There’s a lot to like about the Subaru Forester. It’s hugely practical, offers great visibility, and let’s not forget standard all-wheel drive regardless of variant. One thing it wasn’t was fuel efficient. It didn’t matter if one got the 2.0-liter or the turbocharged version (when it was still offered), this crossover was one of the thirstiest in its class.
Now, that’s been rectified as the all-new Forester goes electrified in the Philippines. The gas-guzzling 2.0-liter has been discontinued, and we can’t say that we’ll miss it either. Thanks to its e-Boxer powertrain, it finally solves the crossover’s one major vice.
Also, this generation will only come in one variant. Its official name is the Subaru Forester 2.5 e-Boxer, although it appears to be heavily based on the Premium variant that’s sold in the US. As there’s no other way to get it, Subaru Philippines added a whole lot of standard features to make it worth its new asking price.
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The main highlight is, of course, the hybrid system. It’s a 2.5-liter boxer engine mated to dual electric motors and an 1.11kWh battery. The engine alone produces 162hp and 209Nm, while the electric motors provide an additional 118hp. Total system output is rated at 192hp and 270Nm.
Like before, the Forester is the only model in its class to provide standard all-wheel drive. It’s worth pointing out that its key rivals are front-wheel drive only. These are the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV, Hyundai Tucson GLS Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 HEV. That’s something to consider for those who’d like maximum all-weather traction with all-wheel drive. Also, its symmetrical all-wheel drive system has an X-Mode system for greater off-road capabilities.
The local-spec Forester don’t get the fully digital cluster as seen other markets. Yes, it sticks with mostly analog dials with a slim multi-information display housed between two dials. At the middle is an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with most functions housed with in it. Wireless smartphone integration is included, as well as a bevy of both USB-A and USB-C ports.
Of course, a sunroof is standard in the all-new Forester, and it extends all the way to the back seats. Power seats are fitted to both front seats, with the driver’s side coming with a memory function. There’s also 484 liters of available space in the cargo area that can be expanded to 1,655 liters when the rear seats are flipped down.
The all-new Subaru Forester comes standard with EyeSight 4.0, the company’s advanced driver assist system package. The package includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency steering, and pre-collision throttle management.
To prevent any incidents in low-speed situations, there’s also reverse automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Additionally, there’s the Driver Monitoring System that alerts the driver if their eyes are away from the road.
In case you missed the headline, the all-new Subaru Forester e-Boxer retails for P2,498,000. There’s only one variant on offer, and as mentioned, the only all-wheel drive model of its kind in its segment.
