k and a 100k truck is a "good deal".
The Forester is really good at what it is intended to do. If you want to do laps on the track, don't buy it. Simple.
In the winter it is extremely sure-footed, X-mode is a hoot and it never feels like it will get you stuck and stranded. Ground clearance is class leading.
I like the StraightPipes reviews, but this one was hardly objective or fair. I see the bad side of professional car reviewers - when hopping from one exotic or luxury vehicle to the next, $200k vehicles become "just about bearable". Anything "cheaper" that compromises in the way a "normal" car buyer has to, now just feels "ridiculous" to the reviewers. It is a matter of maintaining a reasonable baseline, my friends.
That is the same engine that was in our smaller, lighter, Crosstrek we owned.
Subaru will throw a Wilderness package on this if they haven't yet and sell a ton of them. My friend bought a 2025 Subaru. Real nice interior for the money and it is plenty powerful for his driving.
Guys, if you review a Porsche then talk about 0-60 times. When you review talk about what it’s built for.
True. This car is for hockey dads and soccer moms. I'm glad they mentioned car seats.
Im my experience having owned several Subarus, the CVT equipped models NEVER meet their MPG estimates. They always fall short. However every manual equiped model I have had exceeded the EPA estimates.
The Left Eye TLC reference was not lost on me 😂
Yes Looks like a Ford, but these are actually made well, will last 300k with maintenance & have the best Awd system. Plus Most reliable brand now per Consumer Reports.
Yea I'm not sure that these will last over 300k miles, unlike my neighbors 2008 Tacoma.
The technology in a Subaru is just horrible and the interior design is bad. Two of my neighbors purchased/leased new Subarus around the same time about 3 years ago and now they own a Toyota and a Honda. It’s about 15 years behind. It’s reliable, because they worked the bugs out 10 years ago. There is no way I’m picking this over a Toyota or Honda. If I don’t need all the interior space, I’m definitely picking a modern Mazda.
However, I’m not in the market for cars at this price point or a car period. I still drive my 15 year old body on frame GM suv with 119K miles.
@ says the guy that doesn’t own one. 😁
The views from Portland are skyrocketing
$45k CAD and you still only get a naturally aspirated power plant. The new car market is unbelievably cooked.
So explain to me how to make these other powertrains cheaper? Sounds like you have the ability to create a better car for cheaper.
This is the top trim though. They start at $36k (all trims have the same engine).
@@malcolmn.5222 No, sadly I do not have the ability to make cars cheaper, not sure what about my comment implied this. The only thing I am saying is that it is a bad value at this price.
@@jeffer1101 $36k is much more stomach able.
To be fair $45k Canadian is like $5 in real money.
Why are you guys complaining about power?? Nobody is gonna care about power when it comes to these type of crossovers. This is not an enthusiasts car, unless you're going off roading, camping or overlanding, which the Forester is always good at since the beginning. My Dad had a 2018 Crosstrek Limited for over 6 years before he gave it to me 4 months ago, and I completely understand that its not fast, but that doesn't mean that its not adequate or dangerously slow. Remember... Driving slow cars fast is more fun than driving supercars slow. It's not meant to be fast like a Corvette.
an almost 20 minute video complaining about power, this channel is a joke.
@@gemdiver They just recently reviewed a lot of BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Porsches, and even a Lamborghini Revuelto. They haven't reviewed a normal car for like 2 months now. Jakob is a car enthusiast, and Yuri is a hipster who likes weird funky cars. They also don't talk about reliability in a lot of their videos anymore.
Shut up, get your own car channel then.
Die-hard Subaru fan here (obviously) but I still don't see any new offerings that are tempting me to trade-in (or sell) my 2020 Impreza Sport hatchback. I'm not sold on the bigger screen, I like having an actual spare (even if it is a donut), and the Harmon-Kardon system is probably the best stock system I've heard in a sub-$50k car. The new WRX gained weight and is down on power, the Outback is more than I need for the price, and now the new Forester is underwhelming. Nothing wrong, but nothing great either. That glossy gray with the black grille looks good, though; just needs the black 18" 5x100 STi wheels.
I have an 2023 Forester touring and I love it. Yes power is not it’s strength but decent fuel economy and winter driving capability are what counts in northern Virginia
Great review guys
Even though the forester XTs never sold that well back then, i still really miss that XT option for the forester.
Imagine then being a Subaru buyer in Europe. You even have to pay extra for front and rear parking sensors, and thats on a 46k€ (47k USD) Subaru Forester Platinum with the top engine (150HP 2.0 i4 e-Hybrid)... Thats just sad for that price. No wonder they dont sell any cars here.
I know but
They are actually a good deal many people are sleeping on them.
German Suvs are double the price and not offroad compatible
I will buy this one in 2 years used
@@Tom-eq5bz Hardly a good deal when you have tech that is almost ancient to modern standards and you have to pay for it. Added to that the offroad capability isn't anything more significant compared to a regular car, because real "offroading" isn't for anything than for Land Cruisers, vintage Range Rovers and so on. On a lightly offroady unpaved road regular cars are fine.
For the 46k base price on this you can get a VW Passat oder Skoda Octavia/Superb all day with more features and a better engine lineup. If you rise the budget just slightly you get a 5 Series which as a base model has almost 50 more HP and cutting edge tech as standard
I have 2021 Subaru forester. Best car I ever had. I bought it for the kids, safety. I feel very confident driving this car specially because handling of symmetrical AWD is really good. Not the fastest but I’m not willing to drive very fast while kids in the car. I’ll take care of it and planning to keep it for years.
I watched that video Yuri 👊🏼
13:43
Unless youre taking your little kids through it for fun!
But i guess thats the Dad card not the Man card 😂😂
The power band was lowered from 4000 to 3000 it borrows the rack and pinion from the WRX for steering
That cvt sound haunts my dreams
Nightmares for me 😱
It's like tinnitus but for cars lol
I don't hear the transmission. I only hear the engine noise. But I'm on mobile, maybe I'm missing it
My dad just sold his 350k mile Honda Element and got a Passport. Tis the season for buying reliable Hondas!
I did the same thing except it was a Ridgeline I traded for. It was an absolute pos. I'm now in a Subaru lol
My sister bought a 2025 Forester Touring about 6mons ago after her vehicle was totalled we test drove about everything in the small crossover class and the Subaru stood out the most by far and I think itll make her a reliable safe vehicle
Fun fact about the visors. In my Outback, the whole visor shifts. Not sure why they wouldn’t just put that in this vehicle.
The Legacy and the Accent also have sliding visors. The Crosstrek has a visor panel like in the Forester. And the WRX and BRZ has no extending visors.
No comment on the aux port? Dang. I'd be using that full time.
Perfectly Fine sums this car up.
FINALLY you guys review the new Forester! Ive been waiting months and checking your page for it all the time. Only your review matters to me. And only yours always shows the rear visibility, which is very important to me. Thank you!
Im obsessed with my 2021 Forester Sport. Think I got the best year.
Is Ford Escape not even a thing? No mention at all. But out of all these it has 2.0t 250 hp engine, is kinda fun to drive, comfortable, infotainment is touchscreens yes, but they're ok.
1970s Subaru was the "poor man's Volvo" and it killed. A base wagon got me up and down mountain goat trails, np.
So much hate. Visibility, ride comfort, and the AWD system is above the competition.
It’s a good thing we complimented those exact 3 things 😂
@ you guys did great - comments here were a little harsh. It’s hard to believe but some folks don’t have any interest in going fast. My wife is one of them and loves her Forester lol
I bought the 2025 Forester for its visibility, the power is better than I had in my 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Truck, I do not bang my head on the car when I enter the car, inside is so much room. Very nice , practical car. would have preferred a car without all the gadgets and computer screens , I do not even need a radio , never turn it on. but most cars nowadays have even more of this stuff [ what eventually breaks down built in] .
Somebody isn’t getting any more Subaru press vehicles 😂
I'm sorry but I cannot stand this trend where more and more functions are accessible only through the infotainment.
I like the CX-5.
15:25 was Yuri actually annoyed with Jakub there 😂
It’s not a worthwhile complaint anymore
When I drove the forester I felt the back end was kinda disconnected. Felt like it skipped around way more than it should be …
My thing with Subaru (Suzuki too but they don't sell in NA anyway) is that their interiors are perpetually stuck in 2013. Even further it confuses the mind when they didn't change the interior at all between the Forester generations, but it's not old school in a good, simple way either no no they still give you a vertical screen with all the function integrated into it. It all just looks ancient.
How is a huge screen 2013?
@@Hefe179 It's not, I tried to imply that that's the one modern thing they decide to put in there so it's not nice and simple like a lot of 2013 interiors. Although, you don't have to go much further than to 2015 and Citroen, Renault, Tesla and Volvo will've already shoved everything into a center screen.
15:45 Totally relate for the pictures of the songs !
Why not lets the kids enjoy it!
"cool but also not cool" good grief we're running out of words in this review
9:12 its hard to believe this WOT acceleration...😂😂 Mad underpowered
They didn't even list how fast it went, but likely selling 8 second to 60. Fine for everyday driving at safe speeds. Still, I prefer more torque, even if I'm not acceleration hard. I like the feeling of a quiet, effortless surge.
I don’t know why automakers still put vertical screens in cars. Nothing good comes out of them
Subaru designers are experts at designing a brand new car that looks like it came out 8 years ago
Either people no longer read or their comprehension skills are sub-standard. The Forester competes with the Honda CRV LX, EX N.A. version that does 0-60 in approximately. 10 seconds.
The Forester is a top safety pick and performs much better. Like a small 2.0 diesel engine, off the line acceleration is not the focus but torque at low RPMs . Reviewers (most) treat these cars the same and launch these vehicles like they are high performance sports cars. That is not the mission of this vehicle.
Everyone does not want a turbo charged engine and find an 8 second 0-60 acceptable for their driving style. If there was an ACTUAL huge demand for an XT version of the Forester, Subaru would offer it.
The Forester has all the latest tech Toyota has on offer but could benefit from a reskin of the UI to something more modern.
What did we get wrong
@@TheStraightPipes Not providing context for the actual competitors to the Forester (4 cylinder, non turbo, AWD CUVs)
1) RAV4 AWD XLE Gas
2) CX-50 AWD Premium plus
3) Chevy Equinox AWD
4) Honda CRV LX AWD
5) Subaru Forester Sport or Forester Limited
I am pretty sure you would not review a RWD BMW 340i and compare it directly to Mercedes CLA (FWD architecture, 4 cylinder) as they target different markets/consumers
Agreed. For what it's worth, Car & Driver tested it and it did an 8.3 second 0-60 mph time. Perfectly competitive in the class. For comparison's sake, the CRV was 8.1, RAV-4 was 8.3, Rogue was 8.0, Equinox was 8.6, Tiguan was 8.2 and the CX-5 (non-turbo) was 8.1.
@@chrispnw2547 get your own you tube channel dude.
They all slow
I owned a 2023 Outback Wilderness but drove the Forester as a dealership loaner with this same 2.5L engine. When putting around town, you forget about the CVT and the low end torque is fine. It rewards smooth and slow driving. The problem is, if you need to overtake or merge on the highway, the engine sounds unrefined and out of breath, and those fake shifts further deter from the experience. For the small price delta, get the Outback Wilderness with the turbo motor. Where in the Forester, you have to be over 50% throttle most of the time (which activates the fake shifts), in the OBW, you can be 20% throttle and let the CVT do its thing. That makes it a much better cruiser, because the engine never feels strained. As a bonus, the steering and handling feels better (more like a car than SUV), you get more ground clearance, and it feels better put together inside.
wait am I the only one think last gen looks better?
No I agree. The previous gen had a bit more personality. This one just looks like a Ford lol
I wish VW still brought the Alltrack to North America. I have a 19 SEL top trim spec with the 1.8t new since 19, that car has been amazing. Only down side is premium fuel required and poor fuel economy. We picked up a second daily run around car, 25 Jetta SEL Premium (top spec) with the new 1.5t , punchie little engine at 150hp (30 less than Alltrack) 184ft lbs (4 more than Alltrack) but, average fuel economy for us has been 38mpg on regular (87 octane fuel). The new MK8/MK8.5 Alltrack with the fuel efficient 1.5t would make for a great versatile daily driver.
When I owned a car, I never watched videos in it, but if I had Samsung/Android allows you to choose output for audio. You wouldnt have to disconnect your phone. Just choose the phone speakers as output
I liked it better when it was smaller. The styling is finally decent!
I miss the Forester 2.5XT from the early 2000's. sad that Subaru is below Vanilla flavored. I think hanging out with Toyota made them that way.
The only thing I can think of that’s below vanilla is stale saltine crackers.
@cecilthecavetroll9743 LOL!!! GIVE THIS PERSON THE $25,000 JACKPOT!! GREAT FUCKIN' ANSWER!! LOL
In order to get some of the desired safety features, you have to upgrade to the higher models and even then, on some they are
extra cost options.... Blind spot and rear cross traffic for example....
The start of the video was BS. It's not supposed to be fast. I have an outback that is slow, but doesn't feel that way when driven normally. I like to see it pick up speed at 2000 RPM. It does fine, and gets decent MPG..
This Forester is faster than the Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox, it is comparable to the CRV, Rogue, and non-turbo CX5. The power complaints are all invalid.
@cecilthecavetroll9743 They just recently got out of BMWs, Mercedes Benz, Porsches and even a Lamborghini Revuelto. They haven't reviewed a normal car for like 2 months now. They just seem pretty out of touch lately. People want affordable cars, and nobody's gonna care about power when it comes to these type of crossovers you see everywhere everyday. It's not meant to be fast like a Corvette. But it's good at off roading. And these guys are not off road enthusiasts.
No hybrid no physical hvac controls. I snooze.
Bro. What’s the mpg mph and dollars, for the US mass bros, don’t make me do a conversion 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
Subaru should really review their engine strategy and start increasing the performance quite a bit......
Not according to their customers. Subaru no longer offers a turbo on the Forester because it wasn’t selling well.
@ if they won’t to grow with customers they don’t have, they have to or people like me won’t buy
@@MrFabiobilla No worries, Foresters will continue to sell well whether you buy them or not :)
@ Good for them. I’ll continue continue giving my money to the Germans
Test this vs the CRV, RAV4 and CX in a legit sketchy deep snow storm though. That’s the Subaru difference.
Also, 13:15 you lose your man card if you use automatic car washes, you savage.
Love the fact i still have buttons in my car
Drop the cvt, bring back buttons, and I'll buy one
If your name is Ester, this car is for you!
For your information, I own Subaru Forester 2014 bought NEW until today 1/10/25... Based model 2.5i. NOW I got 90,000 miles on it without Any Major issue..... only very small thing with noise from the outside and fan noise during Winter Season. Engine and everything else Works fine in Normal Driving and do maintenance as it REQUIRED. IN 2025 Subaru Ranked #1 in Reliability by Consumer Reports 😂❤
They really need to get over 200Hp and a good hybrid system.
Hybrid for sure. Most hybrids out there now seem to give a speed boost as well, which is nice, even if not necessary.
I don’t know what needs to happen to this TH-cam channel but you guys need to step it up man. I use to love this channel and it’s just seems so off lately.
It’s the same it’s always been. We’re just that consistent outlet for realistic car reviews. The cars are just worse these days and everybody is getting older
@@TheStraightPipesthat’s fair just sucks to see the viewership go down. And even Jakub mentioning it in the video on not many people watching the Subaru engine failure video. I just want you guys to be bigger cause you deserve it 🎉
Listen to Doug on The Smoking Tire latest podcast. Just about all car channel views are down across the board right now
WHEN is the Forester going to get the body & gearbox it deserves... and a logo ( appearing as the Pleiades which is cool) straight out of a Mighty Boy comic!
People who have bought these don't seem to complain much. My brother has a 2011. He's never mentioned it to me
@@deansmits006 Depends what appeals and how much your into good design I guess.
It is disappointing they do not offer the turbo in this unit but it seems the future focus is on the hybrid instead. We currently own a 22 Forester Sport and while not a fast vehicle it does seem faster than this one to highway speed. I was shocked how “slow” the 2025 was. However in town it was fine. And give the cost of insurance and plethora of speed cameras around, the quieter, less bouncy ride may be worth it. These things slay snow too.
The previous gen XT forester was such a fun car. I had leased one and am upset I let it go. I didn’t think they’d get rid of the turbo at the time 😢
Yuri hanging on for dear life while Jacob launches 9:00 😅
Were you guys in I or S mode, when you were flooring it?
Foresters in Asia never even gets the 2.5. We only have 2.0. How lucky Americans and Canadians are.
I'll be curious to see how the new hybrid model compares to this one, both with power and fuel mileage/range.
My wife just got a 2025 Touring and her biggest complaint is that they scarified the garage door opener for the stupid rear view mirror.
You think this is generally slow?! We in EU have only 136HP in new 2025 model.
I disagree with your overall review of the Forester. I have never owned a Forester or a Subaru, so I have no bias. But I have rented one of these and I feel you guys haven't reviewed this car well.
The points that I agree with you on are that the infotainment system needs work, and styling is not to everybody's taste. But, you guys clearly haven't driven this car outside of the city or multi lane highway settings
The Forester really shines on backroads, where the steering and handling are well above the competition. It is very well composed through corners and absorbs bumped without nvh in the cabin. The engine and CVT combo aren't powerful, but the car does pull very well on the open road and honestly I think it has enough power for what it is.
I would happily consider the Forester if I was in the market for this type of vehicle.
23 FW owner here, it may be Toyota time next haha
You should have swapped that old Forester and have some fun with it. Make a project series with it
I have a Forrester on loan ATM feels like a car for the elderly tbh.
Im looking forward to the hybrid version of this. Hopefully its solid. A bit more horsepower is definitely something i want in it.
Subaru promised a 35hp bump for the Forester hybrid. 215hp with ~230lb-ft of torque should make this SUV much more desirable.
2.5L and 180hp is not slow , 2L 143hp in EU is SLOW
CX50, CX-5 all day long. The Forestar looks much better than before but still retains it’s quirky nature that has always set Subaru apart from its competitors
We had a Forester for many years. It was insanely reliable until it wasn't. They're really great for about 200K miles an then they just fall apart. You can refresh them and get another 200K, but we were looking at $3-5K for everything that failed on it. Also, you guys didn't compare to the Tiguan, which I'd probably take over all of the mentioned vehicles. Just nicer to drive all around.
$5k to run another 200k miles sounds like a steal. It's probably more, but still
Wasn't this launched six months ago?
Welcome to car reviews in Canada. Subaru Canada always months and months behind the Subaru USA
@TheStraightPipes Check, and thanks.
i watched that used Subaru video, really enjoyed it. too bad it didn't do well.
Paddles are useful for mountain descents, at least. Used them on our 2020 Touring a few times.
I’m considering the new Forester, but I have to wait until they at least give us a hybrid with a bit more power since they refuse to give us an XT version.
That will be my next daily driver in 2 years
The lambo revelto in the background is crazy