Latest news with #SubaruForesterHybrid
Man of Many
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Man of Many
2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Review
High point Low point Verdict Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is still the king in this segment for road holding ability and surefootedness Technology and use of materials on the interior are not up to scratch compared to the newcomers in the mid-size SUV segment. It's still the obvious choice for traditionally minded mid-size SUV buyers and those that want to go a little further off the beaten path than most. Scroll horizontally to view full table With a debut at the Chicago Auto Show earlier in the year, we've finally gone behind the wheel of the new Subaru Forester Hybrid at the press launch in Christchurch, New Zealand. It's the first in a line of new models that are scheduled to enter Subaru Australia showrooms over the next 12 months, but it's arguably their most important model release in decades as it arrives with Hybrid power to tackle the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and others like the Mitsubishi Outlander. But can it deliver the good? We headed to New Zealand to find out. How Much is the Subaru Forester Hybrid? The all-new Subaru Forester is available in seven variants, priced from AUD$43,490 plus on-road costs for the non-hybrid entry-level petrol model and from AUD$46,490 plus on-road costs for the Forester Hybrid. What Do You Get for the Money? Here's everything you get for your money when buying a Subaru Forester in Australia. I'll start by outlining the standard options across the petrol range before moving into the Forester Hybrid. Petrol-Only Variants of the Subaru Forester Forester AWD – from AUD$43,490 plus on-roads 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive X-Mode Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) – 2 mode Subaru's Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor 9 SRS airbags now including: Far Side airbag Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag The latest gen of Subaru EyeSight®, which now adds: Wide-angle monocular camera Emergency Driving Stop System Front-side radar Reverse Automatic Braking Driver Monitoring System An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity Wireless Qi charger Heated front seats Ladder-style roof rails 18-inch alloy wheels Forester AWD Premium – from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads adds: Satellite navigation Powered tailgate with kick sensor Powered front seats: 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver Electric lumbar support – driver 8-way power seat – front passenger Auto driver's seat and door mirror adjustment DMS functions Auto folding door mirrors with auto dipping passenger mirror on reverse Forester AWD Sport – from AUD$48,490 plus on-roads adds: X-Mode – 2 mode Water repellent synthetic leather seat trim Electric sunroof Dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels Unique styling cues such as: Black front grille with green insert Symmetrical All Wheel Drive exterior badge – Green Exterior Sport badge – Green Interior seat stitching – Green leather steering wheel with green stitching Shift boot with green stitching Forester AWD Touring – from AUD$50,990 plus on-roads adds: 10 speakers, plus sub-woofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon® audio system Leather and Ultrasuede® accented seat trim in a choice of black or brown colour themes Front seat ventilation Stylish gloss black exterior highlights on the: Front grille Front and rear bumper Side garnish Door mirror caps Low-profile roof rails Hybrid Variants of the Subaru Forester Forester AWD Hybrid – from AUD$46,490 plus on-roads Next generation strong hybrid e-Boxer Lineartronic CVT with Sports Regeneration Paddles Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive X-Mode – 2 mode Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) Subaru's Vision Assist with Panoramic 360 Degree View Monitor 9 SRS airbags now including: Far Side airbag Front Passenger Seat Cushion airbag The latest gen of Subaru EyeSight®, which now adds: Wide-angle monocular camera Emergency Driving Stop System Front-side radar Reverse Automatic Braking Driver Monitoring System An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity Wireless Qi Charger Heated front seats Ladder-style roof rails 18-inch alloy wheels Forester AWD Hybrid Sport – from AUD$54,990 plus on-roads adds: Stylish bronze accents on the: Front and rear bumper Side garnish Symmetrical All Wheel Drive badge Electric sunroof 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Satellite navigation Powered tailgate with kick sensor Auto driver's seat and door mirror adjustment DMS functions Powered front seats: 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver Electric lumbar support – driver 8-way power seat – front passenger Auto folding door mirrors with auto dipping passenger mirror on reverse 10 speakers, plus sub-woofer and amplifier, Harman Kardon® audio system Enhanced suspension for improved comfort on bumpy roads Low-profile roof rails 19-inch alloy wheels – Bronze colour Forester AWD Hybrid Touring – from AUD$55,990 plus on-roads adds: 19-inch alloy wheels – Dark grey machined gloss finish Leather and Ultrasuede® accented seat trim in a choice of black or brown colour themes Front seat ventilation Stylish gloss black exterior highlights on the: Front grille Front and rear bumper Side garnish How Much Does the Subaru Forester Hybrid Cost to Run? Subaru Forester Hybrid is covered by a 5-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty in Australia and an 8-year, 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid battery. Here's how much it costs to service under the brand's 5-year/75,000km Capped Price Servicing Program, which covers both petrol and hybrid AWD variants: 1 Month (Health Check & Chat) – Free – Free 15,000km / 12 Months – $347.95 – $347.95 30,000km / 24 Months – $520.45 – $520.45 45,000km / 36 Months – $393.10 – $393.10 60,000km / 48 Months – $679.30 – $679.30 75,000km / 60 Months – $358.20 This pricing is about average for the mid-size SUV segment, but you might find cheaper pricing from some of the cut-price Chinese-made competition like MG, Chery, etc., if this is a concern. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia What's the Interior of the Subaru Forester Hybrid Like? The interior of the Subaru Forester Hybrid is pragmatic, to say the least. There's very little in the way of showy, shiny things that catch your eye like they would inside the Chinese-made competition. However, that's not to say that it's not a pleasant place to sit, and many will appreciate the simplicity of the control and the glasshouse effect of having a high driving position and low window line. To my surprise, physical buttons adorn the steering wheel, there's a large stick in the centre of the cabin to select gears instead of a nub, the cupholders are exposed so you can chuck things inside, and you can even change the direction of the aircon vents by moving them with your hands. These were all typical new car things five years ago, but they've mostly been phased out as the wave of new car brands has rewritten consumers' expectations. It's very hard for me to critique Subaru for sticking with the old ways because I'm sure it's exactly what their market research team says the customer wants, but it does feel like you're going back five years when you get inside the cabin. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Practicality and storage are areas where the Forester has always reigned supreme, but the battery has taken its toll on the cargo space inside the Forester Hybrid. The non-hybrid models have 496 litres of cargo space in the boot, while the hybrid models have just 484 litres. This is significantly less than the Toyota RAV4, which manages 542 litres of space with the floor in its highest position. Meanwhile, the larger and more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan manages 652 litres of space. Fold the second-row seats down and you'll have 1,162 litres of space in the hybrid models, which is useful for late-night Facebook marketplace finds. You'll appreciate the handful of clever features in the boot too, such as the four pull‑out tie‑down points and side‑wall cargo hooks to secure bulky items or camping gear, the ceiling hooks to hang shopping bags or garment bags upright, and the retractable cargo blind to keep valuables out of sight (tucks away when not needed). Heck, even the door pockets are large enough to store 1‑litre drink bottles. Ports-wise, there's one USB‑A and one USB‑C up front and in the rear, an aux jack, and two 12‑volt outlets. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia The technology inside the new Subaru Forester gets the job done, but there's very little wow factor compared to other vehicles in this class. There's an 11.6‑inch portrait touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (full screen) available on every grade. However, it's far from the highest-quality screen on the market, and while I never had any trouble connecting my phone to the bevy of vehicles we drove on the launch, it's like operating a Kindle while everyone else is using an iPhone. The upcoming 2026 Subaru Outback goes away from this system, but it seems the Forester will make do until a mid-cycle facelift eventually arrives. The standard 6‑speaker sound system (Core, Premium, Sport & Hybrid) sounds okay, but the better 10‑speaker Harman Kardon sound system with sub‑woofer and external amp (Touring, Hybrid Sport, Hybrid Touring) should be standard across most models in the range at this point because competitors offer better standard audio systems for less money. I was also disappointed to see that only the Touring models get the new 12.3‑inch full LCD instrument cluster with Normal, Map and EyeSight views, while every other model in the lineup has to use the same old 4.2‑inch colour Multi‑Information Display that we've seen in Subarus for years. I understand why Subaru would keep the technology updates to a minimum, but even the cheapest new cars on sale in Australia have quality screens, sound systems, and driver displays these days. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid | Image: Subaru USA What's Under the Bonnet of the Subaru Forester Hybrid? There are two powertrain options available with the new Subaru Forester in Australia. Subaru Forester Petrol models are powered by: Engine : 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder : 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder Power : 136kW @ 5,800rpm : 136kW @ 5,800rpm Torque : 247Nm @ 3,700rpm : 247Nm @ 3,700rpm Transmission : Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with: 8-speed manual mode Broader gear ratio range (8.1) Retuned for stronger take-off acceleration Lower 1st and reverse gears for increased performance on hills : Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with: Fuel economy : 7.9 litres/100km (combined) : 7.9 litres/100km (combined) Fuel tank capacity : 63L : 63L Towing: 1,800kg braked, 750kg unbraked Subaru Forester Hybrid models are powered by: Engine : 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery Power : 121kW @ 5,600 rpm Torque : 212Nm @ 4,000–4,400 rpm : 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery Combined system output : 145kW : 145kW Transmission : TH2B Hybrid Transaxle Planetary gearset Integrated secondary electric motor/generator (MG1) : Fuel economy : 6.2L/100km (combined) : 6.2L/100km (combined) Range : Over 1,000km per tank (indicative) : Over 1,000km per tank (indicative) Towing: 1,200kg braked, 750kg unbraked The non-Hybrid 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder produces 136kW @ 5,800rpm and 247Nm @ 3,700rpm. Meanwhile, the Forester Hybrid features a 2.5-litre Boxer petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor powered by a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined power figure of 145kW. That means the overall power figure is similar to the recently unveiled 2026 Toyota RAV4 (143kW), but down compared to the 226kW RAV4 PHEV variant. Notably, the Forester Hybrid's claimed city fuel economy has jumped by 30 per cent over the naturally aspirated petrol to a claimed 6.2-litres per 100km combined. Even more impressively, this hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive driving range of over 1,000km per tank (based on laboratory results under ADR testing conditions). Even on our test drive through the twisty roads of NZ, we managed to achieve an average figure of 6.8 litres per 100km, which is good, but not quite at RAV4 levels. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia How Does the Subaru Forester Hybrid Drive? I've poked a lot of holes in the Subaru Forester Hybrid so far, but there's one thing that Subaru has always done well, and that's create a car that drives well. They've done it again with the Forester Hybrid. While I'm unsure how many buyers will be throwing it at the sweeping country roads, gravel tracks, and muddy trails that we tackled on our launch drive, these are the types of roads where the Symmetrical AWD system with its active‑torque split coupling proves its worth. There are very few mid-size SUVs that I'd want to drive on these roads with any sort of anger, but I know that the Forester is at the top of the list. I hate the word 'planted,' but that's how it feels. You try and unsettle it through a slippery gravel sweeper, and the front end stays hooked while the rear end rotates the car around in a controlled manner. It could do with some more feel through the electric rack‑and‑pinion steering, but it's much better than the previous-generation vehicle, and it keeps the tight 10.8 m turning circle. It's the same story on the backroads, winding its way through the country with ease. The only negative is the constant beeps from the EyeSight driver monitoring system, but I'm never going to turn it off as it once saved me from a very awkward phone call to Subaru's PR department. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Surprisingly, the planetary gearbox (not a CVT, but kind of a CVT) isn't taking away from the experience. While I'd prefer a snappy dual-clutch or well-tuned automatic, it's perfectly adequate. On the power front, the Forester Hybrid doesn't feel much quicker than the petrol model. It wouldn't be far off to assume that the only performance gains to be had are in the fuel consumption department. Would it have been exciting to see a little more attitude from the powerplant under the bonnet? Yes, but it's still punching out enough grunt to get out of harm's way when needed. The MacPherson struts suspension up front and double‑wishbones at the rear do a great job of softening any bumps on the smooth tarmac around Christchurch, and I would say the overall ride quality of the Forester is very good in all specifications. You'd be pretty hard pressed to tell the difference between the petrol and hybrid models in terms of suspension set-up, but the brand does assure us that there is a difference, which is likely down to the added weight of the batteries and electric motor. Lastly, we challenged a few rougher tracks to check out the full breadth of capabilities of the X-Mode II system available in the higher trims. This proved once again that the Forester is capable of keeping up with 98% of the tracks that your tradie mates drive in their dual-cab utes. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Is the Subaru Forester Hybrid Safe? The Subaru Forester scores a 5-star ANCAP safety rating with full marks for driver protection in the side impact, oblique pole and full width tests. Here's a closer look at the ANCAP ratings: Adult occupant protection – 83 per cent – 83 per cent Child occupant protection – 91 per cent – 91 per cent Vulnerable road user protection – 86 per cent – 86 per cent Safety assist – 75 per cent Standard safety equipment across the range includes (A-Z): 9 airbags, including: Far-side Front passenger seat cushion Active torque vectoring Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse) Autonomous emergency steering Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver monitoring system Emergency driving stop system Emergency lane-keep assist Front-side radar Lane centring Lane change assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Rear parking sensors Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Wide-angle monocular camera NOTE: There is no full-size spare wheel. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring | Image: Supplied / Subaru Australia Man of Many's Verdict on the Subaru Forester Hybrid If you're a traditionally minded mid-size SUV buyer, the new Subaru Forester is worth taking a closer look at. While it still lacks the wow factor compared to many of the newcomers from China, it's a pragmatic vehicle that you can trust to take you further and last longer than just about anything else in this class. Still, adventurer or not, the recalibrated steering, suspension, and gearbox will make everyday driving more pleasant, as will the increased sound insulation in the cabin and upgraded tech that finally brings it closer to the standards we expect in this ever-evolving segment. I believe the hardest choice for buyers in the showroom will be between the petrol and hybrid grades. The $6,500 price increase from Sport to Sport Hybrid would buy you a lot of petrol.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford Maverick, Other Trucks See Price Hikes as Tariffs Raise Auto Costs Nationwide
That "Buy American" sticker? It's costing you more than patriotism. The scene: You're eyeing a Ford Maverick, imagining weekend road trips, when the dealer slides over a quote. The price? $8,641 higher than last year's model. Suddenly, your practical truck feels like a fiscal hostage. Welcome to the era where tariffs transform workhorses into white elephants-and Washington's trade wars roll up in your driveway. Let's cut through the exhaust fumes. Trump's 25% tariffs on Chinese auto parts aren't just policy-they're a masterclass in economic jiujitsu. That Subaru Forester Hybrid you've been eyeing? Its price tag ballooned by $4,000 overnight, not because of inflation, but geopolitical theater. Detroit's Big Three will pocket $42 billion in tariff costs by 2025, but here's the kicker: You're funding 90% of it through padded MSRPs. This is gaslighting with a V8 engine. Ford's F-150-that titan of truck commercials-runs on a Mexican alternator, Canadian half-shafts, and Korean tires. Only 32% of its components are U.S.-sourced, yet it sidesteps tariffs via NAFTA's "substantial transformation" loopholes. Translation: Assemble a global parts bin in Michigan, slap on a Stars-and-Stripes decal, and charge a $2,055 "market adjustment" because freedom isn't free. Meanwhile, GM's Texas-built Escalade sources aluminum tied to Xinjiang's Uyghur forced labor camps. Your armrest? A $100K tribute to oppression and corporate amnesia. Meet the real winners: dealerships. When Ram's "Born in Michigan" ads play, they omit that heavy-duty models roll off Saltillo, Mexico lines-a plant churning out 250,000 units annually. Yet dealers markup these trucks by $1,150 overnight, exploiting your red-white-and-blue reflex. It's not supply and demand. This is psychological warfare with a 72-month financing plan. Amidst the markup madness, here's your lifeline: Go electric. While GM axed the $30K Chevy Bolt to focus on luxury behemoths, Tesla's Model Y persists as a tariff-proof anomaly. Its battery? 50% cheaper per kWh than 2019, with no hidden "patriotism tax." Hyundai's Ioniq 5 offers 303-mile range and wireless CarPlay-a tech suite that laughs at Detroit's dated infotainment. Pro tip: Lease. Let the tariffs depreciate on someone else's driveway. Tariffs are the new dealer add-ons-unavoidable, infuriating, and dressed in patriotic veneer. Every overpriced SUV is a referendum on what we value. Do we bankroll boardroom greed masked as nationalism? Or demand transparency with our wallets? Amazon was on the money, no pun intended, with wanting to put the "tariff burden" on the receipt. What about the true value of those tariffs on the sticker price? Your move, America. That extra 8 grand on your F-150 has a cause. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Gets Genuine Off-Roadability
Subaru adds a hybrid drivetrain to the Forester SUV, with some shared Toyota hybrid components and its own take on all-wheel drive. The new setup proved quite capable off-road. On-sale now, the Forester Hybrid ranges from $36,045 to $42,495. There are a lot of improvements to the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, only the third hybrid in the Subaru lineup after the 2014 Crosstrek and 2019 PHEV Crosstrek paved the way for electrified powertrains for the marque. The first and most obvious improvement to the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is the all-new two-motor/one engine hybrid powertrain shared at least in part with the Toyota RAV4 and other Toyota models. Hybridizing the Forester is good for 14 more peak horsepower, up to 194 hp, while efficiency is up to 35 mpg city, 34 highway, and 35 combined. Together with its standard 2.5-liter internal combustion flat-four, operating on the Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency and making 162 hp, and the two AC synchronous motor-generators making 118 hp, you can now go 581 miles between fill-ups in your Forester. It also gets improved comfort, refinement, and driving dynamics, thanks to greater torsional rigidity and more sound deadening. Its standard all-wheel drive is improved with a new center differential that distributes torque faster as a result of improvements to that unit's electronics. Pretty good for what might not even be a mid-cycle facelift for a model that was all-new just last year. But the most impressive thing about the new Forester Hybrid was that it can actually go off-road a respectable amount. As part of the new crossover's introduction, we took Forester Hybrids to Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area about an hour southeast of San Francisco. This area, one of several throughout the state, is like a gym for your 4x4. There were wild whoop-dee-doos and purpose-built sections of terrain that would require a short-wheelbase Wrangler—or a tank—to get over. We didn't try those sections. This is still a family-haulin' suburban grocery getter, after all, in addition to its other talents. So we goofed around on a few steep dirt hills just so we truly believed in the power of symmetrical AWD, and then off we headed to the highest point in the whole SVRA, a peak called Hector Heights Overlook. Granted, it was mostly graded dirt road, but there were sections with semi-washouts and some steep rocky parts that might give you pause when you thought that this was a basic street vehicle at heart. There were actual Jeep Wranglers on this road we were climbing. In fact, Jeeps were the only other vehicles we saw all day. But the Forester Hybrid's 19-degree approach angle, 19.3-degree departure angle, and 24.6-degree breakover angle—combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the aforementioned all-wheel drive—got us up a mountain we might not have thought a Subaru built for the street could have climbed. When we got to the top, the Wranglers followed, somewhat amazed to see a couple mere Subarus there. 'Do you think you have big enough tires?' a colleague asked them, with just a little good-natured sarcasm. The Jeeper got out, doffed his cap, and gave a curt bow. 'Congratulations,' he said. 'I wouldn't have thought you'd make it.' And yet there we were. On the way down, we utilized Subaru's X-MODE with Hill Descent Control a few times but, this being California, we didn't need Snow or Deep Snow/Mud modes. You can get Yokohama Geolander 235/60R-17 A/T tires on the Wilderness trim level of the Forester Hybrid. That will be a good idea for anyone planning to go off-road at all. Not only will the tread bite into the dirt and mud better, but the more robust construction of the A/T tire will be more resistant to punctures, which you don't want when you are far from AAA coverage. If you're not going off-road, the other Foresters get all-season rubber. The latter will be quieter on pavement. It does have a CVT like so many competitors, including the top-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. Maybe most people won't notice, but if you do, you'll be longing for the days of the automatics. Regardless of whether you go off road or not, you'll appreciate the new digital gauge cluster and 11.6-inch infotainment control screen. There's even a MySubaru Concierge service that integrates everything from NAV to scheduling service appointments. And you get 69.1 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear 60/40 seats folded down. Does a Forester Hybrid make good business sense? Ward's Intelligence said that combined sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles increased from 19.1% of total new light-duty vehicle sales in the United States in the second quarter of 2024 to 21.2% in Q3. Subaru cited an S&P forecast that said by 2036 electrified vehicles will make up 95% of sales: 58% EVs, 28% PHEVs, and 10% Hybrids. And if you're going to go electric, you might as well be able to go ff-road, too. While you still can. Are you ready for electrification? Let us know below.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Is a Welcome Upgrade
We've bemoaned the refreshed 2025 Subaru Forester for its lack of vitality, but that was before we had a chance to drive something that's never before existed: the Subaru Forester Hybrid. This changes more than you'd think. Yes, there's a bump in fuel economy: from 28 mpg combined (with 19-inch wheels) or 29 mpg (with 17- or 18-inchers) for the regular Forester to 35 mpg combined for the hybrid. And for some people that'd be enough. Power still doesn't crack the 200-hp threshold, but it's now closer at 194 horsepower. Compare that to the 180-hp effort of the regular Forester, and you've got yourself a 14-hp advantage. Okay, golf clap. Still, the way this hybrid compact crossover goes about its business is what makes the difference. It starts with a 2.5-liter boxer engine as in the standard car, but this one is tuned to run the Atkinson cycle. It makes 162 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, which doesn't sound that great until you realize that the hybrid system blends in another 118 horsepower and 199 pound-feet from the primary traction motor concealed within the transmission case. Another motor-generator within the transmission case does the hero's work of starting the engine, siphoning off excess power to generate electricity for the battery, and regulating the output of the engine and traction motor as the arbiter of the CVT action of the transmission. It doesn't contribute to propulsion, so its output isn't listed, but it is the main player behind the scenes of the whole contraption. What's more, the CVT action here is less prone to vibration than Subaru's Lineartronics of old, because there's no friction in how this one operates. Consisting of a planetary gearset instead of a pair of adjustable pulleys and a chain belt, it's far smoother. On the drag strip, though, the hybrid isn't liable to be much quicker than the nonhybrid. That's because most of its horsepower advantage is negated by the powertrain's extra weight. (It's almost a draw when you do the power-to-weight calculation.) But the electric motor gives the Forester Hybrid far more motivation moving off from a stop, so there's a chance it might outdo the regular Forester's 8.3-second dash to 60 mph. Passing acceleration from 30–50 mph and from 50–70 mph seem ripe for a mild improvement too. But even if that doesn't happen, the overriding theme will be quiet. That's because the Forester Hybrid has been given even more sound deadening than the nonhybrid. Of course, it also operates sometimes as an EV, and we saw the EV mode light up on downhills at 60 mph and even for brief stretches while cruising too. The background noise doesn't really change much when you're driving, and the engine-on phases aren't much different from the engine-off ones. The exception, of course, is acceleration, but even this is muted unless you've got your foot in it. One thing that many overlook with an all-wheel-drive hybrid is the way power is routed to all four wheels. With the Forester Hybrid, the engine and hybrid system all sit upstream of the all-wheel-drive transfer case, meaning all four wheels are driven by the hybrid powertrain. In other all-wheel-drive hybrids, particularly the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the hybrid powertrain only drives the front wheels; the rear axle is powered by a third electric motor when necessary. It's not a great way to run a railroad, some might say. Electric motors deploy their power differently, so the front and rear ends might not speak the same language. Also, they may not be up for continuous all-wheel action. Subaru does pay a fuel-economy penalty for doing it this way, however. The Forester Hybrid's 35 mpg combined is 4 mpg lower than the RAV4 Hybrid's 39 mpg. The switch to hybrid propulsion necessitated certain other changes as well. The AC compressor is electrically powered and is canted off-axis from the pulleys. Other changes were made to the brakes, because they need to maintain a steady pedal feel whether you are regenerating electricity to do the slowing or using the pads and rotors. Subaru nailed this, because the brake pedal feel is smooth and sure throughout; there's no hiccup when the brakes transition from one to the other. The only small gripe is that they're a wee bit oversensitive initially. The suspension has been reworked owing to the extra weight—some 300 pounds. We spent the bulk of our time driving a Forester Hybrid with the base 225/55R-18 all-season tires, and on the narrow twisty lanes above Woodside, California, it felt absolutely planted, but with a comportment that still breathed. The body didn't roll excessively, and you never had any sense that there's 8.7 inches of ground clearance underneath you. The steering is lighter than is our taste, but at the same time it never once gave us a bum steer. The road turned back on itself more times than we can recall, and yet we always hit our marks with ease. As has been said before, the visibility out of the Forester is pretty damn impressive. Ditto the accommodations, which are ample whether you're in the front seats or the back. The front chairs are nicely bolstered, and we appreciated them when sailing along twisty Skyline Drive. We'll even give a shout-out to the driver-assist nannies. We'll often turn off lane-departure warning, but Subaru's EyeSight seems to be sophisticated enough to distinguish between intentional line-tickling and outright inattention. Whatever the case, a system that doesn't react needlessly is the one that won't get switched off, meaning it will be on duty when you do need it. We previously posited that the hybrid would be "about $5000 more" than the regular version, but that's not quite true. Yes, the nonhybrid base model is actually exactly five grand less than than the hybrid's starting price, but that's because the least expensive hybrid is the one-level-up Premium trim level. Starting at $36,415 and climbing to $43,115 for the Touring, the hybrid's upcharge ranges from $1400 to $3185 bucks. For that, you also get more standard equipment and a hybrid-exclusive digital cockpit display, so the real price delta for the hybrid is more like $1400 to $1485. That's the dollar amount you really need to look at if you want to consider the payback for the 35-mpg combined rating that you get with the hybrid. We did, and it's fewer than five years at national average pump prices. Of course, there's a bit more to the Hybrid Forester than that. You also get a quieter car, more oomph at takeoff, and the digital gauge cluster that can put maps right in front of your face. Moreover, you get a well-tuned Forester that's nicer to drive than you'd guess. 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Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Subaru Joins 2025 Overland Expo® As Title Sponsor With Immersive Experience, Curated Workshops, and Entertainment
CAMDEN, N.J., March 3, 2025 /3BL/ - Subaru of America Inc. today announced it is joining the Overland Expo® as a title sponsor for 2025. The Overland Expo, a premier outdoor travel event, will feature the latest Subaru adventure models, including the new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, as well as the Wilderness editions of the Subaru Outback, Subaru Crosstrek, and Subaru Forester. The Subaru exhibit will be a vibrant destination for adventurers, featuring curated workshops, live Subie & You Podcast recording sessions, limited-edition giveaways, exclusive Subaru gear, and the newest accessories from leading outdoor brands such as REI and Thule. This year's Subaru Overland Expo presence will capture the outdoor-adventure spirit of Subaru owners across the country, providing an in-depth look at what makes Subaru a leader in affordable off-roading and adventure vehicles. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn best practices from experts about off-roading, pet safety, camp setup, navigation, route planning and much more, as well as connect with fellow Subaru owners to explore vehicle customization options for outdoor adventure. Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.: 'We are all-in on off-road adventure, and excited to join the thousands of Subaru owners making their way to Overland Expo, a destination event for outdoor enthusiasts. With our unique onsite experiences, Subaru is ready to amplify our customers' stories and show our appreciation for their dedication to our brand.' As part of its commitment to being More Than a Car Company®, Subaru will partner with local shelters to host pet adoptions at each stop along the event series. The automaker will also host workshops on pet travel safety tips, offer complimentary dog treats, provide pet water stations, and host pet-focused giveaways to support the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative. The full schedule of the 2025 Overland Expo series includes: Select Overland Expo locations will also feature exclusive perks for lucky Subaru fans, such as a complimentary evening reception and an invitation to Camp Wilderness, a Subaru owner-exclusive camping area where attendees can enjoy complimentary food, beverages, and yoga classes. For more information on Subaru at Overland Expo, visit About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
