Price (Base/Test Vehicle): NIS 206,000 / NIS 219,000Competitors: Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia SportagePros: Off-road capability, spaciousness, usability, road behavior, comfort, and relaxationCons: Fuel consumptionRating: 8.5/10
It was sad to visit some of the popular hiking and off-road trails in the country over the weekend. Mid-summer, and these sites were as deserted as cabins in the Galilee. Everyone prefers to wait at home for the Iranians.
The more uplifting part was the sixth-generation Subaru Forester. One of the pioneers of the SUV and crossover era back in 1997, the Forester has stayed true to its off-road roots. The next five generations maintained these capabilities and basic reliability, alongside technological conservatism and fairly understated designs.
The new Forester signals at first glance that this time it’s not just trying to appeal to its loyal and regular buyers, but also to the growing number of other crossover customers, especially in the US, which accounts for about 65% of Subaru's global sales. Last year, these sales reached 976,000 units, about a tenth of Toyota's, and it’s clear that Subaru is looking to grow with its modest resources.
Design: The Forester 6.0 is based on the same Subaru platform used by the company’s other models, and the dimensions remain nearly unchanged: length 4.66 meters (+2), width 1.825 meters (+1), height 1.73 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.67 meters (same).
But it looks completely different. The massive front end, boxy structure, and full profile make it appear larger and more expensive, closer to the Toyota RAV4, which sells three times as much in the American market.
Interior: The driver's environment has been similarly upgraded. An 11.6-inch vertical screen, which we’ve already seen in the Crosstrek, and a significant improvement in material quality close the usual gap between it and competitors in this area. Unlike some, Subaru doesn’t endanger its buyers, and even though it has mostly replaced physical buttons for climate control with screen operation, the cooling and heating section remains permanently at the bottom of the screen, no matter what is currently displayed, making it easy and accessible to use. However, physical buttons have been retained for volume, radio frequency, and air conditioning temperature, with separate controls for the driver and passenger.
As usual, the seating position is high and commanding, and the windows are relatively large, improving outward visibility and cabin lighting. The seats provide good support. On the downside, there are the drawbacks typical of American-standard vehicles: relatively small side mirrors that do not fold electrically, and no front airbag disconnection for placing a child seat (which is not recommended by safety experts anyway; the middle rear seat is preferable for infants).
Despite the wheelbase not being particularly long, rear seat space is excellent and even improved compared to the previous model. Knee and headroom are among the best in the category. For the first time in the Forester, there’s also a rear air vent, alongside USB ports. The large windows also make it easier for young children to enjoy the scenery around the car, provided you can get them to lift their heads from the screens. The Forester remains relatively comfortable for three passengers in the back, for three rows of seats and seven or eight seats, you’ll need to pay more than NIS 300,000 for the Evoltis.
The trunk is relatively large, with 498 liters by European standards, with bag hooks and a lower compartment where you can store the cargo cover when not in use. There’s also a compact spare wheel.
Features:
- Premium Trim (from NIS 206,000): 17-inch light alloy wheels, cornering LED headlights, panoramic roof, 11.6-inch multimedia system with Android and CarPlay, climate control with rear seat vent, heated front seats, smart key, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and reverse camera. Basic X-Mode system.
- Sport Trim (from NIS 219,000, test vehicle’s trim): Adds an electrically operated tailgate that can also be activated by a foot movement under the car, bronze exterior and interior finishes, upgraded upholstery, and enhanced X-Mode.
- Limited Trim (from NIS 235,000): Adds 18-inch light alloy wheels, driver’s seat memory, electrically adjustable passenger seat, heated rear seats, leather upholstery, and Harman Kardon stereo.
- Executive Trim (from NIS 250,000): Adds 19-inch light alloy wheels, guide lines in the reverse camera, and ventilated front seats.
Safety: 9 airbags, with active safety systems still based on cameras, without radar, now relying on three cameras. There’s autonomous emergency braking in forward and reverse driving, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane departure correction, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Driver fatigue monitoring is standard from the Limited trim onwards.
Engine and Performance: The new Forester is equipped with the same 2.5-liter engine as its predecessor, with a power output reduced by 2 hp to 180 hp overall, paired with the usual continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 8 fixed gear ratios and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The performance is good, though not as expected from such an engine size, possibly due to the conservative design without a turbo. On the other hand, after the Tucson and Sportage lost 20 hp in their turbo engines due to stricter European emissions standards, from which the Israeli Forester is exempt, it shouldn’t be slower than them. The transmission operates smoothly, more reminiscent than ever of a classic automatic transmission, but still results in slightly noisy accelerations. The Forester does pay a price in fuel consumption, which stood at 10.5 km/l during the test days, the flip side of using a reliable, proven, and outdated engine.
Driving Dynamics: The Forester continues to be one of the top crossovers in this regard, with good body control in turns and good steering. This is not an STI, not just because of the engine, but it’s one of the few in the group that doesn’t pay a significant price for its weight and dimensions.
Comfort: As a vehicle tuned to handle off-road disruptions, the Forester continues to be one of the most comfortable in the group, partly thanks to the 17-inch wheels of the test vehicle. The ride itself is relatively quiet and insulated from wind and road noise.
Off-Road: The new Forester retains the all-wheel-drive system of its predecessors, with a generous ground clearance (22 cm), though the front approach angle (20 degrees) is slightly less favorable compared to the 24.6 degrees in the rear. The electronic control system for the all-wheel drive, X-Mode, has been improved in all trims except the base one, now including dedicated modes for dirt and snow, deep snow and mud, in addition to the basic mode. Unfortunately, the tires are still 70:30 in favor of the road, and anyone planning significant off-road work will need to upgrade to 50:50 tires at their own expense.
In any case, the high off-road capability remains. The Forester continues to climb steps and rocky paths that stop other all-wheel-drive crossovers. It handles better with axle articulation and low traction. Upgrade workshops already offer protection kits (priced at NIS 5,000-7,000) and legal elevation kits (2 inches, about 5 cm, NIS 7,000-8,000), which will further improve the ability to handle rough trails and protect the oil sump, gearbox, and rear differential. Of course, this won’t turn the Forester into a Land Cruiser, or even a Rexton, but it remains in a league above other crossovers without a low gear.
Bottom Line: The sixth-generation Forester emerges from the forest. It doesn’t abandon its traditional audience, both globally and in Israel, who don’t see it just as a tall and trendy car but use its capabilities for trips or basic transportation for those needing to tackle rough, muddy, or snowy roads. At the same time, it marks a significant upgrade in quality, comfort, design, and equipment, compared to Japanese and Korean competitors, remaining spacious and practical.
The only unresolved drawback is fuel consumption. Subaru promises a true hybrid version next year, and when that happens, the Forester can finally compete for the top spot in the segment.
Technical Details: Subaru Forester
Engine: 2,498 cc gasolineMaximum Power (HP): 180Maximum Torque (kgm): 24.6Transmission, Drive: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), All-Wheel Drive
Off-Road:
- All-Wheel Drive Control: X-Mode
- Ground Clearance: 22 cm
- Approach and Departure Angles: 24.6/19.6
Dimensions:
- Length (m): 4.65
- Width (m): 1.83
- Height (m): 1.73
- Wheelbase (m): 2.67
- Trunk Volume (liters): 498 liters to the seat height, 1,063 liters to the roof.
- Weight: 1,641 kg
- Tires: 225/60-17
Performance:
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 190 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 10.5 km/l
- Test Consumption: 10.5 km/l
- Fuel Tank Volume: 63 liters
Safety:
- European Crash Test Rating: Not yet tested
- Active Safety: Autonomous emergency braking for forward and reverse driving, adaptive cruise control including stop-and-go functionality, lane departure correction, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Driver fatigue monitoring is standard from the Limited trim onwards.
Warranty:3 years or 100,000 km