SUBARU FORESTER
The Subaru Forester is not your average compact crossover SUV. With its spacious and luxurious interior and standard all-wheel drive, it's no wonder this SUV has won awards. But what truly sets it apart is the exceptional drive comfort that makes every ride pleasurable. Whether cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, the Forester delivers an exciting and comfortable experience.
It's no wonder why this SUV has become a top contender in its class. In fact, it's won multiple awards. In Forester's trophy cabinet are awards like Wheels' Gold Star Cars Award for Best Compact SUV in 2008, Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year Award in 2009, MotorWeek's 2009 Driver's Choice Awards' Best Small Utility, and Top Honors at AJAC's 2017 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Despite the many accolades, the Forester has been upstaged somewhat regarding sales figures compared to category giants like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Nonetheless, across all its generations, the Forester has fulfilled all the demands of the discerning driver looking for a value-for-money, practical, and easy-to-drive SUV.
Origin
The Forester quickly gained popularity among families who needed more space and versatility than a sedan could offer but didn't want a full-sized SUV's bulkiness and fuel inefficiency. Its all-wheel-drive system also made it an excellent choice for those who needed a vehicle that could handle various weather conditions and terrains. Over the years, the Forester has continued to evolve and improve, making it a reliable and practical choice for anyone in the market for a versatile and capable crossover SUV.
1st Generation (1998 - 2002)
It's hard to imagine the first generation as the predecessor of today's stylish and rugged Foresters. It looked every bit like a hybrid of the Impreza and the Outback, like a station wagon with its low front fascia that spread into a high roof.
Capabilities-wise, it already featured standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable seating configuration with 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Engines were Subaru's 2.0L EJ20, 2.0L EJ20T turbo, 2.5L EJ25D, and the 2.5L EJ251 flat-four boxers.
2nd Generation (2003 - 2008)
The second-generation Forester featured weight-saving parts such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front sub-frame. Subaru didn't make many drastic changes in the looks department until Forester's 2006 facelift, when it got a new front fascia with larger headlights and redesigned grille, side moldings, and taillights.
Engines were the 2.0L EJ20 and EJ20T turbo and the 2.5L EJ253, EJ255 turbo, and EJ25 turbo flat-four boxers.
3rd Generation (2008 - 2013)
2008 welcomed the version of the Forester that finally looked like an SUV. It was larger (4559 by 1781 by 1674 mm) than the previous generation and featured a taller body with more cargo room. Inside, the third generation boasted impressive head and legroom alongside standard features like power windows, doors, mirrors, and hill-start assist.
New engines for this generation were the 2.0L FB20, 2.5L FB25 petrol, and the 2.0L EE20 turbodiesel flat-four boxers.
4th Generation (2014 - 2018)
The fourth generation of the Forester began with a bold and dynamic makeover. The front upper grille now featured a single slat, while the lower came flanked by side air intakes. This generation was geared even more toward comfort, receiving bolstered seats at the front and higher seats all around.
Under the hood was either the petrol 2.0L FB20, 2.5L FB25, 2.0 L FA20F (Forester XT), or the 2.0 L EE20 turbodiesel.
5th Generation (From 2018 onwards)
The latest generation of the Forester grew in size to offer more cargo, cabin space, and all-round comfort. Other changes for improved safety, comfort, and handling included switching to the Subaru Global Platform and incorporating technologies like Subaru's Driver Focus driver monitoring system.
The modest engine lineup comprises the 1.8L CB18 turbo, the 2.0L FB20, the 2.5L FB25 DI petrol flat-fours, and the 2.0L FB20D e-Boxer in the hybrid version. They are mated to a Lineartronic CVT.
Engine Performance & Technology
Subaru's flat-four boxer engines power all of the Foresters. The layout of these engines allows engine output to flow directly into the transmission for better fuel efficiency and lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle for better handling. Furthermore, the low center of gravity also means that the engine would fall below the passenger compartment rather than into it in the event of a head-on collision, increasing safety.
In 2006, Subaru added their I-Active Valve Lift System to their 2.5L non-turbo engines, achieving lower emissions and better fuel efficiency and performance.
Safety & Reliability
In addition to the standard lineup of safety features like airbags and brake assist (from specific model years onwards), the Forester gets some of Subaru's safety technologies. These include the EyeSight Driver Assist System, which consists of a Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning.
The Forester has consistently passed safety tests across all generations, with the later model years, like 2022, only improving on the scores of their predecessors.
Trim Configurations
Earlier on, Foresters came in trims like the X, XS, and turbocharged XT. In Japan, the lineup of the fourth generation featured trims like the base 2.0i, the fully equipped 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L EyeSight, and the 2.0XT EyeSight. Trims of the fifth generation are the Sport, Touring, X-Break, and Hybrid Advance.
Conclusion
The Forester is an excellent choice for a reliable SUV that doesn't break the bank. It's known for its exceptional safety features, handling, and spacious interior. The Forester is also great for outdoor enthusiasts who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain. Overall, the Forester is a wise investment that offers much value for its price. Make one yours at a low price at BE FORWARD.
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