Subaru Forester 2020: Why the hybrid Forester is boxing outside of its class. Detailed expert review

Did you know that Toyota owns part of Subaru? So the all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid should be an excellent car to drive, right? Not quite! Paul reviews the 2020 Subaru Forester Hybrid S, which now has an e-boxer engine. Fancy.
Read the full review: www.carexpert.com.au/review/2...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 00:55
Interior: 02:52
Infotainment: 04:34
Features: 07:29
Practicality: 09:33
On the Road: 14:40
Verdict: 20:01
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‪@Subaru‬ ‪@SubaruAustralia‬

[@CarExpertAus]

Skip Ahead: Exterior: 00:55 Interior: 02:52 Infotainment: 04:34 Features: 07:29 Practicality: 09:33 On the Road: 14:40 Verdict: 20:01

[@allanjunli]

Great detailed review. The only review that demos how the infotainment system works. Subscribed!

[@CarExpertAus]

The Subaru Forester range kicks off in Australia from AUD$34,690 (US$21,900) for the Forester 2.5i and finishes at the top of the tree with the Forester Hybrid S at AUD$45,990 (US$29,000).

[@M8YM8]

Great video thanks Paul, this definitely steered us away from the hybrid and into the petrol 2.5i-S since there’s no XT model in the pipeline for AUS. Just waiting since delivery times blew out from when we initially ordered in Feb.

[@letsseeif]

Thanks Paul. It's a refreshing change to get a motoring journalist who calls it as it is. So many tame ones out there. Re Subaru. I've always 'had a thing for them.' They really are the alternative person's choice. Sometimes eccentric. However, the very fact that they embrace 'the ying & yang' factor, endears them to many. The 'by facial recognition' adjusting your specific seat, is great. Phone placement crook. Love the parking cam. The Non Low Profile Tyres help curb kurb scrapes. Outside, the overall shape looks twenty-first century but only just. My wife's non Subie car has a huge sunroof that opens (partly). I, personally 'd never get one 'cause Australian heat trumps sunroofs. Indeed, Aussies of British or Northern Europe heritage, fear facial (& other) sun damage/cancer like the plague. For you as a tallish bloke, the propensity for Japanese cars to do what they do with mid armrest impeding turns is weird to say the least, esp for petite women. Finally. I'd also like Metric & Imperial as at my age we still learnt everything in 'Imperial,' & I know that although it'nt for them, many Americans (& others) watch car channels on a globally basis & therefore yours' will be too.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, @letsseeif - appreciate the feedback! We will look into the metric and imperial thing. We need to figure out a way of doing it easily and consistently across videos!

[@CJ-oq2ne]

Thanks for the review Paul. I've been looking around for a while for a replacement for my Forester XT. I test drove the new Forester and found that it was comfortable and had a good ride quality, but when I put the foot down, to me it felt like there wasn't much going on. Anyway after much procrastination I've traded the XT in on a CX5 Akera 2.5 turbo.

[@CarExpertAus]

Great choice! The CX-5 is a really nice car and that 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is incredibly punchy and smile inducing :-D

[@lesgrove2302]

Looking at moving into an SUV from my Mazda Sp25. Like the quality of the Subaru and you have convinced me to look at the non hybrid. Thanks for a great review.

[@rajangautam4444]

Looking forward for review of impreza!!

[@SamGiles]

Don't get me wrong, there's plenty to like about the good ol' Forester, but as you appropriately pointed out, Paul - it's lacking in any sort of exhilaration or excitement. Still, at least it's safe and practical, and represents decent value for money. Great work, Paul.

[@andrewmihaleff]

Very true, although with the possible exception of the CX5, that's largely the segment. The Forester is definitely a great buy - but again, probably a bit dull even for the class.

[@kymbolino]

Paul skimmed over the lack of spare wheel too quickly. How is that not a deal breaker for most if not all people.

[@ekimandersom4478]

@@kymbolino No car has a spare wheel anymore in Europe. Never needed one in the past 30 years of driving anyway. In the worst case there is road assistance service you can call.

[@kevinojoe5456]

Hey paul for your next video do you mind doing a swot comparison( for lack of better word) between the new subaru forester and new subaru outback , im torn between getting a forester or an outback

[@jessiemei3021]

Good review

[@tinker1148]

Great review! That’s not a radar sensor in the grill, it’s the front view camera.

[@CarExpertAus]

You’re right! That’s our mistake. Subaru, like Tesla, just uses the stereo cameras as opposed to radar and LIDAR. You get a free pen 😁

[@sjwright2]

@@CarExpertAus Oops, you're wrong again-Tesla cars have radar as well as cameras. Can I have a free pen too?

[@Doc1855]

We still don’t have a Subaru hybrid here in the USA as of 12/22. I’m jealous that y’all have a hybrid

[@michaelhorner7996]

Hi Paul, I have a new 2.5S top of the range and I must say that I am EXTREEEEMLY disappointed with the CVT. I took it back to dealer and complained of jerkiness, firstly when decellerating at low speeds, but then also while on cruise control on a flat road. The best way I can describe it, is that it is like driving with dirty fuel, OR like fishing, sometimes you get a big bite, sometimes smaller ones. I had 5 different people at the dealership tell me they had never heard of it. They tested it and scanned it. Basically told me to suck it up. I then took it to another branch of the dealer where there were supposedly better qualified CVT mechanics. They claimed they had never heard of it either. The outcome was they told me they had sent the downloaded info to Subaru, who came back with the response, "IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE". I have spoken to every other Forester owner I can, and nobody else has the problem. Are you aware of this issue, or is Subaru trying to cover up a known issue. I am so annoyed and disappointed, I am thinking of changing to a Skoda Superb 206tsi

[@CarExpertAus]

I haven't heard about this before. Whenever I hear a dealership tell a customer it's a characteristic of the vehicle, I always recommend taking the same car from the dealership floor out for a test drive. If it doesn't do the exact same thing, then it's definitely not a characteristic of the car.

[@TheHayabusa09]

From your comments, I can only assume that you purchased the Forester without taking it out for a thorough test drive?

[@ekimandersom4478]

@@TheHayabusa09 Obviously you test drive a different car then the one you buy!

[@BL0HARD]

You’ve got to call it a moonroof in Australia. Best used in conjunction with the windows when someone drops their guts to get the stink out.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@Ssssss-jo7jj]

Hey Paul. Have you driven the 2.5i sport?

[@cassiohui]

I drive an XV eboxer in Japan, that system does not get better with time. Unfortunately when I bought it they already discontinued the non-eboxer 2L, so the only choice was betweehn a 1.6L or the 2l eboxer. i get around it by jabbing the throttle while stationary and with brakes applied to kick the engine to like to smoothen the start, but if you're slowing down to maybe

[@blvand]

Test drove one today loved it! Looking to swap out my golf. The forester ticks all the boxes for me the rav4 does for me too but they’re 10k+ more for less except maybe fuel economy, I definitely prefer the Subarus ride.

[@rommiemex9532]

My 2017 Forester xt has heated seats :) They've had them for a while... I just wish theyd bring in the XT again :(

[@kymbolino]

My 2013 2.5i-s forester has heated seats!

[@m_j_b5547]

Can you review the Impreza hatchback???

[@davidjohn9006]

I’ll stay with the 2.5ltr petrol … 7.3-7.8 per 100k "combined"average, recent trip to Qld, fully loaded with racks/roof boot/pod and bike on tow hitch … 7.8 per 100k average Adelaide to Hervey Bay … have to say I really do enjoy the Forester 👍🏼

[@WaveWatcher10]

Love my forester

[@mmcin719]

We have owned 3 Subarus from new, all have had soft bodies easily damaged by doors and hail, the headlights have been substandard and the dealers have screwed us on service plus they have had annoying minor rattles.. That said they have been very reliable. We have switched to Toyota, none of the problems experienced with the Subarus and just as reliable able

[@ryzenforce]

Thank you for stating that the (non hybrid) Forester can tow 1500 kg and not 1500 lbs like it is listed in the NA brochure and that everybody thinks is true - while the Outback with the same 182 hp engine could tow 1500kg.

[@zaamuro8408]

Here's another angle - it will sell to fleets as more and more fleets require the hybrid or electric tag

[@CarExpertAus]

I think they'll just buy the RAV4 if they need to tick the hybrid box. Toyota will be cheaper to service and will likely do better fleet deals.

[@johnnumbat9782]

Such a disappointment Paul because I’ve owned nine Subarus - my last one was the 2009 XT Auto Forester which I recently replaced with a more capable Toyota Hilux for off-road touring. If Subaru replaced the industry-wide flawed CVT concept with a conventional 8-speed auto, remove the hybrid features and the stupid stop-start function and reintroduce an analogue coolant temp gauge (my 2009 XT did not have one which made me a bit nervous) and bring back the turbo engine and conventional hand brake I would definitely have one as my daily drive. John in SA

[@diaperdood1]

does the climate control on the heat and the cool run off of the hybrid battery?

[@vErVe75]

Hi Paul, great review...keep up the good work! Btw, can you do a review on the Subaru XV?

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Alex! We don't have one in the pipeline at the moment. They didn't have a car in Melbourne for us to test :-(

[@simoncouch1523]

CarExpert I unfortunately have a 2017 XV top of the range and it a a hunk of shit I wouldn’t mind a forester but def not hybrid. PS halogen headlights should be made illegal, Once you go non halogen you will never wanna go back

[@CarExpertAus]

10 internet points if you can count how many times I said "handy"...🤦‍♂️

[@jalapeno_salsa]

Never noticed it till u mentioned it haha

[@d.j.z.j]

Or terrible hah, good review and agree perhaps not the best choice for people. I have the imprezza 2018 s, and like the outdoor and adventurous style and safety of subaru. There is probably better cars out there for similar price

[@Wasa9191]

Yeah, I have the 2018 XV, mmm! Sunroofs seam to be a waste of time really. 1st one I've had and the only time I find it useful is to exhaust the heat after its been parked in the hot sun. As soon as its cooled a little, I close it, so doesn't get used much.

[@markw6154]

Im on my third forester and im keen to get a hybrid in my next car. Im afraid this review has put me off going forester hybrid. .

[@aymanyosry629]

hi Paul, I'm considering buying an SUV i have three kids, i need a roomy, reliable and featured car with good value of money what's your suggestions?

[@robertceroli3512]

Toyota RAV4 hybrid don't waste your time or money on the subi hybrid not powerfull not economical were the rav 4 hybrid outstanding economy and rapid performance

[@supergee1070]

Are the slim line number an additional cost?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes - only a small extra cost :-D

[@gogutzy]

The start stops on Subarus are generally not refined. Probably has to do with the agricultural underpinnings. Regarding the consumption, sure it's no prius, but given the ruggedness of these cars, the fuel economy will probably show up in more extreme conditions - towing, climbing, offroading.

[@MrGreatpersian]

Hi Paul, have Subaru done any improvement to the upcoming models?

[@maxmouche]

yeah I'd love to know that too. I'm eyeing up the M23 Hybrid model and can't find any reviews of it all... 😕

[@CMMMMMMMMM]

Are you going to review the 2024 or 2025 model?

[@crisp_dude6073]

They put the sport mode and regular mode backwards in that car ctfu

[@bennywks]

A very interesting review Paul. The CVT is such a let down. I have tried MY19 with 2.5L engine. Not only the car couldn’t speed up much, but also there could be a funny jerk when slowing down. I am talking slowing down to 20-30 km/h for a distance getting ready to stop in front of the traffic light. The CVT could sudden push the car forward even the foot is on the brake pedal. I wonder if Subaru fixed this jerk 🤔

[@CarExpertAus]

I've driven a few other Foresters (non hybrid) and I didn't experience the jerk - so hopefully it was just limited to the car you drove. I'd love to see a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, it's such a great car otherwise!

[@DimitrisSfounis]

Hey, hi. I experience the save sort of jerk when braking on the 2021 Toyota RAV4. I wonder if they've got the same transmission.

[@ekimandersom4478]

In Europe we can only get the hybrid . I test drove it and it is fine, more then fast enough even for Germany . And with the options it comes with there is simply nothing else for the price, and certainly not with 8 years and 200.000km guarantee.

[@davidmurray5926]

It’s 5 years in the UK

[@ekimandersom4478]

@@davidmurray5926 Here it is 5 years and the option to buy 3 extra years for 500€

[@tonycoz2309]

Why Subaru would put out a so obviously inferior product to its direct competitor being the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is beyond me. To pay the extra money for the hybrid and in real life driving not achieve any more fuel economy than the 2.5 lt. petrol engine is self defeating. And as for no spare wheel but a puncture repair kit.......what a joke. I cant see Subaru selling to many of the hybrid. Mean while people are lining up for the RAV4 with waiting lists months in advance.

[@CarExpertAus]

It's certainly strange, Tony! Subaru really has missed a beat with this generation of the Forester hybrid. It's a real shame!

[@kamchan7606]

Can you consider that as a Wagon as it claims on its own website?

[@ryzenforce]

The Outback is a crossover, the Levorg is the Legacy wagon. The Forester is a true SUV.

[@mikelucas4102]

I dont know they have hybrid, this is exciting, why they didnt promo this to the public.

[@ryzenforce]

I don't know how you are built, but the issue with turning the wheel and having the center console in the way is very strange. Your seating position seems too low for your height (your shoulders are barely above the door-windows level), too reclined and too near the steering wheel which caused your elbow to 'hit' the center console (probably because you are too reclined (according to your head rest)). Your seating position in a suv is like you were driving a rice-car - not the best position imo.

[@crittendon1000]

Subaru hybrid has never really worked the way it should. And I have found the worst thing about them to be the seats. They drive very well, but it's not comfortable to sit in.

[@kas7777]

I still think the 1st generation forester looks way better and it was tough like a tank

[@Brettal]

I had the 03 XS and it was a dream. Sad that I sold it.

[@Seanype]

What’s a better car ? The outback or the forester ? Non hybrid versions

[@CarExpertAus]

Tough call! Really big fan of both of them. I prefer the Outback because I like wagons, but the Forester is probably the better all rounder. Both are still quite fun to drive.

[@M8YM8]

Are the gloves in the picture because it’s an e-boxer or because you don’t like it? 😂

[@outsidethebox262]

It's a shame really... If there is any system that could benefit from being a hybrid, Subaru is on top of that list imo. If only they could put the motor on the back attached to the line shaft instead of the engine . It would add weight to the rear tire, providing more stability than it already has. On top of that, the motor could add power to the rear wheel of the car.

[@awdlover4349]

Hi, nice review. Here in Europe we only get the e-boxer version for Forester. In all european review seen the poorly Engineered hybrid system was never mentioned. It could be a problem of the car you tested. In Europe subaru sells e-boxer System as mild hybrid and I think it is a right decision; it can’t be compared to full hybrid systems as Toyota/Lexus, Kia/Hyundai, Honda ones.

[@iandiru6433]

Why would a car manufacturer make a vehicle without a spare tire space i can't drive or travel without a spare tire

[@xenonozhid3383]

Currently, looking for a car replacement - took one look at this. The overall design looks 20 years old, designed by a committee that never spoke to each other.

Just do not get a flat tire when you are in the "outback"

[@OutsideYourBox]

The only way they can improve this car hybrid is to put the electric engine on the back of the car at the other end of the axel. Insane i know, but it would improve this car s power distribution, balance and off road capabilities.

[@bigmatty50]

Paul. Spell check 15:43. Electric not eletric. Still love your videos though.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for that!

[@dS420_]

got a big phone eh

[@BFJP]

I test drove the 2021 e-boxer forester, and was so underwhelmed I ended up getting a 2019 2.5L version 2nd hand (which is far better imo). The new e-boxer system is seriously awful. Toyota meanwhile puts out the RAV4 Phv (Prime) plug in hybrid. Subaru, you got screwed by toyota...

[@Hallowsaw]

Is it just me or does the new forester loom really bad? I miss the 2015-17 look already. Especially the xt version

[@ryzenforce]

Me it is the reverse: I went away from their pre-2019 model because it was ugly and too fragile-build to my taste.

[@saheliumd7182]

Would a tinted sunroof be better? I know from Jurassic park that sunroofs are bad in T. rex attacks

[@dandandan3515]

i do not think hybrid is worth at all, $3000 may take 15 years to get value back.

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@MrHSIE]

So disappointing. I’m moving out of a Jeep Wrangler (Shit service dept) and looking for another make. The product reviews on Subaru are 50/50 on being good or being shit also. Some love them but again, sadly their service dept keep not honouring warranty claims and you end up with a large number of disgruntled, never to return customers. Disappointed this Hybrid system isn’t tuned. I’d love and EV but can’t afford one. Guess I’m not getting even a hybrid yet either.

[@USNAVDC]

Toyota owns 20% of Subaru now.

[@0bts0]

Totally get over sun roofs... hence i dont buy cars with them anymore

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@d.k.1394]

they are sooo like unnecasary

[@phonicfrog_]

What the actual?!?! Just close the blind when you want it darker. Nothing better than driving with the roof open

[@user-pw8jb3zw2l]

Dump the CVT for a modern torque converter tranny and drop in a modern clean diesel engine. A car this size needs some pull and at 9L/100km, that is just drinking it compared to a diesel. Sorry.

[@4x4stretch]

Adding a sunroof to a car almost guarantees that I no longer fit :( And of course they are always mandatory upgrades on the models with all the safety gear or other useful features not included on the base models!

[@timmarks8941]

Sun roof is 100% over rated. Couldn’t agree more. It’s just a good way for car makers to add features/options and charge more for them.

[@jamesmyers777]

Where did you get the idea that the Subi uses the front logo as a radar sensor? Adaptive cruise is achieved through Subarus eyesight system, which uses the cameras not radar... Got to be careful you understand the systems correctly otherwise it undermines the channel. I enjoy the content but am disappointed this isn't correct and makes me wonder about other content...

[@bluecent]

The existence of this car is like people who don’t like pineapple on pizza. Both are a complete mystery.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅😅 I love that. How strange are those people?!

[@lucagattoni-celli1377]

Surprisingly cheap price!

[@daveb6345]

More garbage, Near $50K for that.....they are kidding, oh and CVT PASS!

[@ianc214]

I have a 2021 Forester and my elbow is nowhere near the centre console lid, nowhere near. In fact I couldn't work out how this could be unless you have the seat in the lowest position and have the anthropometric dimensions of a gorilla.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@AmboscottUK]

Nice car but the hybrid is pointless and not as good as the 2.5

[@d.k.1394]

one word: dissapointing!

[@riccardotaccolinimoncosi7435]

Rav4 is a much worse car

[@destroyerarmor2846]

Too late for hybrid. Subaru is not serious 😅

[@jasonlast7091]

I swear you just turn left weird.

[@CarExpertAus]

Hah...ah, okay. I'll try to turn the wheel differently.

[@jasonlast7091]

@@CarExpertAus Have you tried turning left by rotating clockwise.

[@CarExpertAus]

You’re making my head hurt!!

[@vtv8man]

This was one of the worst SUV’s / Cars I have ever test driven ! We have owned two Foresters and Liberty and it’s time to upgrade. We will move to Toyota or Mazda. Subaru’s entire range is lackluster without their Turbo and the Hybrid was just terrible. Shame on your Subaru for pushing dreary product onto the Australian public vs the great models the USA market get.

[@MaxFromSydney1]

Can of goo. WTF, Subaru?

[@casey6933]

I had one of these for a week as a hire car on a work trip. It's a very poorly executed car. The door bottle holders are useless - bottles fall out and roll around on the floor after acceleration. The hybrid - absolutely pathetic. The transition between electric and petrol is jarring. And there is no electric motor on the air conditioning compressor. So when the car is in battery only mode (and that's rare as it's such a weak hybrid system, so at lights etc) the air flow gets hot as the air con compressor relies on the traditional petrol engine unlike other hybrid systems which have a separate motor to drive the compressor. The CVT - well, most are crap, but this one needs to rev in order to get any type of performance out of the engine - steep incline hills etc. The lane keep assist is more like lane departure assist. (bounces you around between the lines) Disappointing car.