Here’s the new Subaru Forester, continuing its practical line of wagons that have been loved by many for such a long time.  This new Forester retains the underpinnings of the previous line of Foresters that were released back in 2019; however, the latest model is even more solidly built, gets an updated sophisticated appearance, and boasts some brand-new technology throughout. 

From outside the car and looking on, the 2024 Subaru Forester looks very good in the metal.  I like the position of its latest LED headlight clusters, which meld in neatly with the Forester’s prominent grille design, which has a simple five-bar lattice and its even more upright stance.  The body-coloured front bumper is notched to accommodate the grille above and the front air dam below, combining a nice and sophisticated appearance, and one that looks, in my opinion, less peculiar than some of its predecessor’s designs.  Low down and at both corners of the new Forester’s nose are triangular driving lights, combining a three-point meeting place for the light’s casing in the bumper zone and low spoiler zone.  This is also a visual impact zone where the driving light sends the change in angle between the front of the car, throwing the line at 90 degrees down the side of the vehicle.  It is a defining point, a focal point of visualization that connects curves, flat planes, and angular lines, where panels and edges meet, and the marriage of the triangular driving light style and half-octagonal wheel arch surrounds exists in angular harmony.  Subaru has fused the practical wagon shape with a neat simple design in a way that has captured a pleasing artistic flare.  I love the new circular wheel rims, looking superb in their copper colour and boasting their new Y-front design (and I don’t mean the iconic underpants).  Further blending the copper alloys with the rest of the car’s design, Subaru has etched a copper accent into the car’s prominent side skirts, a very cool addition that is pleasantly eye-catching!

But what about inside?  Has much changed for the 2024 edition of the Subaru Forester?  Inside, you are met with that likable familiarity of Subaru’s take on interior simplicity and wagon style.  Central to the dash design, and obviously an infotainment hub, the new 11.6-inch portrait infotainment screen dominates the dashboard and now features wireless smartphone connectivity.  The seats offer a new style that delivers spatial efficacy and a wide range of user-friendly comfort which will appeal to all of the Forester’s occupants’ shapes and sizes.  The driver’s seat and steering wheel are very adjustable, giving plenty of flexibility for accommodating the wide range of the human form, both male and female, short and tall. 

A newly designed air-conditioning system cleverly aims hot or cold air (whatever temperature you prefer) only to the seats that are occupied, thus ensuring a fresh and relaxed travelling environment for all.  And the 2024 Subaru Forester comes with the all-important 5-star safety tick, gaining some of the latest kit for reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection with lane change assistance, all under the umbrella of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. 

A range of alloys and tyre sizes are available for the new Forester, with wheels available from 17–19 inches in diameter.  Whether blasting down a twisty country lane or cruising the motorways, the new 2024 Subaru Forester remains very composed with a supple ride that mellows out any prominent road undulations and potholes in a very accomplished fashion.  It is an easy car to drive around town, and with all the parking assistant features, it becomes a doddle to rove about the urban jungle, darting in and out of carparks and driveways, changing lanes, and hauling the shopping plus the family, including the dog.  And, if you’ve been around a while, like I have, then the Subaru Forester’s excellent off-road ability will have likely reached your ears by now.  This is a great vehicle for adventure lovers, outdoor group excursions, dogs, and family folk alike.

Speaking of cargo and passengers, the new Subaru Forester has a slight increase in interior space, even though it is 4656 mm long, like the outgoing model.  Luggage space is 838 litres with all five seats in use, increasing to 2106 litres when the split-folding rear seats are completely recanted.  The tailgate is fully electronic now, and even boasts gesture control for opening and closing the boot door.

Thanks to its stronger design and build, the 2024 Subaru Forester is now 10% stiffer than its predecessor, mainly due to stronger welds and additional applications of adhesives.  These tweaks have given the new model a smoother and quieter ride.  In fact, Subaru says that the cabin noise levels of the 2024 Forester have dropped by almost 40%.  There are few cars that can match the Forester for composure and surefootedness on gravel roads.

Power comes from an engine that uses a newly revised CVT AWD system (a continuously variable transmission) for sending the power out to the road as required.  Active torque vectoring ensures plenty of grip in all weathers and for all sorts of road and terrain types. Power comes from a likable 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine, where the cylinders are on a horizontal plane.  The unit feels peppy and sounds sweet when under load.  There is up to 134 kW of power and a useful 234 Nm of torque available for all the usual daily tasks, even including a fully laden wagon for the family holiday.  Subaru says that there has been a slight boost to the engine’s torque levels at low-end engine speeds.  Hybrid technology will also become a prominent fixture for the newly launched Forester wagon. 

The 2024 Subaru Forester comes highly recommended; though the models are yet to be finalised, we can expect Standard, L, and Sport models to be available, along with hybrid versions as well.  If you can get yourself into a hybrid model, the benefits of lower fuel consumption, particularly around town and cities, will be desirable, especially if you spend a lot of time in congested traffic. 

For any more information on the new Subaru Forester or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Subaru dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!