Subaru Forester e-BOXER 2.5L Strong Hybrid in Hong Kong: Over 1,000km range with AWD

The Subaru Forester has long been known for its practical cabin, excellent visibility and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2.5-litre e-BOXER Strong Hybrid adds a more electrified powertrain, pairing a horizontally opposed Boxer engine with an electric motor.

How does this "Boxer + electric motor + AWD" combo really fare on Hong Kong's congested streets and twisty mountain passes? Can it win over local motorists looking for an all-round family and weekend outdoor ride?

Exterior and interior

The Forester has always favoured function over flashy styling, and the Strong Hybrid model sticks to that formula. Its upright front end, pronounced body lines and generous glass area give it a rugged, distinctly outdoorsy appearance.

The front-end styling has a noticeably American influence, with strong creases and a bold, upright design. At the back, the full-width taillight gives the SUV a more distinctive look. With 220mm of ground clearance, the Forester e-BOXER also has the height needed to tackle uneven roads and outdoor adventures.

One of the first things you notice from behind the wheel is just how good the visibility is. The relatively slim A-pillars, large windows and sunroof make the cabin feel bright and open. More importantly, they make it easier to judge the car's position when negotiating Hong Kong's narrow streets or approaching a tight bend on a mountain road.

The dashboard is straightforward and practical. An 11.6-inch Full HD touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also displaying useful vehicle information such as body angle, power distribution, engine oil and coolant temperatures, and accelerator input.

It's also good to see Subaru retaining physical buttons for frequently used functions. They're easy to reach and operate without taking too much attention away from the road.

Rear-seat accommodation is another strong point. There's plenty of headroom and legroom, and even with a child seat fitted, the passenger sitting alongside still has a comfortable amount of space. The rear seat cushions provide good support, making longer journeys more pleasant.

The boot has a wide, flat opening and an electrically operated tailgate. There's enough room for two or three large suitcases or a full set of camping equipment, making the Forester a practical choice for family holidays and weekend trips. Even with five people on board, the cabin doesn't feel cramped.

Other equipment includes a Harman Kardon premium sound system and newly designed electrically adjustable ergonomic seats with memory settings. 

On the road: Comfortable, composed and surprisingly enjoyable

The Forester e-BOXER benefits from an updated Subaru Global Platform (SGP), with increased body rigidity designed to improve both handling and occupant protection.

On the road, the difference is most noticeable through corners. The suspension keeps body movements well controlled, while Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system helps the car feel planted and predictable.

The rear double-wishbone suspension also contributes to its composed handling. Despite the Forester's SUV proportions, it feels reassuringly stable through bends, with little of the excessive body roll sometimes associated with taller vehicles.

Ride comfort is equally impressive. The suspension manages bumps without unsettling the cabin, and rear passengers are less likely to feel uncomfortable or carsick on winding roads.

The biggest change to this Forester is its new powertrain, which pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine with a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor.

City driving: Electric assistance makes a difference

In stop-start traffic, the Forester can rely on its electric motor at low speeds. Pulling away feels noticeably more immediate than in the petrol-only CVT model, with less hesitation when you press the accelerator.

The cabin is also quieter during low-speed driving. When the petrol engine starts, the transition between electric and engine power is smooth enough that you rarely notice it happening.

For everyday driving around Hong Kong, where traffic lights, junctions and congestion are part of the routine, the hybrid system makes the Forester feel more relaxed and responsive.

Mountain roads: The Boxer engine and AWD combination still delivers

Take the Forester onto a winding mountain road, and its traditional Subaru strengths become more apparent.

The horizontally opposed Boxer engine helps keep the centre of gravity low. Although the SUV stands 1,730mm tall, it remains well controlled through a succession of corners, with less body roll than you might expect from a vehicle of this size.

The Symmetrical AWD system provides reassuring traction, particularly when the road is wet or the surface is uneven. The car tracks through corners confidently, allowing the driver to maintain a smooth, consistent pace without constantly making steering corrections.

Power delivery is progressive rather than aggressive. The Lineartronic CVT works smoothly with the hybrid system, and while the Forester isn't designed to deliver sports-car acceleration, it has enough performance for steep climbs and motorway overtaking.

Engine noise is also well contained, even when the petrol engine is working harder.

Fuel economy is another important consideration, especially for drivers who want the reassurance of all-wheel drive without the traditionally higher running costs. Subaru quotes combined fuel consumption of approximately 6.2L/100km for the Forester e-BOXER Strong Hybrid.

Safety: EyeSight 4.0 performs smoothly in everyday driving

The Forester e-BOXER comes with Subaru's latest EyeSight 4.0 driver assistance system, which uses an updated stereo camera setup with a wider detection range.

During our drive along the Tolo Highway, the full-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance worked smoothly. The system reduced speed progressively when approaching slower traffic, without the abrupt braking that can make some driver assistance systems uncomfortable to use.

Other safety features include pre-collision braking and a driver monitoring system. Together, these provide an additional layer of assistance in Hong Kong's often demanding traffic conditions, particularly on longer journeys.

All told, the Subaru Forester e-BOXER 2.5L stands out as a characterful, rock-solid, and genuinely versatile family SUV. If you are weary of the sea of cookie-cutter front-wheel-drive hybrid SUVs on the market and instead value panoramic visibility, surefooted all-weather AWD dynamics, and genuine outdoor capability to head off camping with the entire family, this Subaru Forester e-BOXER deserves a test drive.

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