Subaru Forester – Top of the Class? Absolutely.
When Subaru announced the sixth-generation Forester, expectations were sky-high. After all, the outgoing model was the only Subaru ever to claim the prestigious New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild Car of the Year gong. It was more powerful, more refined, more tech-focused and — dare I say it — even more practical than anything before it.
So how do you improve on a vehicle that already felt near perfect?
You don’t just improve it. You rewrite the script. And that’s exactly what Subaru has done.
The ALL-NEW Forester isn’t just better — it’s transformational. It has already been crowned Best Family Car of the Year by DRIVEN Car Guide and Autocar, powered by Auto Trader NZ. And after spending time with it, that recognition makes perfect sense.
Watch Our Video Then Read On To hear All About The New Subaru Forester
Powertrains for Everyone – Petrol & Strong Hybrid
The beauty of the ALL-NEW Forester is choice.
2.5L Petrol Boxer
The refined 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine delivers smooth, confident performance with Subaru’s Lineartronic Transmission (SLT). Expect strong low-down torque, impressive responsiveness, and the confidence of that only permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive can offer. It’s effortless around town and composed on the open road.
Strong Hybrid e-Boxer – The Game Changer
The headline act is Subaru’s ALL-NEW Strong Hybrid e-Boxer system.
Pairing a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a high-output electric motor, it delivers:
- Over 1000km of driving range per tank*
- Seamless Hybrid assistance
- Improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing capability
- Mechanical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive — always engaged
Unlike many Hybrids that compromise traction, Subaru’s system keeps all four wheels mechanically connected. That means real capability, not just urban economy.
Whether it’s the school run, a ski trip, or towing the boat to the Bach, this is a Hybrid that still feels unmistakably Subaru.
Capability You Can Feel
Built on the improved Subaru Global Platform, the ALL-NEW Forester feels tighter, quieter, and more composed.
With:
- 220mm ground clearance*
- Enhanced X-Mode (now active in reverse)
- Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with selectable modes
- Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
This isn’t a soft-roader pretending to be adventurous. It’s engineered to tackle gravel, mud, snow and uneven tracks with genuine confidence.
Own the road. Conquer the wild.
Safety That Sets the Benchmark
Subaru has long been a leader in safety, and the sixth-generation Forester raises the bar again.
The latest EyeSight® Driver Assist system now includes:
- A Wide-Angle Monocular Camera
- Front Side Radar
- Enhanced pre-collision detection
- Adaptive cruise control refinement
Add to that:
- Vision Assist with a 360-Degree View Monitor
- Outstanding all-round visibility thanks to slim pillars and expansive glass
- Intelligent Cornering Lights
It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about genuine peace of mind. The kind Kiwi families have trusted for generations.
Design: Rugged Meets Refined
The ALL-NEW Forester looks stronger, wider, more purposeful.
- Bold new grille
- Striking LED headlight signature
- Geometric trim accents
- Muscular body contours
Yet Subaru hasn’t forgotten what made Forester iconic — the commanding panoramic visibility. Those slimline pillars and expansive windows remain, giving drivers an unmatched sense of connection and control.
It’s modern. It’s confident. It’s unmistakably Forester.
Technology That Keeps Up With Life
Front and centre is a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, featuring:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Wireless Android Auto™
- Intuitive, crisp interface
Hybrid variants elevate the experience further with a stunning 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Add wireless phone charging, USB-A and USB-C ports front and rear, and you’ve got a cabin designed for connected families.
Space, Comfort & Everyday Practicality
Here’s that word again — practicality.
But in the ALL-NEW Forester, it feels premium.
The cabin is:
- Quieter
- More refined
- Fitted with new ergonomic seats designed to reduce fatigue
- Engineered to improve communication between front and rear passengers
The cargo area is generous and cleverly designed, complete with anchor points and multiple hooks. And the available hands-free power tailgate with foot-activated sensor? A lifesaver when your hands are full of groceries, sports gear, or camping equipment.
This is a vehicle built for real life.
The Final Verdict
The fifth-generation Forester was brilliant.
The sixth-generation Forester? It’s on another level.
Petrol or Strong Hybrid. Urban commuting or off-grid exploring. School drop-offs or ski field missions.
The ALL-NEW Subaru Forester isn’t trying to be everything to everyone.
It simply is.
Confident. Capable. Efficient. Safe. Connected.
Top of the class?
Without question.
