Subaru Forester

Model Overview

The Subaru Forester is a C-segment SUV under the Subaru marque and stands as one of the brand's most successful nameplates globally. First introduced in 1997, the Forester was originally built on the Impreza platform with a shortened wheelbase, raised ride height, and full-time all-wheel drive.Spanning six generations of engineering evolution, the Forester has earned strong global brand equity courtesy of its solid mechanical foundations, remarkable handling, and capable off-road performance.On 18 July 2025, the all-new sixth-generation Forester made its official debut in the Chinese market.As of June 2026, the 2026 Forester is offered domestically in two variants—the 2.5i AWD Premium EyeSight and 2.5i AWD Flagship EyeSight, priced at RM249,800 and RM265,800, respectively.Subaru is offering buyers 15 complimentary basic periodic maintenance services within a 5-year/75,000 km period.Imported as a fully built-up (CBU) unit, the new SUV remains purely petrol-powered in the compact SUV segment.

Design Language

The sixth-generation Forester's styling embraces Subaru's "BOLDER" design philosophy, anchored by its core pillar of "FIELD" and sculpted with a rugged persona around three key tenets: "Fun of Challenging", "Cool Adventure Spirit", and "Smooth & Unhindered Experience".Up front, it sports a blacked-out hexagonal grille bisected by a new horizontal chrome bar that bridges the Subaru emblem with the headlamp clusters, broadening its visual stance by 30%.Matrix LED headlamps come standard across the range, featuring a split-tier setup with daytime running light strips on top and high/low beam modules below.The bonnet edges on both flanks are lowered, working in tandem with the front quarter windows and sleeker wing mirrors to significantly reduce forward blind spots.In profile, the SUV maintains a squarish, purposeful silhouette,accentuated by flared wheel arches and chunky black protective cladding that underscore its off-road credentials.A new metallic "AWD" badge is positioned on the D-pillar.At the rear, a full-width black garnish connects the tail lamp clusters on both sides, creating an interconnected lighting graphic.In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,670 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,730 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm.Unladen minimum ground clearance stands at 220 mm.The new model is available in five classic exterior colours: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Magnetite Grey Metallic, with River Rock Pearl reserved exclusively for the Flagship variant.Inside, the cabin features a trapezoidal dashboard layout paired with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system.Physical dials are retained on either side for intuitive tactile operation on the move.The passenger-side dashboard panel gets a fresh diamond-quilted finish.The seats are trimmed in Ultrasuede upholstery.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the bonnet, the sixth-generation Forester is driven by Subaru's hallmark 2.5-litre naturally aspirated horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine (SUBARU BOXER).The horizontally opposed pistons move towards each other symmetrically, naturally cancelling out reciprocal forces to minimise vibration and deliver smooth engine operation.The powerplant puts out a maximum output of 122 kW (166 PS) and peak torque of 252 N·m.Compared to the previous generation's 175 PS output from the 2.5-litre unit, the 2026 model sees a modest reduction in rated power.Power is sent through a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual mode.The WLTC-rated combined fuel consumption is 7.86 L/100 km.The fuel tank capacity is 63 litres.Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) comes standard across all variants.While a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain is available in overseas markets, it has yet to be introduced to the domestic line-up.The official 0-100 km/h acceleration figure remains unstated; real-world driving shows a linear power delivery, tuned deliberately for composure and refinement.

Chassis & Handling

The chassis underpins the Forester's signature driving dynamics. Built on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP),the vehicle rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone independent suspension setup.The damper tuning is distinctly comfort-oriented with well-judged spring rates, delivering compliant bump absorption while retaining ample roll stiffness.Steering duties are handled by a revised dual-pinion electronic power steering (DP-EPS) rack, enhancing steering precision by 15%.There is negligible dead centre play, offering crisp front-end turn-in and commendable rear axle tracking.The low centre of gravity inherent to the Boxer engine lowers the vehicle's overall roll centre by roughly 5% to 10%, effectively curbing body roll through bends.The Symmetrical AWD system ensures prompt chassis response during emergency manoeuvres.Overall ride and handling quality remains a standout benchmark in this segment.The brake pedal offers progressive modulation and reassuringly linear stopping power.

Cabin & Equipment

Inside the cabin, the Forester adopts a practical 2+3 five-seater arrangement.Boot capacity is rated at 503 litres, expanding up to 1,674 litres with the rear seats folded down.All variants receive an instrument cluster with a multi-info colour display and an 11.6-inch portrait central touchscreen display as standard.The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife, and WeLink smartphone connectivity.Standard equipment across the range encompasses matrix adaptive LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an electric sunroof, powered front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-start button, and an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold.The Flagship variant further adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a wireless smartphone charging pad, dual-mode X-MODE, and a multi-view monitor system.NVH levels have been refined through high-damping roof lining materials, acoustic front door glass, and upgraded engine bay sound insulation.The Premium variant runs on 18-inch dual-tone twin five-spoke alloy wheels (225/55 R18 tyres), whereas the Flagship variant steps up to 19-inch multi-spoke dual-tone alloys (235/50 R19 tyres).Front parking sensors are omitted across the entire Forester range.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety sits at the core of Subaru's engineering ethos. The sixth-generation Forester comes equipped with the latest-generation EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance System.Building on the signature dual-camera stereo setup, the system integrates a wide-angle monocular camera for the first time, vastly widening the field of view to better detect pedestrians and cyclists in blind spots at junctions.The Pre-Collision Braking (PCB) system features an expanded operational envelope, triggering autonomous emergency braking for oncoming traffic during turning manoeuvres, or when vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians cross abruptly into its path.A new Lane Centring Control function has been introduced, working alongside lead vehicle follow-steering from 0 to 160 km/h.The full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) offers four selectable following-distance intervals.Additional active safety aids include Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB), Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.On the passive safety front, the new model introduces a front passenger seat cushion airbag and a front centre airbag over its predecessor.Rooted in Subaru's aerospace manufacturing heritage, its comprehensive safety architecture encompasses primary, active, preventative, and passive safety.

Market Performance & Review

The Forester's market fortunes reflect a tale of two halves globally. In the United States, it continues its stellar run—recording 20,412 deliveries in March 2026 alone to cement its status as Subaru's top-selling nameplate.Conversely, Subaru's overall performance in China remains subdued, with cumulative sales of just 1,377 units between January and June 2025.Despite serving as Subaru's volume driver in China,the Forester's monthly sales figures have long hovered at low volumes. Market observers note that while the Forester has garnered a stellar reputation among off-road and family touring enthusiasts for its bulletproof mechanicals, Boxer engine, and Symmetrical AWD,its starting price of RM249,800 as a fully imported CBU compact SUV places it at a price disadvantage against locally assembled (CKD) joint-venture rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.In an era increasingly shaped by electrification and high-tech cockpits, the Forester stays true to its naturally aspirated, pure-ICE formula, leaving its outright output figures and in-car tech trailing class benchmarks.In professional evaluations, the 2026 Forester's overall product competitiveness sits in the mid-pack of the segment.Subaru reported a notable decline in operating profits for FY2025,with global volume hovering at around 924,000 units.The sixth-generation Forester counters market shifts by playing to its strengths—staying faithful to its Boxer and AWD brand heritage while bringing incremental gains through refreshed aesthetics and updated active safety,with its primary appeal firmly targeted at loyal Subaru brand advocates.