Subaru Forester e-Boxer hybrid review - DrivingElectric

Subaru Forester e-Boxer review: www.drivingelectric.com/subar...
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The Subaru Forester is well-known for being a hardy, no-nonsense off-roader, and now it gets full hybrid technology to improve performance and efficiency. But does it achieve that in reality? Vicky Parrott finds out...
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[@metalmick99]

I really enjoy this lady's reviews. She speaks well and with authority. She also gives her straight opinion - no sugar-coating.

[@lucaparker1084]

This lady always gives honest informative, reviews well done.

[@spinstartshere]

I love my Forester but I'm aware of its flaws as a mild hybrid. I appreciate your honesty in this review! It's hard for a lot of die hard fans of the car to admit and accept.

[@MrFlyingguy]

thanks for another solid and genuine review, last time i commented on why you only had 10k subs, now ( a few months later) i ask why you only have 24k...... ;)

[@robertlangham2356]

Good, honest, detailed review. Like it 🙂

[@JonLondrezos]

The thing about CVT gearboxes is that you need to own one to really appreciate it. Having owned 2 cars with older - cruder - CVT I would not have a problem owning another one with modern CVT.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Jon Londrezos modern CVTs are loathed and loved in equal measure. People dislike them because they fail to understand them or how the driving dynamics work compared to traditional auto boxes. I prefer CVT because of the seamless, smooth acceleration without feeling the changes. I like the way the revs raise and then settle as your speed increases. All very relaxing. Not built for fast acceleration and high speed but neither are the roads. I wish BMW drivers would understand that one.

[@ArmCav21st]

Good review, I love my old Subaru Forester, it is a car used around the farm to haul stuff, drive along muddy and hilly paths and overall just get the job done. But it works just as well on the regular roads. Will probably wait to replace it after seeing this review, as I think the price is quite steep and feels more like an iteration of the model for Subaru to figure things out. Also It could use a bit more agressive styling, and the in car entertainment has never been Subarus strong point...

[@nickfarrington2390]

Good review and honest. If you need to tow and need proper off-roading credentials then this may appeal - there will be people out there who do. If you don't need to tow or go off-road then for that money I'd be waiting for the Model Y, so long as you've got a drive to charge it on.

[@tris7]

Used to love subaru, had a forester St turbo, how is it that my 2.5 litre turbo got more mpg than their new hybrid?! Must try harder subaru, you ain't gonna sell many of these.

[@willvee1282]

My 2014 Forester averages roughly 30 mpg for daily my use. Gotta pump those numbers up, Subaru.

[@chrischoy9]

One of the biggest issues is that its AWD as well which sucks a lot of fuel

[@ImDembe]

Big question is will the car be standing still if the electric motor breaks? Couldent care less about the electric but all the subarus in Sweden comes with the E-boxer thingy.

[@germie7666]

Funny how EVERYBODY complains about the CVT. Regardless, the Diesel is likely more fuel efficient. Good review.

[@26DR715]

Well done, good review, good looking car and dont forget the presenter.

[@simonbroddle754]

It's 15mpg behind my 2017 diesel Forester and almost twice the retail price. By the time you've put 30% more fuel in it and destroyed millions of acres digging Lithium out the ground I'm not convinced on it's environmental credentials either.

[@mikuelable]

Who cares about the 0-60 99% of buyers who buys suv / cuv want style , safety, mpg and reliability

[@oddities-whatnot]

mikuelable well said, and thats the point of Subaru these days. A good purchase for not very much is the new impreza hatchback with only a 1.6 litre engine. Not quick but watch a couple of videos on youtube and they do just fine for what they were designed to do. Sound great as well. Sharp handling, refined motoring with that characterful boxer sound.

[@moonsapling]

You have to go outside the city and off the paved roads to understand and appreciate this car.

[@robc8593]

RAV4 self charging hybrid AWD, more power, lower CO2, easy 45mpg, refined. Why would you choose a Forester?

[@christopherredhead4182]

For the capability and safety

[@worrywart1311]

Because it's not just another "white goods" Toyota.

[@HydraliskX]

The RAV4's AWD Is significantly worse. But I would not buy a hybrid Forester, I would just buy the non-hybrid. That said, Toyota just increased its stake in Subaru, so hopefully their hybrid tech can come to Subarus, like how the BRZ came to be.

[@joshmurchie6014]

HydraliskX Subaru already uses the Toyota Hybrid System

[@oddities-whatnot]

Toyotas are too common. Subaru are unique and are a rare sight on UK roads. I like that fact. I get tired of seeing the roads filled with the usual suspects. I dislike having to conform, I dont need my ego boosting or to show off with a certain badge. I would rather drive something a bit different than all the rest of the sheep.

[@tris7]

Needs a plug-in hybrid system and 60mpg, then its a game-changer. As it is, its too expensive and that MPG simply isn't good enough.

[@ColinMill1]

Subaru have rather lost the plot these days. I understand their UK sales are down to about 25% of what they were 15-20 years ago. Really like my 2006 Outback but wouldn't give the new outback garage space while I still have eyesight good enough to drive - it is just another hideous SUV.

[@simonyapp]

That’s not a off road course. Its a ‘stoney’ track with some leaves (leafs) spelling? - a mini could drive it.

[@u3b93]

Hi Vicky is it not another Toyota? I have been deceived in the past by a Toyota Prius C in terms of efficiency and performance because of the small battery pack! Its plus point may be the off-road part. May be mild turbo boosting, bigger battery pack with plugin charging and a DCT gearbox would have made a difference. Seems Honda with its Vezel is making better hybrid than Toyota lately.

[@davidmahan4160]

I don't really care about the lack of speed. Safety is a big factor for me, I do like its NCAP figures for diver, passenger and pedestrian safety. I love the eyesight with autonomous front and rear braking. There's plenty of room front and back (tall family). I totally agree on the noise from the CVT but it's the same for the Toyota rav4 hybrid and the Honda crv hybrid. The towing capacity of the Honda is rubbish. The rear leg room is rubbish in the Toyota Rav4 and the tunnel is intrusive. I totally agree on the Subaru hybrid side, the battery is too small as is the electric motor, one mile on pure electric is rubbish, but it recharges itself. The fuel economy is rubbish, but similar to the Skoda karoq petrol and VW tiguan, which I also considered. I needed the Subaru for its great towing capability and its off road capability as well as its ability to wade through almost 20 inches of water. So its expensive, not very fuel efficient, noisy under acceleration, but I love it as it fits the bill for me. I would love a plug in electric but I live in a terraced house with on road parking and no guaranteed parking, so it's difficult if not impossible to charge one. So a "self-charging hybrid" will have to do until circumstances change; waiting the all electric Subaru.

[@George-tf9lh]

Hear hear. Been driving Scoobies (in between other makes) for years. Had petrol Foresters in the past, picking up a 3yr-old eBoxer tomorrow. Speed not an issue, economy indeed could be better, but not that fussed for the annual mileage I do. Hybrid suits the bill - off-grid here, so forget about plug-in jobbies. Off-grid implies (and means!) occasional rutted/potholed muddy/snowy roads, which this will handle with aplomb. You can keep your 25+ cupholder- IoT- blingy 'SUV's' - I want need something that is 101% reliable, can tow without breaking a sweat, won't get me stuck and is jam-packed with active/passive safety. Job done :-)

[@stephennutkin2477]

Because of the battery you lose the space to put a normal sized spare tyre so have to rely on a foam can or ring for assistance, it has not improved on mileage, it has less towing power than the foresters that won the caravan club awards and it’s far too expensive. I understand it is already out dated as Subaru America are nearing production for a full electric car. I’ve had Subaru’s in their different guises for years and love them but my oh my am I glad I’ve got the last of the 5th gen Foresters. Subaru need a kick up the backside and hopefully they will listen to their sales teams especially in the UK and especially how leaving the EU means that we won’t be under EU constraints and should be able to have the same choices of Subaru variations as out cousins in the likes of Australia.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Stephen Nutkin I really hope to get a Subaru soon as a long term purchase, but more than likely will get a used model non hybrid, Forester or XV. Your point about the models is interesting, I hadnt realised that. I do find it unfair that the range is different in the US and Australia. The most baffling thing is the impreza hatch in the UK. They have discontinued the 2 litre engine and kept the 1.6 which really doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

[@HamidShibataBennett]

Subaru has not figured out hybrid tech at all.

[@MG7316]

Subaru can’t figure out technology period now. I use to be a die hard Subaru fan, not any more ‼️

[@moonsapling]

They want the capability. Running on electric only will destroy its offroad capability.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Every hybrid ive driven has given far greater fuel economy. Subaru hybrids give nothing extra but they charge you a lot more for the privilege.

[@symmetry08]

The point of this Subaru Hybrid was not to fully hybraderize, but to boost throttle response that many drivers were complaining, regarding its slow response attitude of a regular CVT transmission. With electrification, delay goes away and designers wanted to have some boost in fuel saving. Otherwise most Subie drivers like traditional gasoline engine type, mostly.

[@valdius85]

I am very surprised by the UK price. It is 23.4k GBP in Japan. One of the cheapest hybrids on the market. Only RAV4 is cheaper, but then it also offers less in terms of AWD.

[@puuuuuuch]

Probably Subaru and Toyota being Japanese car makers explains it..?

[@oddities-whatnot]

The UK is a ripoff, although these are now for sale from about 31,000 new so a big drop in price.

[@valdius85]

@@puuuuuuch how exactly does fit explains it? Details please? Destination is around 1000 USD world wide. There is tax as well in Japan on these cars. So where the extra difference is coming from?

[@oddities-whatnot]

Should have more BHP to cope with the extra weight. Performance will be the same in real world use as the previous non hybrid model. I am in the UK, I ended up with the Outback as it has the biggest engine and is well matched to the car. Some say you have to rev the engines to get the power but thats the nature of boxer units. They are quite vocal but will rev easily up to the redline. If you want lots of pulling power low down In the rev range, go and get a turbo diesel Beemer or something if you havnt grown up yet and cant stand anyone else on the road, as its YOUR space yeah. FFS

[@MankTuned]

Wow. Self Charging Car. New Japan Technology. a Future Car. Good Job Japan. LOL

[@rogerbourne4377]

Subaru Build strong cars not fashion icons. Looked after they easily last 15-20 years and take high mileage --over 500,000! You'll save money buy not having to replace it every couple of years--good for climate change! Where do your priorities lie?

[@oddities-whatnot]

roger bourne best comment on here. People get cars constantly on a never ending cycle of PCP deals and trade them in every two or three years. More fool them. Buy a Subaru, pay it off then you have NO monthly payments for years and years. Thats the way to do it.

[@George-tf9lh]

Exactly - 96% of Subarus from the last 10years ... are still on the road, fer chrissakes ! What other manufacturer can claim this longevity / customer loyalty ? Problem is that they're built so well and folk hang on to them so long - it flies in the face of change-every-two-to-three-years mentality, so they're shooting themselves in the foot a bit, shame.

[@mikaelwiberg2938]

Great review👍 Subaru has lost it I'am afraid, this is just not good enough.

[@adventureforesterblog]

There is other attributes as well than fuel economy, which are needed for everyday driving. Outwards visibilty was mentioned but ride comfort and cabin quietness are important factors too.

[@maxdontask]

I have one. I had the previous model as well. It was totalled. What an improvement compared to the last generation. I am very happy about the highest spec version. Gasmilage is horrible especially the first couple thousand kilometres. I don’t mind the CVT. I love the visibility, comfort and the off-road capability. I would purchase it again.

[@Extrikit]

Max Robin Drott Why is the gas mileage bad in the first couple of thousand kilometres? Is it something to do with charging the batteries?

[@maxdontask]

Extrikit the gasmileage improved dramatically I am just 1.6L away from the wltp cycle!

[@markgaudie80]

That’s poor MPG indeed. Rather keep my Outlander PHEV. What are it’s towing capabilities?

[@oddities-whatnot]

Mark Gaudie Founder of Northwest England EV Owners ive drive the PHEV and although I really liked the CVT and the engine had enough power but to me it sounded non descript and strained. Boxer engines have more character and sound great at any revs.

[@valdius85]

It's 30% cheaper in Japan. Something wrong with Subaru UK.

[@TikiShootah]

30mpg... What was the point

[@oddities-whatnot]

TikiShootah its a Subaru. Its a way of life. If you need to ask, the brand is not for you :)

[@anotherdave5107]

1:43 The forester is a "quite a big" SUV; LOL.

[@farashi1980]

Big let down ! By no means it is ECO, in fact quite opposite for 2020. Is it Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) , sport definitely no , utility-maybe, vehicle-yes

[@Music-eq6pu]

DrivingElectric

[@davidmccarthy6061]

I'm very worried that Subie won't exist in 10 years. Moving to all electric costs some cash and Toyota can afford to come to it late, but Subaru can't. Hitching their wagon to Toyota was not a good move. Hopefully they, and Mazda, can buy a full BEV platform from another brand to do an EV.

[@moonsapling]

They are the fastest growing car brand in the US. And they have a huge fan base all around the world. They cant die.

[@Kaoniaw06]

Subaru is not enough efficient for Europ but the market is big enough in US, CANADA... they dont need of us and the engine are realy different in this country....dont get your opinion only on this Subaru that is an ecxellent vehicule even, I a m also sad about the engine...

[@msmith4158]

On this channel where the main focus is mpg, (which is appopriate) people condem this car to the scrap heap - on another channel where people look at it through a different lense (maybe its off road capabilities or its face recognition ability or its eye sight safety featuires etc ) it is a market leader - for some people mpg or speed or battery range or power are not the main focus

[@farashi1980]

Michael Smith I don’t get it why there can not produce a car that thick all ( most) boxes , technology is there , why do you sacrifice mpg etc for better safety etc , can they not fit all that in one car ? or is this manufacturer’s conspiracy ( market share) not to produce one all-in-one i really dont get it , is it really that difficult ? or we should buy one car for every different ability it has.?

[@user-mf2wx3in8u]

Будь другом подари SUBARU ! 🖐

[@angelamcmahon]

Came here as it's one of the safest new cars, but engine is too disappointing. A shame. I'll just have to be more careful in something else.

[@coldhell3580]

33 mpg?! I’ve got the 2.5 Outback, I get 39 mpg on the motorway! Why is this so low?

[@carminedauria-gupta2561]

That’s because you must drive at 55 mph and on a downhill. My average is 28 and hats mixed Highway and street

[@coldhell3580]

Nope, I drive up and down the motorway at 70 to 80mph with a boot full of equipment.

[@LeeOades]

As a current EV driver and former Impreza owner, I find this car just embarrassing for Subaru. It just doesn't seem to hit any marks. As stated, it's not economical, nor performant. It's not cutting edge inside and ugly outside. And then it's not cheap so it can't even win you there. Rubbish. On the plus side, another great review!

[@7hr3sh]

You buy this car not for looks, economy or performance. You buy it for being true SUV with go anywhere potential, reliability and safety. This vehicle is best in class.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Arthur N and also the fact that not everyone wants the same car as everyone else, just to fit in with the "in" crowd. People today are obsessed with labels and badges, having to get a certain car because its cool or trendy. I would have a Subaru over anything else just to stick two fingers up at the bores in their German SUVs.

[@KillilaghChurch12]

This is Petrol engine vehicle with a token electric battery which really shouldn’t be reviewed on this channel.

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

Joseph McCooey They have been talking about hybrids of all kinds since the beginning, and THEY decide what to talk about, so...

[@Mediumdave1983]

Agreed, 'mild hybrids' or 'Petrol powered hybrids' are a waste of time - all the drawbacks of a plug in hybrid, and none of the benefits. Drive Electric should focus on EVs and phEVs, in my opinion - although it would sadly probably limit their video output, as there are still not enough new models coming out.

[@AceHardy]

📝

[@planespeaking]

Petrol charged hybrid.

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

If I would own a car factory ... I would pay to my managers the biggest salaries in the industry ... but I would - also - force them to drive every new model of car ... at least 3 month before the release ... make observations ... implement them in the final version ... and force them, too ... to buy the first cars+fuel them ... from their salaries ... and drive them every day. In this way ... I would have a proper guarantie ... that they work harder ... to make the best cars money can buy. 😏 In this case ... they would want to be able to drive in pure EV mode ... and have a plug-in charger. 😏

[@McMike]

They have to win money. Not just from selling cars, but also from maintenance. If you build a great car, you'll earn money only from car sales. But if you build average cars, then the costumers will have to visit your service or they'll say "Damn I need a new car". It's all about money and consumption, keep the dices rolling... 😅

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

@@McMike Ok, I see your point and you're right. 👍 That's the logic of many managers. Not in the Toyota or Volkswagen factories ... and ... as I said ... not in my (future ? 😃 ) factory. 😉

[@McMike]

@@laurentiutrifan8173 I hope that you'll bring that factory to reality😁. I'll buy a car from you. Untill then we have to face the reality.... they just want money😶. In the Usa bmw sell cars with SCR since '08, but in Europe from '19-'20....🤑

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

@@McMike Thanks for the confidence advance 👍 Actually, my first car factory ... will build hybrid kits ... for transforming every ICE car ... in a 4X4 PHEV ... XC90 Twin engines style ( for the receiving ICE cars with front wheel drive ... the kit will be in the back of the car) ... & 50 miles range in EV mode (with a 4000 dollars upgrade possibility 😉 - for every 50 miles aditional range). 😉 Price - under 10.000 dollars/car - including mounting on the car + approval taxes . 😉 Very soon 🙂

[@McMike]

@@laurentiutrifan8173 that sounds good. In witch country will be that? I see that you say $ and miles😁. Good luck👌👍.

[@ORMA1]

Best Suv for safety, it's not a fashion vehicle, luckly

[@farashi1980]

congratulations on buying this, that’s exactly how they want you to think 🤔

[@oddities-whatnot]

K Szark nobody is making anyone think anything ! I dont give a fig about fashion cars, which sadly people flock to buy these days just to show off a certain badge or something, its pathetic. Subaru is bought by people with intelligence, not narcissistic tendencies.

[@ORMA1]

@@oddities-whatnot if you look for a fashion car, you don't need a Subaru If you look for a Subaru, you don't need a fashion car

[@mjames2117]

Too expensive even for 4WD.

[@slartybartfarst9737]

How weird I grew up with the Japanese always at the forefront of new technology whats gone wrong? Underwhelming is correct, i know its permanent 4 x 4 with hill decent but lack luster 12 sec 0-60 and wibble wobble on corners kack CVT sound horrid for the price. At that price do an EV and you get all the inherent advantages or low centre of gravity performance and economical running plus decent residuals. But this petrol powered vehicle now and in 4 years time its not going to be worth anything kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2qUZ6CupM6iZqc

[@paulanderson79]

I think Vicky is gorgeous.

[@oddities-whatnot]

paulanderson79 your comment says it all

[@pastachannel1987]

Subaru is catching up and when they do they will be a real competitor. Till then don't waste your time and money with Subaru.

[@jeffreycooper8408]

14th 😂

[@dennismalembeka9316]

Toyota is absolutely responsible for Subaru's downfall.

[@farashi1980]

Dear Subaru, please do yourself ( and potential buyers ) favour and have another thought about this car or is this best you can? there is nothing “ green” ( jasper green?) about this vehicle - ITS a FAILURE ON EVERY LEVEL : price, fuel economy, smaller tank , performance, noisy CVT ( cheaper to manufacture) that supposed to save fuel , 1mile EV range, poor sound system,infotainment (3 screens?) , interior finish ( not rugged , family and adventure friendly ) ,no sliding/reclining back seat , no 40/20/40 split for load through, no front seat fold flat ,where is the PLUG in and where is PLUG out for my camping.......is this practical car? and please stop saying its off roader cos its not - no more then any other suv and don’t mention safety either cos pretty much every modern vehicle is equipped with same plus according to recent studies self driving vehicle are 8x safer , so its down to driver ( not driving ) not safely gimmicks that saves you. most of this eyesight crap and adaptive cruise is useless anyway for people that supposed to buy this type of car , i mean people’s that live remote location, country side etc , charge less and make it optional. this car is non sense

[@MG7316]

Subaru has been 💩lately, now you want me to trust Subaru with a E vehicle 👎

[@M123OCT]

Wow, ugly AND uneconomical! That's quite an achievement.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Michael McIntosh Drums showing your intelligence there, well done.