Sixth generation SUV tribute to car’s success

THE legend that accompanies this week’s drive, the sixth generation Subaru Forester, affirms the enduring attraction of this car.

The Forester, identified as a crossover SUV, has been produced by the Japanese carmaker since 1997.

The legend is centred around its famous permanent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that, when you drive the Forester, translates to discernible all-wheel driving power.

It means that the Forester is happy on the road but also has great capability off-road — so, for example, it would be rare to be stuck in any icy conditions.

Indeed, Subaru is known for its cars’ capabilities — both on- and off-road, whatever the conditions, thanks to innovative technology.

I have referred to this technology in the past as a “mysterious ingredient” in a Subaru simply because of the way the car “feels” when you are at the wheel.

You power-glide in the Forester and when you put your foot down — for instance when overtaking — this power surge is as smooth as silk.

On the motorway this translates to me as a drive that is not far removed from the experience of driving a large electric vehicle (EV). However, whereas with the EV there is a certain disconnection between driver and vehicle, the Forester — and other Subarus over the years — allows a wonderful sense of connection with the car, its drive mechanics and its engine.

I suppose this is mostly apparent when going off-road but the beauty of the Subaru Forester is that you do not have to go off-road to experience the pleasure of its permanent AWD.

The sixth generation Forester is powered by Subaru’s 2.0-litre petrol e-Boxer powertrain.

There are upgraded safety systems with a redesigned exterior and interior and symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and X-MODE off-road mode selection is standard across the range.

The Forester has been a key model in the Subaru line-up since it was first launched, and more than five million units have been sold globally over the past 27 years.

Currently the third-biggest-selling Subaru model in Europe, Subaru says its all-new Forester “preserves the heritage of this capable, go-anywhere SUV, that has been redesigned in a more sophisticated and refined package”.

The sixth generation Subaru Forester’s exterior has been significantly remodelled from its predecessors. The vehicle features a wider and sharper-looking front design, complemented by a bold-shaped grille, connecting to signature headlamps. A strong side profile further emphasises the vehicle’s rugged off-road presence.

The all-new Forester features improved on-road driving dynamics and off-road capability and is powered by Subaru’s e-BOXER mild-hybrid powertrain.

This is an optimised direct-injection 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine, that is paired with a Lineartronic transmission.

For any off-road use, the Forester is equipped with a dual-function X-MODE, with the motor assist now also applied when reversing.

The all-terrain system is also complete with Hill Descent Control, maximising control and traction on slippery surfaces or steep inclines.

Additionally, the all-new Forester benefits from a class-leading ground clearance of 220mm and maintains ample clearance angles and a towing capacity of 1,870kg. Subaru’s EyeSight Assist Technology and Driver Monitoring System have both been upgraded with newly added functionality.

This also now includes an Emergency Driving Stop System, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed and in a safe way, if the driver can no longer control the vehicle in an emergency situation.

The Forester was first introduced at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and became available for sale in Japan in February 1997, reaching the American market later that year for the 1998 model.

I think this latest generation is testament once again to the enduring success of a car with a long, proven track record.

Importantly, Subaru has been recognised for the third year in a row as one of the top three brands on Forbes’ 2025 Best Brands for Social Impact list, including the distinction of being the top-ranked brand in the automotive category.

Created in partnership with customer-insights company HundredX, the list highlights companies that consumers feel are the most dedicated to giving back to their communities. This recognition reflects Subaru and its retailers' unwavering commitment to “driving positive change”.

The 2025 survey gathered more than 4.4 million ratings from 165,000 consumers. The all-new Subaru Forester is priced from £39,995.