Hi Richard, very entertaining review as usual. I am 62 years of age and have owned a number of Aussie muscle cars over the years, in fact I have only just sold a 2017 manual SSV Redline. I have ordered the 2022 Forester in the Premium trim. It has everything I need in a vehicle, practical, safe and fun to drive. I will keep watching your reviews because they always put a smile on my face👍.
I’ve go the 2020 2.0-S. Transmission is no issues. I’m convinced that all the hate comes from people that have never owned and lived with one long term. You don’t buy this car for the traffic light drags. It’s super smooth with kids and dogs and I never think about it. Works great. The car is awesome.
Researched this car segment for the last 2 months, my findings, - 5th gen forester rated #1 in safety and readability over all others including RAV, trial hawk, honda and bronco. That said, it has been a long road for Subaru from the CVT , oil consumption, head gasket issues of past generation vehicles. At 6'3, CR just announced the Forester is #1 with tall drivers as well, no surprise as the "green house" visibility is very attractive. All the safety dings can be disabled permanently, with the exception of engine on/off at stop. After market solution will solve that as well. So, I will be picking up my Subaru Forester Wilderness (gas, hybrid incremental benefits don't match cost) / pearl white next week. Comfortable driving on and off road, safety and readability, looks, honest service advisors that I have visited with during this time, all have pushed me this direction. And finally driving my daughters 2017 Forester premium, sold me on being a Subie owner. Suggested maintenance to ensure long life; 30k diff (F/R) service, 40k CVT Transmission service, and oil changes every 4k. Compared to the Outback, Off road analysis/videos show the turbo in the Outback gets totally in the way of performance when climbing, as the Forester's new gearing and software changes bring much more to the equation over the turbo, in my opinion. ruclips.net/video/ZF_JtgJ7aKQ/видео.html No rock climbing, but adventuring, all day long... HAPPY TRAILS
Great review. We have just ordered a new Forester Premium in NZ (same as your 2.5iS) in Crimson Red. Settled on a Forester after driving and reviewing new Outlander, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CRV and Mazda CX5 and CX8. The Forester is not the prettiest but as you say is very practical and the best value for money of all that we looked at.
Just an FYI it was the unequal length exhaust headers on the EJ motors that gave the Subaru that sound, the new WRX and this car have the F series motors which have equal length headers and don’t have any trademark “rumble” sound - more efficient and durable though.
Exterior design looks like it was done by 5 designers that never talked to each other and worked on different shifts... I'm very thankful for my 2015 Forester XT. Only thing I'm jealous of are the seats and infotainment perhaps...
These are great off road compared to other cvts. Not perfect but I’d trust Subaru engineers that created a great car over other “experts” check out other RUclips videos. Outback, forester crosstrek they are monsters off road
The CVT... well... It is hard to complain when the cost is much lower than the competition. I personally drive slow and motorways in Japan are max 100km/h, so no problem. I also ALWAYS achieve less than 12l/100km in my e-boxer, and I mostly drive with two people and cargo. So the driver's foot is just heavy. The CVT chain doesn't stretch, come on. The engine is just relatively weak and the economy is a priority in the software setup. It is definitely not a car for people who expect excitement from acceleration. Just buy CX-5 diesel ;) Eye-site wasn't mentioned. It is great.
Richard Berry, you have a great personality and are terrific to watch. Often I am put to sleep and wake up when it’s over! You are quite a tall man, too.
Motoring journalists all seem to have a negative bias against cvt transmissions. I have a 2019 Forester with a cvt and I find the driving experience indistinguishable from a standard automatic. Modern cvts are very efficient and reliable.
@@waynemwangi9444 actually the cvt in Subarus are much better compared to the cvts in Hondas. Both may have their glitches as neither are perfect but my wife’s 15 civic, all services completed transmission gone at 70,000. Neighbors crv cabin smells of slight gas, oil/gas mixture problems. I see more Hondas in the used car lot at Subaru then any where else. Crazy but fact. Too bad really that most know Hondas are on the decline
Nothing wrong with keeping the same design allot of other manufactures copycat each other. Full sized spare and dont mind the old school dashboard feel.
You had the S model which has SI mode, which is the performance mode which tweaks the CVT and engine. Its in all models from the Premium upwards, hence the paddle shifts.
Having owned many manual cars and a few autos, the cvt is the smoothest gearbox I have ever tried, and never in the wrong gear. Perhaps it needs to be driven a bit like a diesel - hold it at peak torque rather than the red line. My previous Impreza 4 speed auto was the worst gearbox I have ever driven, even dangerous.
Yea I am thinking the same thing. It makes the forester feel eager to go go go. The peddle response is absurd, compared to my Tacoma it feels like all the torque is always there. The one thing I don’t like is it’s ride quality. People say it rides amazing but I find it stumble over broke pavement. The small Impreza rides like a cloud in comparison, strange.
If they could only get the external styling right they would be on a winner. Sadly behind the pack now with the new entrants. Bring back the Forester XT with the 2.4 turbo Subaru Australia.
I'm just under 44k kms in my 2019 Forester and I have averaged 7.1L/100kms and on long highway trips I regularly get around 5.5 ->6L/100kms. Granted I have a bit of a soft foot, but 12.5L/100kms??? You had to be flogging it off the mark and only driving in SI mode. This is not a car for people wanting to film the next Fast and the Furious movie :)
I noticed similar on my Subaru Forester 2021. Combined average with city drive is around 8 liters, but going on a highway with driving 100-110kmh the average goes to around 6.x liters. Anyway, with normal driving in city and out and about the consumption is nowhere near 12.5l.
I've got a 2014 2.0l petrol Forester, and live in a very hilly area, so going up hill on the commute home I'm often at 12.3l/100km, but on the downhill ride it drops to 5.9l/100km, so that my average is around 9.6l/100km. With more highway driving, it usually hovers around the 8.0l/100km. He must have been flogging it indeed!
I own a XT 2016 CVT. I can go 100 - 110kph and average 7,4 - 7,8 L/100km. The screen that shows current consumption helps me to realise I can do same speed with less throttle, helping me a lot to improve fuel economy.
The Forrester has always been a great car I know because I’ve owned several but as good they are I don’t think they will give anything for the management at Toyota or Mazda to worry about in the short term, however I’m sure the rusted on Subaru owners ( and there are many of those) will grasp the new model with open arms and of course wallets 😅. In my case I’m holding off to have a look at the new WRX when it finally shows up in the new year and even with a CVT tranny in the premium models I’m sure I’ll love 💗 it.
Very enjoyable report thank you BUT just a few bugbears if I may please. Servicing costs over 5 years ? What does that mean ? How often does it need a service and how much does a service costs. Bullbar ? Does Subaru offer a bullbar or why not ? Wading depth ? Could I drive it go across my creek or not ? Apart from that stuff, as I said, a great report !
I love the Forester, it is highly recognisable, 22 model is a nice 'update' but the whole point in Subaru philosophy and their owners perception is reliability and evolution, not revolution (why change a good thing?). I liked the outgoing model equally (styling wise). Also, I really think it is actually better looking and more consistent and balanced than all on offer with the competition. What is a real shame is the Oz versions lacking both the turbo AND the awesome 'Wilderness' edition, available in the states. That is just really sad (and even stupid?) Perhaps just not enough capacity to keep up with demand etc. I also mis a diesel engine (I use to own a 2015 Forester diesel before moving to a Pajero Sport because of the clearance and towing capacity). But honestly, I still mis my Subby every day (so our 2nd car upgrade is likely to be a Forester again...)
Good commentary. You saved me writing much the same. Just be glad that you don’t live with the more limited Subaru range in New Zealand. The North American market gets priority even though the Forester is built in Japan. Subaru does have more limited capacity than other car makers but I suspect the lack of turbos is almost entirely a marketing decision. They lose a lot of sales because they say engine power is enough while customers say we want more. I admire them for that reason, because they chose not to make this an “arms” race where all brands keep designing bigger more powerful vehicles at a time when we should be aiming for smaller cars and engines to reduce resource use.
Loved your review. I can't say enough about my 2018 Forester. I agree with your assessment of the new model. Here n the US Forester models come as the basic barebones one followed by the Premium ( a good value) then the Sport, the new one Wilderness, Limited and Touring. The newly upgraded 182 hp motor should make the Forester faster but is not. The CVT growls too much when pushed, but those shortcomings are superceded by the the many virtues the Forester has. Visibility, driving position, reliability, fuel economy, all wheeldrive standard and other goodies.
"It's like the hiking boot of cars". I really like that description. It is "functionally ugly" with the size of the doorways, the large windows, the boot opening is huge and the boot is square. It is hard to do those things while looking sexy. But the no-compromise design has a certain appeal. I know I won't look cool, but I'll be so comfortable that I am not sure if I would care. Hiking boot indeed XD.
Excellent review, hope to see more like this. I own a 2010 Subaru forester in which I have personally driven around 450 000 km so I have a fairly good idea what lasts well and what goes wrong. Although mine is an older model, I would agree with most of your comments and commend you on a accurate assessment of the cars strengths and weaknesses. In General, with a few bugs here and there, it is a good car to own if you are planning to keep your vehicle for the long term. I do wish that they sold a manual version or at least a conventional automatic gear box though.
Which model has the american touring options and extras .which is the top spec model. I cant seem to find the model in australia . Im stuck inbetween the sport and is version
Subaru, In my opinion, all the digital panels should combine into the navigation. Then bring it up to the same level of the top of steering wheel for better eyes observation when driving. Anybody opinions?
Interesting the fuel economy is so bad (12L/100km). My 2003 Mitsubishi Magna with 3.5L V6 and 4 speed auto gets around that in mixed driving! I'd expect far better from a modern car with smaller engine and modern transmission. FWIW our 2021 Cerato manual hatch with 2L 4cyl is averaging 6.7L/100km with a mix of city and highway driving.
The powerchain is good when the speed is below 70 km/h but the highway experience is always driving me up the wall. Besides, the NVH is really not that great especially for the driver side no idea why! Good handling, good offroad capacity, which smashes most of the beginner level tracks.
Mundane vehicle. Entertaining presenter. Perhaps Richard Berry could have a career outlining the respective merits of refrigerators, he would be just as entertaining.
I've always loved your reviews and this was no exception. Great review as usual Richard👏 I badly wanted to buy a Subaru earlier in the year, but was put off by the exact reasons that you had pointed, CVT and the fuel efficiency.
as a touring car in this day and age its just way to thirsty, even the hybrid. Hybrid needs to be sub 6l/100. Sticking with my 2012 6m 2l diesel forester. 210k km approx 5.5l/100km on the highway, around town, 6.6l/100km 900+km range. They need to put a diesel back into these as well as a manual option.
Your reviews are all over the place and totally inconsistent - e.g. you said this car was the best of four SUV’s in a comparison review with its rivals. You gave the Kia Sportage 8.5 in a review in November and this car rated 7.8 here, yet you rated Sportage third with Forrester first in your recent review. Illogical.
I was a little surprised by the 7.8 too. He seemed genuinely pleased with the vehicle, including the way it drove. Granted he wasn't a fan of the CVT or the lack of power, but otherwise he seemed to rave about its comfort on multiple levels. In fact, regarding the CVT, he said it isn't his favorite, but it's not exactly bad in this car either. Similarly, an 8 on safety was rather surprising considering that is perhaps one of the strongest points of the Subaru brand, if not its key achievement. I would think at least a 9. Which would bring the overall up into the 8 range.
Great review - thank you! I live in the US and converting km to miles that we use here, the fuel efficiency is paltry ~18.8 miles per gallon. That is really miserable. I hope I am wrong with my calculations. Did you test this under normal road conditions like city or highway? I am interested in knowing this as I just ordered a Forester Wilderness and I hope I made the right decision as the specs say we get 25 miles in the city and 28 on the highway. Thank you again for the review.
I bought the 2022 Touring. It gets 32 hi-way and 27city. Your Wilderness has a different gearing in the rear-end for better off-road traction. I'm not using mine for off-road, just some gravel roads and parking in grassy fields sort of thing. I still have my 2007 Tribeca that I intend to keep as a daily. It's the 3.0 6cly. It gets 22/17 Except it is quite a bit heavier with a little more room. It can handle off-road fairly well, do to its weight and 6cly. It won't come close to what your'e wilderness will do.Your'e going to love that thing. Enjoy!
If you're not in the market and don't realise, the 2.5i is an insane value proposition compared to the competitors. Many require premium fuel, price out the best safety features or make the interior a truly terrible place to be at base model.
@@lancemayabi3887 I had test drive 3 times (Forester, outback and a small sedan) 3 years ago and they still use the same engine and cvt. I don’t want to waste my time.
Japanese companies are vey late in technology and quality from their counterparts. Its not logical to use 2.5 engine while you can use 1.8 turbocharged with a dual clutch that will give you better performance and fuel efficiency. And what about that interior like who still uses analog screen like tf???
Japan has a 1.8Turbo, and even Outback and Levorg offers digital speedo. Tech is there, and EyeSight has been awarded for being one of the best system out there...not sure how behind in tech do you mean are Japanese cars. This car also has face recognition...not sure how many others in the segment offers this. A dual clutch transmission is expensive and not always reliable, plus for off road most of the time is worst than a CVT, plus that type of transmission won't fit on a Subaru layout where everything is symmetrical.
Gee 5 year servicing is super expensive at $500 a year, plus a thirsty engine. These r the only 2 things going against this otherwise value for money Vehicle.
Subaru has never been in the game for style points though, I guess. The Subaru driver is a loyal bunch and apparently the company is giving the customer what they seem to be okay with.
Your first 20 second perfectly describes the Forester, and I LOVE IT! Well done, someone who understands us!
Hi Richard, very entertaining review as usual. I am 62 years of age and have owned a number of Aussie muscle cars over the years, in fact I have only just sold a 2017 manual SSV Redline. I have ordered the 2022 Forester in the Premium trim. It has everything I need in a vehicle, practical, safe and fun to drive. I will keep watching your reviews because they always put a smile on my face👍.
Should have kept the ssv just store it in th garage they will keep rising in value. Iconic Australian motoring history
I’ve go the 2020 2.0-S. Transmission is no issues. I’m convinced that all the hate comes from people that have never owned and lived with one long term. You don’t buy this car for the traffic light drags. It’s super smooth with kids and dogs and I never think about it. Works great. The car is awesome.
Researched this car segment for the last 2 months, my findings, - 5th gen forester rated #1 in safety and readability over all others including RAV, trial hawk, honda and bronco. That said, it has been a long road for Subaru from the CVT , oil consumption, head gasket issues of past generation vehicles. At 6'3, CR just announced the Forester is #1 with tall drivers as well, no surprise as the "green house" visibility is very attractive. All the safety dings can be disabled permanently, with the exception of engine on/off at stop. After market solution will solve that as well. So, I will be picking up my Subaru Forester Wilderness (gas, hybrid incremental benefits don't match cost) / pearl white next week. Comfortable driving on and off road, safety and readability, looks, honest service advisors that I have visited with during this time, all have pushed me this direction. And finally driving my daughters 2017 Forester premium, sold me on being a Subie owner. Suggested maintenance to ensure long life; 30k diff (F/R) service, 40k CVT Transmission service, and oil changes every 4k.
Compared to the Outback, Off road analysis/videos show the turbo in the Outback gets totally in the way of performance when climbing, as the Forester's new gearing and software changes bring much more to the equation over the turbo, in my opinion. ruclips.net/video/ZF_JtgJ7aKQ/видео.html
No rock climbing, but adventuring, all day long...
HAPPY TRAILS
Agreed. Just bought a new forester and I’m 6’3. RAV4 was too cramped.
Great review. We have just ordered a new Forester Premium in NZ (same as your 2.5iS) in Crimson Red. Settled on a Forester after driving and reviewing new Outlander, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CRV and Mazda CX5 and CX8. The Forester is not the prettiest but as you say is very practical and the best value for money of all that we looked at.
Just an FYI it was the unequal length exhaust headers on the EJ motors that gave the Subaru that sound, the new WRX and this car have the F series motors which have equal length headers and don’t have any trademark “rumble” sound - more efficient and durable though.
Exterior design looks like it was done by 5 designers that never talked to each other and worked on different shifts... I'm very thankful for my 2015 Forester XT. Only thing I'm jealous of are the seats and infotainment perhaps...
What these cars are able to do off-road with their ground clearance, all wheel drive and x-mode is pretty incredible.
They aren't that great anymore off-road compared to similar rivals and much to do with CVT.
Yep. We took our Forester to Fraser Island last year believe it or not.
These are great off road compared to other cvts. Not perfect but I’d trust Subaru engineers that created a great car over other “experts” check out other RUclips videos. Outback, forester crosstrek they are monsters off road
@@Krooker85 I believe it. You have one of the best🏆
The CVT... well...
It is hard to complain when the cost is much lower than the competition.
I personally drive slow and motorways in Japan are max 100km/h, so no problem.
I also ALWAYS achieve less than 12l/100km in my e-boxer, and I mostly drive with two people and cargo. So the driver's foot is just heavy.
The CVT chain doesn't stretch, come on. The engine is just relatively weak and the economy is a priority in the software setup. It is definitely not a car for people who expect excitement from acceleration. Just buy CX-5 diesel ;)
Eye-site wasn't mentioned. It is great.
Got a 2023 coming late July.Never drove one before.I was shocked how well it handled and darn peppy for my needs
The most fun review of the subaru ive seen so far! great job mate!
Richard Berry, you have a great personality and are terrific to watch. Often I am put to sleep and wake up when it’s over! You are quite a tall man, too.
Mr Berry often comes across as a bit of w⚓ in his attempt at humor / personality. Not as bad as John "numbnuts" Cardogan.
Excellent review and very entertaining, too! Just bought a 2022 Forester Premium in California and am absolutely loving it! Cheers!
Motoring journalists all seem to have a negative bias against cvt transmissions. I have a 2019 Forester with a cvt and I find the driving experience indistinguishable from a standard automatic. Modern cvts are very efficient and reliable.
They are very good for on road and town driving, but nobody buys a Subaru for town, they get a Honda. That CVT kills the AWD.
@@waynemwangi9444 actually the cvt in Subarus are much better compared to the cvts in Hondas. Both may have their glitches as neither are perfect but my wife’s 15 civic, all services completed transmission gone at 70,000. Neighbors crv cabin smells of slight gas, oil/gas mixture problems. I see more Hondas in the used car lot at Subaru then any where else. Crazy but fact. Too bad really that most know Hondas are on the decline
@@martinr8278 I just miss the old Subaru with a proper auto. Both my Grandpa and my dad are Subaru diehards. 🙂
Love the Cvt. Best in the market
Absolutely agree. I understand the hate towards CVT, but once you accept it's a CVT, Subaru has the best in the market.
Finally an intelligent comment! Well said
Great review. "The hiking boot of cars" description made me laugh. Ordered mine from the factory and can't wait for it to be completed!
Nothing wrong with keeping the same design allot of other manufactures copycat each other. Full sized spare and dont mind the old school dashboard feel.
You had the S model which has SI mode, which is the performance mode which tweaks the CVT and engine. Its in all models from the Premium upwards, hence the paddle shifts.
One of my favorite things are the adaptive headlights which turn with the steering wheel.
Having owned many manual cars and a few autos, the cvt is the smoothest gearbox I have ever tried, and never in the wrong gear. Perhaps it needs to be driven a bit like a diesel - hold it at peak torque rather than the red line. My previous Impreza 4 speed auto was the worst gearbox I have ever driven, even dangerous.
Yea I am thinking the same thing. It makes the forester feel eager to go go go. The peddle response is absurd, compared to my Tacoma it feels like all the torque is always there. The one thing I don’t like is it’s ride quality. People say it rides amazing but I find it stumble over broke pavement. The small Impreza rides like a cloud in comparison, strange.
I agree with the 4 speed subaru slushbox. Absolute trash.
Picking up mine in a couple of days. Super excited.
If they could only get the external styling right they would be on a winner. Sadly behind the pack now with the new entrants. Bring back the Forester XT with the 2.4 turbo Subaru Australia.
I'm just under 44k kms in my 2019 Forester and I have averaged 7.1L/100kms and on long highway trips I regularly get around 5.5 ->6L/100kms. Granted I have a bit of a soft foot, but 12.5L/100kms??? You had to be flogging it off the mark and only driving in SI mode. This is not a car for people wanting to film the next Fast and the Furious movie :)
I noticed similar on my Subaru Forester 2021. Combined average with city drive is around 8 liters, but going on a highway with driving 100-110kmh the average goes to around 6.x liters. Anyway, with normal driving in city and out and about the consumption is nowhere near 12.5l.
I've got a 2014 2.0l petrol Forester, and live in a very hilly area, so going up hill on the commute home I'm often at 12.3l/100km, but on the downhill ride it drops to 5.9l/100km, so that my average is around 9.6l/100km. With more highway driving, it usually hovers around the 8.0l/100km. He must have been flogging it indeed!
I own a XT 2016 CVT. I can go 100 - 110kph and average 7,4 - 7,8 L/100km. The screen that shows current consumption helps me to realise I can do same speed with less throttle, helping me a lot to improve fuel economy.
The Forrester has always been a great car I know because I’ve owned several but as good they are I don’t think they will give anything for the management at Toyota or Mazda to worry about in the short term, however I’m sure the rusted on Subaru owners ( and there are many of those) will grasp the new model with open arms and of course wallets 😅.
In my case I’m holding off to have a look at the new WRX when it finally shows up in the new year and even with a CVT tranny in the premium models I’m sure I’ll love 💗 it.
Mazda are still licking their wounds over the ACCC decision.
I love my 2022 Forester don't find the CVT a problem
RUclips trashed this wonderful review with excessive advertising.
just trying to decide between CX5 and Forester, in BC Canada so we deal with poor roads, snow and sleet etc. Seems to be a winner
Great review, mentioned everything I wanted to hear. Thank you
I have the MY20 2.5iS and that front end is definitely a step back.... other than that, after 2 years, still loving my Foz.. most comfy ride ever.
I love my forester and to be frank the inside looks way better than others cars including luxurious ones. Some are all plastic from the insides..
Awesome review!
Very enjoyable report thank you BUT just a few bugbears if I may please. Servicing costs over 5 years ? What does that mean ? How often does it need a service and how much does a service costs. Bullbar ? Does Subaru offer a bullbar or why not ? Wading depth ? Could I drive it go across my creek or not ? Apart from that stuff, as I said, a great report !
I love the Forester, it is highly recognisable, 22 model is a nice 'update' but the whole point in Subaru philosophy and their owners perception is reliability and evolution, not revolution (why change a good thing?). I liked the outgoing model equally (styling wise). Also, I really think it is actually better looking and more consistent and balanced than all on offer with the competition. What is a real shame is the Oz versions lacking both the turbo AND the awesome 'Wilderness' edition, available in the states. That is just really sad (and even stupid?) Perhaps just not enough capacity to keep up with demand etc. I also mis a diesel engine (I use to own a 2015 Forester diesel before moving to a Pajero Sport because of the clearance and towing capacity). But honestly, I still mis my Subby every day (so our 2nd car upgrade is likely to be a Forester again...)
Good commentary. You saved me writing much the same.
Just be glad that you don’t live with the more limited Subaru range in New Zealand. The North American market gets priority even though the Forester is built in Japan. Subaru does have more limited capacity than other car makers but I suspect the lack of turbos is almost entirely a marketing decision. They lose a lot of sales because they say engine power is enough while customers say we want more. I admire them for that reason, because they chose not to make this an “arms” race where all brands keep designing bigger more powerful vehicles at a time when we should be aiming for smaller cars and engines to reduce resource use.
Miss my Forester TURBO!!
Loved your review. I can't say enough about my 2018 Forester. I agree with your assessment of the new model. Here n the US Forester models come as the basic barebones one followed by the Premium ( a good value) then the Sport, the new one Wilderness, Limited and Touring. The newly upgraded 182 hp motor should make the Forester faster but is not. The CVT growls too much when pushed, but those shortcomings are superceded by the the many virtues the Forester has. Visibility, driving position, reliability, fuel economy, all wheeldrive standard and other goodies.
when are we gonna get the "wilderness" version of the forester and the outback because they look rugged and tough.
Subarua Australia dont seem to like the fun models
Fantastic review ✅✅✅
"It's like the hiking boot of cars". I really like that description.
It is "functionally ugly" with the size of the doorways, the large windows, the boot opening is huge and the boot is square. It is hard to do those things while looking sexy. But the no-compromise design has a certain appeal.
I know I won't look cool, but I'll be so comfortable that I am not sure if I would care. Hiking boot indeed XD.
Awesome review
I wish I could subscribe a 100 times... Always a great commentary and fun to watch your reviews 😀
wireless charger is usless when you need to cable connect to use Carplay.. Ive had cars with it and and used 2 or 3 times...
Excellent review, hope to see more like this. I own a 2010 Subaru forester in which I have personally driven around 450 000 km so I have a fairly good idea what lasts well and what goes wrong. Although mine is an older model, I would agree with most of your comments and commend you on a accurate assessment of the cars strengths and weaknesses. In General, with a few bugs here and there, it is a good car to own if you are planning to keep your vehicle for the long term. I do wish that they sold a manual version or at least a conventional automatic gear box though.
Great video thanks mate
perfect forester! well done subaru!
Great review practical information without the confusion of others.Great car 👍
Great review like always.
Information and laughter just what we all need cheers.
Great humorous review. Great car
Which model has the american touring options and extras .which is the top spec model.
I cant seem to find the model in australia .
Im stuck inbetween the sport and is version
If there is a manual version i would grab one quick.
Problem is they would sell bugger all as there a generation that can't drive manual
@@robertceroli3512 🤦
Subaru, In my opinion, all the digital panels should combine into the navigation. Then bring it up to the same level of the top of steering wheel for better eyes observation when driving. Anybody opinions?
Good review! Please review the 2022, CX5.
Interesting the fuel economy is so bad (12L/100km). My 2003 Mitsubishi Magna with 3.5L V6 and 4 speed auto gets around that in mixed driving! I'd expect far better from a modern car with smaller engine and modern transmission.
FWIW our 2021 Cerato manual hatch with 2L 4cyl is averaging 6.7L/100km with a mix of city and highway driving.
it is just his style of driving. I get much less on Japanese roads than he got.
Awesome rewiev
The powerchain is good when the speed is below 70 km/h but the highway experience is always driving me up the wall. Besides, the NVH is really not that great especially for the driver side no idea why! Good handling, good offroad capacity, which smashes most of the beginner level tracks.
Good presentation, fun and by the way are you a school teacher in your previous life?
I guess CVT is the cheapest and they can get maximum profit off it.
You sir are hilarious 😀 thanks for the info.
Mundane vehicle.
Entertaining presenter.
Perhaps Richard Berry could have a career outlining the respective merits of refrigerators, he would be just as entertaining.
The "I never plan to get laid with anyone new again", car.
If this comes in 7 seat this beat every thing
Have a forester 2016, had a lot of small issues.
I've always loved your reviews and this was no exception. Great review as usual Richard👏
I badly wanted to buy a Subaru earlier in the year, but was put off by the exact reasons that you had pointed, CVT and the fuel efficiency.
Have a look at the mg HS the mid spec model . AWD ,2.0T ,160kw dct gearbox goes like a rocket for about 40k
@@robertceroli3512 also loses 75% of its value 1st day it drives off the lot. CCP
CVT is gonna feel and be as reliable as a standard automatic. Too many misconceptions are spread about the Subaru CVT.
driving dynamics of any Subaru no match.once a Subie driver always be.
Mazda cx5 is more agile
as a touring car in this day and age its just way to thirsty, even the hybrid. Hybrid needs to be sub 6l/100. Sticking with my 2012 6m 2l diesel forester. 210k km approx 5.5l/100km on the highway, around town, 6.6l/100km 900+km range. They need to put a diesel back into these as well as a manual option.
Your reviews are all over the place and totally inconsistent - e.g. you said this car was the best of four SUV’s in a comparison review with its rivals. You gave the Kia Sportage 8.5 in a review in November and this car rated 7.8 here, yet you rated Sportage third with Forrester first in your recent review. Illogical.
I was a little surprised by the 7.8 too. He seemed genuinely pleased with the vehicle, including the way it drove. Granted he wasn't a fan of the CVT or the lack of power, but otherwise he seemed to rave about its comfort on multiple levels. In fact, regarding the CVT, he said it isn't his favorite, but it's not exactly bad in this car either.
Similarly, an 8 on safety was rather surprising considering that is perhaps one of the strongest points of the Subaru brand, if not its key achievement. I would think at least a 9. Which would bring the overall up into the 8 range.
Sounds like Gabbers. Love your review style
I think you showed the price which is not the drive away price.
Forester or Outback? How to chosse between them? I watched both video clips bit still can't find the answer. So frustrated.
Love this aussie reviewer. Ned kellys helmet👍👍
Hard copy of the internet , thats a good one😄
Great review - thank you! I live in the US and converting km to miles that we use here, the fuel efficiency is paltry ~18.8 miles per gallon. That is really miserable. I hope I am wrong with my calculations. Did you test this under normal road conditions like city or highway? I am interested in knowing this as I just ordered a Forester Wilderness and I hope I made the right decision as the specs say we get 25 miles in the city and 28 on the highway. Thank you again for the review.
I bought the 2022 Touring. It gets 32 hi-way and 27city. Your Wilderness has a different gearing in the rear-end for better off-road traction. I'm not using mine for off-road, just some gravel roads and parking in grassy fields sort of thing. I still have my 2007 Tribeca that I intend to keep as a daily. It's the 3.0 6cly. It gets 22/17 Except it is quite a bit heavier with a little more room. It can handle off-road fairly well, do to its weight and 6cly. It won't come close to what your'e wilderness will do.Your'e going to love that thing. Enjoy!
@@ltwig476 Thank you so much for your reply - I appreciate it.
Value for money 💰 👌
I love Foresters but with XT model. Subaru! Are you listening? Bring back the turbo models.
Idk I think they look pretty sharp honestly.
If only there’s a real Toyota like hybrid in it too. Or just give me back the XT.
Now it’s neither here nor there…
Same thoughts in here
No Hybrid version in US
Not a fan of the new front lights. The previous model is a lot nicer
Is your phone as large as an iPhone13Max and no wireless charging?
Not sure how I feel about this guy
If you're not in the market and don't realise, the 2.5i is an insane value proposition compared to the competitors. Many require premium fuel, price out the best safety features or make the interior a truly terrible place to be at base model.
Given outdated, poor powertrain, I can’t imagine how Subaru commands higher price.
Nothing outdated powertrain. Drive one before commenting
@@lancemayabi3887 I had test drive 3 times (Forester, outback and a small sedan) 3 years ago and they still use the same engine and cvt. I don’t want to waste my time.
The Cvt has improved tremendously. Barely feel it
Am I watching cars guide or play school?
12.5lL 100km sure you rarely get the official fuel usage figure normally abut another 1Lt but I suspect you must have been flogging the eff out of it
Subaru have never been known for fuel efficiency
Subaru please start manufacturing 7 seater for australia
should've at least upgrade the infortament system, it looks VERY outdated now
2.5i for 35000. Not what it says on website
Japanese companies are vey late in technology and quality from their counterparts.
Its not logical to use 2.5 engine while you can use 1.8 turbocharged with a dual clutch that will give you better performance and fuel efficiency.
And what about that interior like who still uses analog screen like tf???
Japan has a 1.8Turbo, and even Outback and Levorg offers digital speedo. Tech is there, and EyeSight has been awarded for being one of the best system out there...not sure how behind in tech do you mean are Japanese cars. This car also has face recognition...not sure how many others in the segment offers this.
A dual clutch transmission is expensive and not always reliable, plus for off road most of the time is worst than a CVT, plus that type of transmission won't fit on a Subaru layout where everything is symmetrical.
Koreans have left far Japan behind in their dust.
I would have bought one if it wasn't for the lack of power and the CVT.
Cvt???
The CVT and engine is a serious let down for me. I'd rather get a Santa-Fe or a HR-V
Enjoy that trash lol
Fuel economy should have been given a 1 out of 10 if it really did 12l/100km
Gee 5 year servicing is super expensive at $500 a year, plus a thirsty engine. These r the only 2 things going against this otherwise value for money Vehicle.
who freakin complaining about buttons? I love buttons than everything in stupid screen touchphobic
The Peugeot 3008 is nicer than all of them
Looks like Subaru got Korean designers from the last decade to work on the current batch😵
Subaru has never been in the game for style points though, I guess. The Subaru driver is a loyal bunch and apparently the company is giving the customer what they seem to be okay with.
Not over the top bad like a Hyundai or Kia at least
Actually this car is very practical, safe and fun to drive, but it is the most hideous car compared to other similar grades from other brands.
I rather have a practical car and a pretty wife, than the other way around! 😄
My 03 Pajero gets around the same fuel usage.
goood
This new ones are very slow . I don't like them any more .
The accent is sounds like bodaaaaa hahahah🤣🤣