Bowing at the LA Auto Show 2023 this week is the new sixth generation Subaru Forester. Whilst not entirely all-new, it does sport a redesign that’s best described as ‘cautious’ or ‘modest’ at best, and that’s despite its slight growth in size overall too.
Perhaps the fact that it still underpins a tweaked version of its predecessor’s chassis platform explains this, but there’s still much to look forward to in this latest iteration of one of Subaru’s best-sellers, more so given what’s detailed in the North American-bound version revealed this week.
Despite the carried-over bones, the new Forester reportedly sits 15 MM longer and 7 MM wider, thought the wheelbase length is retained. Subaru notes that both the body shell and chassis are 10% stiffer thanks to an improved build using even more structural adhesive.
The updated chassis also adopts the new dual-pinion electric power steering module derived from the latest-gen WRX sports saloon. As for rolling stock, the choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels are all available, albeit variant-dependent of course.
Despite being more of an evolution than complete revolution, the new chassis does promise enhanced suspension comforts, better handing, as well as lower noise, according to Subaru that is. The same can also be said with the new Forester’s powertrain package.
Under the hood sits a familiar 2.5-litre naturally aspirated ‘boxer’ (horizontally opposed or flat) 4-cyl petrol heart producing 180 HP – slightly down from its predecessor’s 182 HP figure – and 241 NM of twist, the latter marking a slight bump from the previous model’s 239 NM figure.
Unchanged to is the pairing of both Subaru’s signature Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD). Notably, the former hardware sees the option for steering-mounted paddle-shifters available, whilst the latter sees dual-function X-mode available in higher-end guises.
Whilst on the powertrain still, it appears early rumours of the new Forester gaining a turbocharged option hasn’t come to fruition. Instead, a new electrified hybrid version will, albeit at a later date.
As noted, the styling tweaks are modest, but the new Forester does bring forth Subaru’s latest design ethos evident from the absence of C-shaped lighting signatures common in other Subaru offerings. With that, it’s easy to see that the LED head- and taillights are both new in this sixth-gen version.
Elsewhere, the US-market version shown sports a black grille primed across multiple guises, whereas the Sport guise is distinguished by its adoption of bronze-hued accents. Apart from which, the overall stance and silhouette remains familiar, albeit slightly blockier now.
On board, the new sixth-gen Forester sees its dash house an 11-6-inch infotainment touchscreen lifted from the WRX, Outback, and other Subaru models. Said tech also offer both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on top of navigation function and over-the-air software updates.
There’s still a mix of analogue and digital in the instrument display, with Subaru noting the front seats are both new and slimmer, promising enhanced comfort and space. Other bits present include dual-zone climate control, hands-free powered tailgate, wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, and more.
As for safety, the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) suite has been enhanced with quicker cyclist and pedestrian detection at intersections. This improved AEB feature also now also works in reverse.
New too is a feature that pulls the car over if the driver is unresponsive to requests to take over control from the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems. Other available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring system, and 360-degree camera.
Following its debut this week, the new sixth-gen Subaru Forester is set to enter North American showrooms first starting next year, with other global markets to follow suit after.
KUALA LUMPUR | VMK1334 |
SELANGOR | BRT8920 |
JOHOR | JXA4210 |
PULAU PINANG | PRF2173 |
PERAK | ANK8153 |
PAHANG | CEW7480 |
KEDAH | KFU2878 |
NEGERI SEMBILAN | NEB7875 |
KOTA KINABALU | SJE1489 |
KUCHING | QAB2479J |
Petrol | |||
---|---|---|---|
RON 95 | RM 2.05 |   | |
RON 97 | RM 3.47 |   | |
RON 100 | RM 4.50 |   | |
VPR | RM 5.50 |   |
Diesel | |||
---|---|---|---|
EURO 2M | RM 2.15 |   | |
EURO 5 | RM 2.35 |   |
KUALA LUMPUR | VMK1334 |
SELANGOR | BRT8920 |
JOHOR | JXA4210 |
PULAU PINANG | PRF2173 |
PERAK | ANK8153 |
PAHANG | CEW7480 |
KEDAH | KFU2878 |
NEGERI SEMBILAN | NEB7875 |
KOTA KINABALU | SJE1489 |
KUCHING | QAB2479J |
Petrol | |||
---|---|---|---|
RON 95 | RM 2.05 |   | |
RON 97 | RM 3.47 |   | |
RON 100 | RM 4.50 |   | |
VPR | RM 5.50 |   |
Diesel | |||
---|---|---|---|
EURO 2M | RM 2.15 |   | |
EURO 5 | RM 2.35 |   |