Review: Subaru Forester Hybrid

Adding a hybrid drivetrain has vastly improved the Forester’s appeal.

The Forester is no longer a thirsty beast.

Subarus are known for being great for the outdoors, with its symmetrical all-wheel drive system. They are also known for being gas guzzlers for the same reason. 

The Subaru has conservative looks, but is better for it.

Short of its electric models, Subaru hasn’t had a properly fuel-efficient car for the Singapore market, until now. Before this, the only hybrid models it offered were ‘mild’ hybrids. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the real deal. 

The rugged front fascia is a nice visual upgrade.

There is a sizable 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a 121 bhp / 276 Nm electric motor which assists the 162 bhp / 209 Nm 2.5-litre boxer engine. The boxer engine itself is smooth and industrious, but with the electrical assistance the car now feels decently quick. You’d never want for power, especially with the e-CVT being this responsive. Forget all pre-conceived notions of CVTs; this is as smooth and inoffensive as it gets. The combined experience is one of refinement and well-judged balance between ICE and electric. Rumour has it that Toyota has given a tip or two to Subaru about the hybrid system, and I can see the results. 

The smooth Boxer engine is the Forester's unique selling point.

Unlike its competition, the Forester doesn’t just have AWD, it’s permanent AWD. There’s a mechanical propeller shaft to transfer power to all four wheels all the time, every time. This guarantees sure-footed grip, and true enough the Forester feels excellent with its on-road manners and demeanour. The steering feel is spot on, with heft and authority. There’s this unflappable feeling on the move, regardless of the weather. That’s how a Subaru should be. As before, X-MODE is available which allows you to toggle the AWD system for gravel, sand and so on. 

All-wheel drive security is rare in its segment.

The downside of this is that fuel consumption would inevitably be higher. During my test drive, I averaged 12 km/l, which is roughly 20% worse than what I get with its competitors. But with the superior AWD system as well as the deliciously smooth boxer engine, I think it’s a fair trade-off. Looking at it from another perspective, it’s also probably the best consumption figure I ever got for a Subaru.

The large screen is aesthetically questionable, but it works perfectly well.

Subaru has worked hard to make the Forester feel more premium too. Seats with genuine leather and suede feel durable and comfortable, while noise levels are definitely lower now thanks to more structural adhesives, increased use of spot welding and more soundproofing. Ride comfort is sublime, with front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones. Killer humps are not a concern anymore. There’s even a Harman Kardon sound system as standard, and it’s simply superb. 

The Forester Hybrid can still go off-road well despite its green credentials.

Subaru has kept some things evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and I applaud them for that. Physical gauges remain, which are beautiful to look at, while its 11.6-inch infotainment screen is no-nonsense and functional. Cleverly, it keeps critical functions like climate control on screen even with Apple CarPlay active. Subaru has clearly thought through the user experience.

The Forester Hybrid should be on the shopping list with its well-balanced package.

As you can tell, I’m pretty won over by the Forester Hybrid and for good reason. The fact that its pricing is tens of thousands cheaper than the competition is icing on the cake. The car deserves serious consideration in its class, a rugged bona fide SUV that’s full of substance.

Photos by Sean Seah