About Forester
The Forester is Subaru at its most honest: a tall, boxy, airy compact SUV that puts outward visibility, standard all-wheel drive and everyday practicality ahead of swoopy styling. Its big windows and upright stance make it easy to place in a crowded lot and easy to load with children, groceries or a muddy dog, and its generous ground clearance means it does not flinch when the pavement ends. It has become one of the brand's biggest sellers, regularly trading places with the Crosstrek and Outback at the top of Subaru's sales charts.
The first Forester arrived in the late 1990s as a wagon-like crossover on Impreza underpinnings, and over the following generations it grew into a proper compact SUV. Turbocharged XT versions once earned it a cult following among enthusiasts who liked a practical car with a sense of humor. Later generations dropped the turbo and leaned on naturally aspirated boxer engines and a CVT, which critics call adequate rather than exciting. The latest generation brought a more chiseled design and, soon after, a Forester Hybrid using a Toyota-derived system, a long-awaited answer to the RAV4 Hybrid.
The Forester competes head-on with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, one of the most crowded and important segments in the business. Its case rests on safety scores, visibility, standard all-wheel drive and a Wilderness version with extra clearance and all-terrain tires. Its weaknesses tend to be leisurely acceleration and a cabin that is functional rather than lavish. It is sold across North America, Japan, Australia and many other markets.
The thing to watch is how quickly the hybrid becomes the Forester most people buy, and whether it finally lets Subaru compete on fuel economy as well as traction. Coverage gathers reviews of the latest Forester and Forester Hybrid, trim and price changes, recall notices, monthly sales results and head-to-head comparisons with its many rivals, along with the occasional reminder that few modern SUVs have matched its wide, clear view out of the windshield.