The best alternative to a RAV4? 2023 Subaru Forester review
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- The Subaru Forester SUV is a terrific option for those who don't want to wait for a Toyota RAV4.
Like the RAV, the Forester comes with a choice of petrol, or petrol-electric hybrid. Both are offered with the brand's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and that gives the Subie a nice point of difference.
It really is a practical, well-priced and well equipped medium SUV - and while there are others out that that you might consider as rivals, this is a five-seat family SUV with a big boot and no third-row compromises on cargo space.
Watch my review for all the important details.
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00:00 Intro
00:36 Is it the right price?
02:40 What are the best alternatives?
04:11 Is it the right size?
05:16 Interior
09:09 Under the bonnet
10:06 Driving
11:40 Efficiency
12:41 Is it safe?
13:52 Ownership
14:43 Verdict
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Took a test drive in this car today, and am now buying my first Subaru. I actually like the older style interior that still has buttons and knobs, not a fan of everything been controlled from the touch screen. Was very impressed with how roomy it was inside. Have been waiting for a Rav 4 for 12 months, and there have been 2 price increases in that time, it's just becoming too expensive, and it's only taking 2 weeks to get my Forester.
Gotta love Subaru Forester 😍👍😍
Nice review. Thanks.
Great review Matt; one of the most objective road testers on CZcams.
Glad you think so! Cheers for joining me for the ride!
I purchased the my 2022 Premium and absolutely love it. It’s all wheel drive system is fantastic in wet weather.
Great! So happy you’re happy with your car.
I’ve just bought a 2023 Premium 2.5l model and you’ve nailed the key points for me.
I live in NZ and while the RAV-4 hybrid would have been my first pick, my local dealer quoted a 2 to 3 year backlog and they had 31,000 people ahead of me in the queue. They weren’t even prepared to put me on the wait list.
Our specs and warranty are quite different in NZ and most manufacturers only offer a 3 year warranty. Subaru extend this to 6 years if you purchase the 3 year service plan which works out cheaper on its own as you effectively pay for two services and get the third free.
I considered other options but the warranty plus the better bang for buck you get compared to rivals for a really practical, safe and reliable SUV made this a no brainer.
Very happy with my decision so far!
Thanks for the feedback, and happy for your decision. I don't blame you for not wanting to be at the back of a queue that long!
31000??
This is a very helpful comment thank you.
Excellent review, thanks mate 👍
Totally welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great review Matt. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Great review as always
Thank you!
After watching all these American channels with a unit converter ready on the side, hearing someone finally use real units of measurement is like music to my ears! I can't even express how happy that made me!
Picking mine up tomorrow 👍🏾
Good on you mate!
Great review much better than the Chasing Cars review I watched recently. After watching and reflecting on some of your comments. I will probably go for the Sportage SX plus diesel.
Thanks! I’m getting a Sportage soon. Look forward to being reacquainted with it.
I bought a 2023 Subaru Forester Limited about 4-1/2 months ago. So far I love it! I’m in New Jersey in the United States. I was in an accident about 5-1/2 months ago and my car was totaled, but I was okay (walked away uninjured. I was driving a 2016 Subaru Impreza at the time, and given how well that protected me, decided I wanted another Subaru, but something a little bigger, which is why I went with the Forester.
I actually wanted the Premium trim, but those seemed to be the most popular trim, as I the dealer didn’t have any on the lot specked the way I wanted, so I went with the Limited trim
Great video!I recently leased a 2024 Forester Wilderness Edition in the US and it's the first car in a LONG time I am considering buying at lease end. It's also the first foreign car I have ever had in the US. It's a very impressive vehicle with plenty of safety features and power for normal driving. No regrets so far!
Thanks for that - love the Wilderness spec, which we sadly don’t get here in Australia! I hope you keep loving it. 😊
excellent review, excellent car
Thanks!!
Another quality review for sure.
Been having my MY15 Forester (as a brand new car) for 8 years as a daily commuter. It's been dead solid with zero major issues so far, and to me, it just drives better than the RAV4, CRV, Sportage and Tucson. I didn't quite like the CVT at the beginning, but it only took me really just a couple of days to get used to it and since then, I don't quite mind it at all. It really gives me the good fuel consumption (8.6L/100KM for 125,000KM).
Apparently the MY15 CVT isn't the most reliable one, but maybe because I am a moderate driver (TBH, I don't think how you can be aggressive with a 2.5 naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT -_- ), the transmission of my car has no sign of any degradation or any oil leakage at all. I actually think the CVT is a better transmission if you just need something to get you from A to B.
Anyway, I love my Forester and have no plan to sell it. I might use it for another 100,000KM and see how it can hold up.
Thanks for joining the conversation, and your kind words too.
You won’t be the first Subie owner to say “just another hundred thousand kays and then I might sell it…” haha!
05:08 We love our '23 2.5 Premium. As a forester person, we put amateur radio gear in the boot, along with a fridge, etc. '73!
Nice one!!
I have the 2.5iS, bought in July 22. The vehicle is Gr8 with what you expect, Nice roomy with space for a 5 seater , with the predictable CVT band transmission - Doesn't feel bad at all. Perfect to commute the family with todds
Glad you’re loving it!
Just got the premium trim. Loving it.
Awesome! Glad you found The Right Car!
Got ours delivered in February and have been enjoying it so far, Ours is a blue 2.5is like this one. It’s really comfortable and the leg room is great and so is the boot. Love having a full size spare that’s why a RAV4 was off our list immediately. We had a 07 manual before so a lot of the weird quirks we are use to (like the middle seatbelt coming from the roof). We were concerned about the performance of the cvt compared to our old car (which I would actually class as pretty quick ) but even though it is slower it’s really not bad at all, it actually feels quick around town. The only issues I have with the car is that the radio doesn’t turn off so you have to mute it which is a bit strange and the “keep ur eyes on the road” thing is a bit annoying. Also it does feel a bit gutless overtaking at speed but I’m sure that’s just con with all cars that use a cvt but overtaking is definitely still possible. If you are someone that need to overtake a lot then I would buy a diesel
Thanks Max! It sounds like it’s ticking most of the boxes for you.
This guy and John Cadogen do the best reviews
Esteemed company!
Now that is genuinely fun… couple of Toyota fanboys there.
Back in 2012 I had a look see at the Forester and only chose the RAV4 because of the seating, didn't "sit" well for us. I got the V6 RAV4 and (still is my primary) has been great for towing (3500 lbs spec) our teardrop and would feel my safety factor lessened with the current Forester's 3000 lb spec. Since they don't sell a V6 RAV anymore (2012 was the last) I suppose I would just move up to a Highlander with the 5000 lb spec. But....this was an excellent review. Just enough details, it hit the spot for information quenching in case a new vehicle was needed in my near future.
Hey Daniel - thanks heaps for the comment. I’m glad I could help you find *The Right Car?*
I have been waiting for a RAV4 xse premium for months until a few weeks ago I spotted a Subaru forester wilderness in traffic (on my way to Physical therapy stemming from a car wreck over a year ago) I researched every CZcams video on the forester that I could find ...and then decided that I want the Forester more than I wanted that RAV4. Fast forward to today I am the proud owner of an Autumn Green Metallic Forester Wilderness. I ❤️ my new Forester.
Good stuff mate! Glad you love it.
It's big inside, controls are all nice and chunky, and gas mileage is great on road trips. Mixed only got around 25mpg but highway we could brush against 35 pretty easy. Leg room side to side was tight though, my right knee always felt cramped against the center console.
Thanks for the feedback!
Seat belt in the roof, so passangers closest aren't sitting on the buckel and when the seat is flattened the buckel doesn't damage the cushion when it is compressed, especially if a heavy item is on top
Hi Matt, After driving Nissan products for 25 years, I swapped to a 2022 Forester, simply put, I love it. Thanks for the advise on pre paying the service costs, I will speak to my dealer on the GC.
Thanks mate - and glad I could be of help! Hope you love the Subie!
Nice review, I hope your channel gets more subscribers. All the best, I have a Crosstrek last 5 years and now I will upgrade for forester. No problems at all with my Crosstrek. I will let you know how it goes with forester. All the best.
Thank you! I only started the channel a few months ago so it’s going pretty well so far! Hoping to hit 20,000 by the end of the year. We’ll see!
I can see NO reason to buy a tiny, cramped Crosstrek when the Forester is nearly the same price.....Paul
I've owned Forester E-Boxer (Hybrid) 2.0, year 2021, for 3 months now, I bought a used one in January and I made around 6.000 km until now, I drive mostly long distances and I'm very satisfied with the car. It's spacious and very safe. It took some time for me to getting used to CVT and compared to my previous cars I find it a bit underpowered, but pros outweigh the cons. My average consumption is from 7.8 L/100 km - 8 L/100 km, I guess it could be even a bit lower, but I don't drive slow on highways. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the car and if asked, I'd recommend it.
Thanks for the comment! And great to hear from an owner.
I’m not sure why you went for the hybrid if ur doing log distances. 2.5 is so much better at overtaking and is not much less efficient
@@maxd4968 No 2.5 Forester in Europe.
I'd love to upgrade our 2017 XT but without a turbo option in the new models, it's hard to let it go. The Outback is now available with a turbo, hopefully Forester next!
I’ve got a review of the Outback XT coming…!
Went from a ‘19 Rav4 Adventure to a ‘23 Forester Wilderness due to the Rav having a hellacious roof rack water leak that Toyota refused to fix despite having an extended warranty. This water intrusion is well-documented amongst the ‘19-‘22 Rav’s so buyer beware if you want a used Rav4.
The ‘23 FW does what it was designed to do very well. I tow a full size Harley with ease, and transport mt bikes way off road with ease. The weakness of the FW is the transmission….as several folks said, ditch the CVT bring back a conventional transmission similar to the RAV 4. Also, study the design/storage areas of the RAV’s front seats and use that as a go-by. The Rav has a nicer interior and is more pleasant driving around town. That said, very happy overall with the ‘23 FW.
You've got these reviews nailed. Everything I want to know in a package that's interesting. I haven't considered Subaru in the past, perhaps it will be on my possibility list to include a look at.
Thank you so much for the kind words. Glad you’re enjoying the reviews!
i have 2020 forester and waiting for wilderness version
Have been using it for 4 and a half years. Though it now feels like reaching the end of it’s life cycle now. But it still works well for almost every tasks for our family
Thanks mate. Yep it is getting close to replacement time. Probably 2024. But it’s still a really good option!
Why do you say the end of life? How many miles does it have and what are the issues you are facing? Thank you!!
@@apoozeo1715 It works very well so far. Just that a new model is likely to come out in 2024
LOL 4 years and reaching it's end of life? You beat it the poor thing..
Thanks Matt - having owned 10 Subarus and over half of them Foresters I’d happily own a new one with some caveats - kill the CVT bring back the conventional auto and turbo engine, remove the stop/start system and include a factory 2” lift - they’ve been very reliable and I only upgraded due to lifestyle changes - brilliant AWD that all the other makes pretend to have - great customer/service culture too - I still have a runabout ‘06 Forester parked next to my Toyota Hilux.
We can hope that the next one will be even more off-road focused.
I don't think You'll have to wait for the end of Sibies CVT.........The soon to come will have Toyota's E/CVT which is totally different/better..........Prius's have been doing 200,000 miles trouble free with similar set-ups..............Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 thanks Paul - good to know Toyota now has a strong commitment with Subaru because the diesel and hybrid versions of the Forester were disastrous.
I bought the 23 sports one earlier this year, in March to be exact. I put fuel in it 5 or 6 times in 7 months. I drive it everyday everywhere too
Good one mate. Sounds like you’re happy?
@@therightcar yup! I love it
Love the forester had seven Subaru’s 😊
Nice! I’ve had five 🥹
Last December (22) I needed to replace my 12 year old Rav 4WD Limited.
Naturally I thought I wanted to replace it with a new Rav AWD Limited.
I was so disappointed that the fit and finish, the comfort, interior noise, the visibility was horrible in comparison to my previous Rav.
I had to put studded tires on my Rav every winter as we live in a very mountainous area of north central Washington state and get 4-6 feet of snow every winter.
We’re 5 miles from town and live on a private road that we have to plow and maintain ourselves.
I then looked at the Forester Touring.
I was so impressed by the quality, comfort, noise, Safety and superior AWD system of the Forester.
The Rav felt like a cheap knock off of a good vehicle, yet the Forester is superb.
I Love the saddle brown leather interior and the heated front and rear seats.
My Forester is the first vehicle I’ve ever owned that I don’t have to fold down the rear seats when I have my dad’s wheelchair in the back.
It has plenty of zip to it.
I drove it all winter with the factory tires on it.
I would recommend Subaru to anyone who wants a reliable, safe, comfortable AWD vehicle !
Thanks David! Really glad you’re happy with it - and your location sounds very interesting!
@@therightcar it’s very beautiful in our area of the USA.
Washington state is a beautiful place for the most part.
The SE area of our state is high desert
I have a 24 Touring on order.........The only other car I truly loved was My manual shift 2013 Forester........Paul
AND...It was totally fault free til I traded it............Paul
We have a 2022 forester and at 32 mpg in combined town and secondary hi-way,this has been an inexpensive very zippy little town and country vehicle, very capable in bad B.C. winter driving. Couldn't ask for more, time will tell the real story...
Hi Matt,
Any chance of a review of the updated 2023 Kluger hybrid GXL?
I'm waiting on a 2023 Kluger, but it won't be the hybrid. I've driven the hybrid, and it's great. But hoping to sample the turbo petrol soon for some context. It likely won't happen until May due to stock issues, but I'll post the review as a priority when it does happen. Thanks!
Have they put springs in it that aren't from a retractable pen?
I would have thought haval h6 or h6 hybrid be up there
I have owned 3 Forestors. Excellent vehicle, spacious, modern and value for money.
Not the prettiest car on the road but entirely practical. Would love to see the return of the turbo.
Great video.
Thanks!!
Far better than a turbo is what Toyota has with it's 300hp prime using 3 electric motors plus assist from the World's most efficient Atkinson cycle 2.5 Engine......Best of both World's...............Paul
Tomorrow I will be placing an order for a Subaru Forrester in premium trim and the main reason , It is one of only three medium SUVs I can fit my large frame into. I am 185cm tall and 80cm wide at the points of my shoulders and arms, I weigh 150kg and have a naturally occurring fusion of my spine including neck so can not bend well, (as an aside I do not fit in a big bore MRI unit). I found this vehicle, the Subaru Forrester, easy to get into and get out off and comfortable and spacious while in the passenger seat.
The vehicles I could barley fit inside were the Toyota Rav 4 and the Kia Sportage.Once inside the door pressed on my left side and the centre console on my right side. I would have found a trip of a couple of hours in them almost torturous. Surprisingly vehicles I could not even get into included the rest of the Toyota range including the hilux, the Fortuna, the Prado and the Kluger. I did not try the 300 series Landcruiser as I have previously not been able to get into my brothers.
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Thank you for your comment, and I’m glad you found The Right Car!
I would put the Forester as the #1 pick in this category, it is more practical than the RAV4 and a proper full time AWD.
In addition, the depreciation is far less on any Subaru.
I agree the Hybrid is not worth the money.
I was recently told the wait time for a RAV4 is 12 to 18 months.
Copium
One thing to note is that the current gen Fozzy is close to being the only Subie with the 8-inch media display (with the impreza and xv-now-crosstrek looming in the horizon). Not too big a fan of shoving everything in a screen but people do get used to it.
I myself have a MY22 Sport, which I’d argue is the pick of the bunch, only really losing out on the (admittedly good) 8-speaker system vs the 2.5i-S. I’d describe it at perfectly adequate, and the only gripes I have with it are:
1. The lack of lumbar adjustment on the front seats
2. The lack of ventilation on the front seats - cloth on the seats help during hot days
2. The lack of a full surround view camera - the fish bowl does supplement the existing trail vision systems
But really, these are minor nitpicks on an otherwise competent entry into the segment.
Here’s hoping we get the Wilderness, or even a 2.4XT, in the near future.
Thanks heaps for the comment! I’m glad you like your Sport. And yep, I mentioned the size of the screen in the video - I don’t mind it because I like buttons and knobs and dials.
@@therightcar You and me both! Lamenting that the Foz will very likely move to the big screen once the next gen arrives.
Why no lumbar support..??.........My 2013 had excellent lumbar support.....Did Subie discontinue it..?????....Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 Adjustable lumbar I mean. Other markets have it but here no current gen Foz gets adjustable support.
We have the MY23 L, and agreed that its the best for the money. Could not see 10k worth for some leather seats, some more electrical components and a speaker lol
Glad you’re happy with yours!
I have a 2023 Sport.
Much nicer to drive than the 2021 Premium I lost in an accident. I do find the electronic driver aids annoying, especially the lane keeping function. I have also found an “Auto Stop Eliminator” which is a small plug In device that prevents the engine stop start at traffic lights etc.
The CVT takes a little getting used to. I think the Eyesight in this one is a little more mature than the 2021 model? It hasn’t slammed on the brakes when it sees a wheelie bin on the side of the road.
Great huge sunroof. Well built and good value for money.
Thanks for your thoughts Raymond!
You don't need 'plug in device' to deactivate the stop/start function at traffic lights. 2023 Forester has a shut off button for that just to the lower left of the steering wheel on the dash. It works!
@@TVeres-3dRm....Yes but you have to push it every time you start the car...
Where did you find the auto stopper????
This video is absolutely right about waiting months or even years for a RAV4 hybrid. I got 34 mpg (aggregate city/highway driving) from my last Forester, so jumping to 40 mpg on the RAV4 Hybrid makes sense if you're sure you're keeping the car 7-10 years or longer (to finally save money) because the RAV4 Hybrid is $8,000 more around here.... and I was on the waiting list for 9 months before I finally gave up. $8,000 buys a LOT of gas!
You bet!
You get FAR more than economy with the Prime......300HP and smoothness of driving 40 miles on pure electric.......No engine noise...............Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 unfortunately the Prime is not available in Australia.
And if the prime was available, how much would they charge for it?
Thank you for the practical review. Rav 4 more plentiful here on west coast of USA. We tried to like the Rav 4 but it has worse visibility than the Forester and more road noise so would choose Forester or Mazda over the Rav 4. The Mazda is giving the Forester a run for its money in our looking things over here. But have had and liked two Foresters. The Mazda not quite as much cargo space, but easy to park in urban area when parking spaces (including our garage) are not enormous. It's frustrating that models we like keep inching up in size especially width and our 1920's garage is not growing :-).
It may not matter to you, but of the three the Forester is the only one really capable off the tarmac. The Mazda is the worst in that regard.
My new CX30 rides like a Hay Wagon....Have new Forester on order.........Paul
ALSO........Has not useable rear seat....small Kids only..............Paul
As someone who buys CDs from small-venue musical artists, I'm kind of glad there's still a CD player.
Love this!
Waiting for the rumoured "new" Forester version ... 1.8 XT + hybrid and hopefully with X Mode
Might be a while - expect it in 2024 for new-gen Forester, maybe 2025 (if ever!) for a turbo! :D
The Mazda CX-50 is the best alternative to both the Toyota Rav4 and the Subaru Forrester.......👍
If only we got it here in Australia... :SAD:
Don’t get the CX-50 here
How is the gas mileage? I’ve heard it is bad?
@@dianaleon1752 it is slightly worse gas mileage than the cx5, but it is also heavier and has a more robust awd system to compete with the likes of Subaru. Im surprised it hasnt landed in Australia as there is a large off roading community there.
One of the best reviews of the Forester I've seen. It's funny how different reviews can be for the exact same care. I think more than a few reviewers are not completely unbiased and sometimes wonder if some are even paid to steer you in the wrong direction!
Anyways, I pick up my very own 2023 2.5iS next week and I can't wait.
So people, absolutely watch the reviews, but go and have a test drive yourself and make your own decision as to whether it's the right car for you!
With respect for the majority of my colleagues in the industry (there are some notable exceptions who also have an axe to grind with some brands), it’s not something that I engage with. I always try and give the best advice for the buyer of each type of car.
Yep, exactly. Research, cross reference, and then go for a test drive. I’m amazed how many people don’t test drive these days!
I have a Hybrid Forester, its not very good at saving fuel, but I do pay less annual VED tax than the Rav 4, I also pay less insurance a year than a Rav 4.
The electric motor and battery are too small, and surprisingly they are made by Toyota.
So, the Subaru Forester is cheaper to insure, tax and service than the Rav 4.
I love my Forester. 😊
Cool! Is that in the UK?
Looks like Subaru are having transmission issues in Australia because they say the transmission fluid is sealed for life. In Japan, there is a service schedule for the same transmission. Sure you could change the fluid at 90,000kms but it costs close to $1,000! Crossed off my shopping list already.
Hey, anyone who has owned a Subaru knows that spending $1000 (or a lot more) on something at 90,000km is par for the course.
@@therightcar Yes, I know as a past owner. I can also attest to Subaru Australia’s average customer support, expensive service and parts and thin warranty (squeaks and rattles only covered in the first 12 months).
Having owned a forester, I’m glad they continue to forgo aesthetics and fit nice fat tyres to their SUVs. I recently had a povvo pack sportage rental for 3 weeks on Adelaide’s quite bad suburban roads and the low speed ride comfort on the the 17 inch wheels was outstanding. I then test drove some higher spec sportages on 18 & 19 inch wheels and the ride was noticeably less comfortable on city streets. Why do manufacturers force us to choose a less comfortable ride to get the the features we want? ( case in point - Mitsubishi outlander). I get that low profile tyres offer superior performance on sports cars, but only contribute to the looks of an SUV, with the inevitable comfort trade-off. SUV manufacturers should follow Subarus lead and put the nice soft squishy high profile tyres on anything without adjustable dampers. Rant over.
Hey Mark. Designers want us to want big wheels. They look better in the arches! But it’s consumers who desire bigger wheels, and brands put them on the more expensive models because - I guess - those buyers are more concerned with appearances than depth of character…?
Yes, the Sportage on 17s is a squishfest. Love it.
Thanks Matt. Love your work
Thank you!
It would please Me greatly if MFG's would keep wheel size down to 17" and keep tire profile at 65 series better ride and better for ALL other than race car Drivers and Childish Adults wanting to drive fast and foolishly...............Paul
I got lucky getting my new 2023 RAV4 hybrid, only waited 2 weeks.
You are the exception that proves the rule!
are subaru hybrids worth buying now? my understanding that the hybrid introduced just last year didn't really have much effect on fuel economy so it wasn't worth buying compared to petrol only.
They’re not like Toyota hybrids. Not as efficient as they could be, in fact, considering the price premium.
How did you find the combination of the engine and cvt? I've heard that Suburu's cvts are pretty ordinary.
I actually found it to be quite good. It managed to make the engine feel more perky than it should be, and while it is hardly a quiet thing under throttle, it’s better than some others.
That's not correct. Subaru's CVTs are about as good as you can get in the current market. There are legions of anti-Subaru trolls around (many on CZcams), and they love to bash everything Subaru, including their CVTs.
The design belongs in the early 2000s
How many years can you expect to get out of these please?
Between Subaru Forrester Sport and Kia Sportage SX+ 2l petrol, who would be ur pick?
I would personally choose the Forester.
Hi Matt, wondering why CX-5 didn't make into your best alternatives list.
I’m reviewing one this week - it’s a good option but feels it’s age now, no hybrid option, silly non-touchscreen, smaller boot than rivals… a few reasons there.
@@therightcar ok, please bring the review asap. It belongs to a minority group of normally aspirated or turbo petrol engine with a torque converter.
The CX-5 is really one size down with its cramped rear cabin and boot. Fun to drive but not a genuine mid-size SUV for families.
@@markscott2215 Yeah, it's not nearly as practical as most of the others in the segment. I've got one this week, and it's a half-size smaller. But some 'small' SUVs are so much bigger now, like the Jolion or Seltos, that it makes the CX-5 feel really badly like an in-betweener.
@@therightcar You're right. The CX-5 isn't a bad SUV, but at least over in the States, people go ga-ga over them. You've already identified the same concerns that I had (I bought an Outback XT instead), but the car reviewers still drool over them. Mazda has the ability to redesign and rebuild their entire line into really great vehicles, but from what I've seen (CX-30, CX-50, ex.).... meh. They can do better! I will say this: I would definitely buy a Mazda SUV before I would buy any current gen RAV4. Toyota could do WAAY better than what they've done with the RAV4.
According to rumors from Japan, The 2025 will have a high output Hybred copying the RAV4 which should be very nice.....to be released summer 2024................Paul
Yep, more closely aligned in the next-gen model between RAV4 and Forester. Should be a game-changer for the Fozzie!
What the hell do you need front seat warmers in Australia for
questions are these prices canada $?
i see 27 K base price in US
Haha do I sound like I’m Canadian? These are Australian prices mate.
Hi Mat great work so confused was looking a kia sportage petrol but after driving the diesel it was much nicer , thing is my wife is travelling short distances what would you suggest thanks Mark
Thanks Mark.
Sounds like you could be a candidate for a plug-in hybrid SUV, if short trips are the only thing your wife is planning to do. Would you consider that? And does the budget allow for it?
@@therightcar haven't looked at any yet we are after a mid size suv as need to place a walker for the mother inlaw just tested the subaru outback very to nice car to drive should i be trying to stay clear of the Cvt auto as most mid size use them thanks for your response. Mark
Thanks Mark. Look, as you say, lots of brands use them. It should only really matter if you plan to hang on to it longer than the warranty period. If not, do what you think is right!
@@therightcar thanks Mat looks like the Subaru outback next question is turbo or non turbo thanks Mark
I've got a review on the Outback turbo coming soon, and - spoiler alert - I struggle to see how the turbo is worth $5000 more. It's a good engine, but it's not game changing. My advice - non-turbo.
The engine was very noisy and harsh. I thought it was from the boxer engine layout. If you drive a skoda Karoq you can tell how refined the skoda is.
It’s completely different engine technology. A non-turbo boxer is always going to be a vastly different drive to a turbocharged small-capacity in-line four-cylinder petrol.
And don’t forget the transmission - CVT in Subaru, vs 8-speed auto in base Karoq or 7-speed DSG dual clutch in top spec.
I'm giving up My new CX30...Going back to the Forester........The ride quality/Horrible seat in the CX30 is just TOO hard on an 80 year old Man.............And I'm also extremely anxious too see the rumoured 25' high output Hybred..........Paul
Hi Paul. I hope you are happy with the Forester! Shame about your CX-30 experience. Good luck!
My only concern now is that the new engine is direct injection only so that might be a problem with carbon buildup in the future?
You'd need to speak to a Subaru mechanic...
Did anyone get problem with CTV transmission .. I love this car, but I wanna hear from reality
Months and months wait for the RAV4 lol try years and years up to 3'if you can't wait deal with a scalper
There are RAVs out there - I know someone who drove past a dealer in Wellington NSW and found an XSE hybrid, just waiting to be bought. You gotta be willing to think outside the cities.
So much going for it but looking outdated now compared to competition. Let's hope they get the looks right on the new 2025 Forester.
I hope so too!
Looking and BEING "outdated now compared to competition" are two entirely different things. If you look at the competition with a truly objective eye..... "outdated" slowly fades away. Aside from that, 'looks' never got me one mile further down the road.
Well put
@@eskieman3948 I appreciate your point but I believe Forester sales are currently at their lowest levels in years so the buying public don't all have practicality on top of their buying priority lists.
Not quite -- well, not in Australia, at least. Sales are up 43% in the first quarter, year to date.
CVT the killer for me.
You always say that!
@@therightcar
I know I hate them.
@@buncha5651 They hate you back, I'd suppose.
@@buncha5651 honestly it isn’t that bad
As a Rav4 hybrid owner, don’t tell anyone but I really like the Forester. Shhhh 😂. But I’m a Toyota man so as good as the Forester is, I’ll probably never own one myself.
Yeah look there are people like you all over the place! 😉
When Subaru can admit that their recommended 00-20 engine oil grade is destroying engines prematurely, and come up with a revised heavier oil grade, I will reconsider my opinion on not ever buying another post 2012 year model Sub of any variety.
Good feedback!
Use 5w 30
I am using 5w40 in my subaru
hired one and toured NZ, was ok but gutless most of the time. needs a turbo.
Fair call. Bring back the XT! Just don’t charge an extra $5000 as is the case with the Outback…
@@therightcar yer the premium price for a turbo slapped on the side is far too much.
Exactly my thoughts!
The best alternative honda crv hibrid
No CR-V hybrid here yet. Maybe when the new model launches… hopefully I’ll review it when it does!
Where we are Honda has a reputation for being a big target for catalytic converter thieves and general object of car theft, so we haven't even test driven one.
Goof review! I have had the hybride for 6month and so far combined I am at 0.79l/10km. For long trips mainly 80-100km/h roads I can get sub 0.70 averaging around 0.65-0.67 with family and full packaging. Its hard to compare official figures, testers figures etc. Hybride system helps out in town, and for roads trips with 80km/h wich are hilly. Then you gain electric power in downhill and the electric machine assists in the up-hills. Flat roads with high speeds then a hybride system dont matters. Just extra weight. I also like the instant extra +50Nm torque of the e-machine.
Thank you! Great feedback. Are you happy with the car?
@@therightcar yes, I like it a lot. Hybride works perfect for my ”cycle”. Getting kids from and to school in town, some country rosd driving and some longer ”hilly” trips. 👍🤗
So good!
Rav 4 cannot be compared to subaru forester . Subaru is the best
....and the 'X'
X wasn’t included because it’s a special edition.
@@therightcar...ah....thx.
Ahhh… you were doing so well until I saw you’re a Rabbitoh supporter 😂
Mate! Glory, glory!
@@therightcar 🤪
WOW, your prices are HIGH.
A Touring Forester sells for $38K in America
Yep, Aussie prices are high - but you’ve got a much bigger new car market.
@@therightcar Not for long. Our interest rate has increased by quite a bit.
Ford Motor company just asked our Government for a $60 Billion Dollar Loan because the costs of a new F150 has hit an average price of $90K and people can’t afford it
at current exchange rate $38,000 USD is approx $56,500 (for a straight swap not including fees and other costs)
this particular version in USD is $31,300 (without taxes/registration etc). So you guys are being ripped $6,700 USD.
@@351tgv I’m sure we are.
Everyone thinks Americans are wealthy but most barely make it.
They literally live paycheck to paycheck and most need government assistance to get by.
$500/Year for servicing .??...........I've never paid more the $50.!!!.........7500/Miles/Year......One oil change........What is the Xtra $450 for..??????..................Paul
It's just what the dealers charge!
Too many quality and reliability issues with Subaru to justify buying one over a Rav.
But the trouble with the engines will surely continue ! The boxer engine should be abandoned !
CVT transmission, No Thanks
Tell me his money
I don’t understand?
Sorry man, the Rav 4 is the alternative.
Yeah that’s what I’m saying 😎😂
I want to like this car but the styling is so dated. I cringe every time I see one.
Subaru is now under Toyota supervision and will always play second fiddle 😂😂😂
Hey, there are worse companies to play second fiddle to…!
@@therightcar If you want BLAND
I know this is a super solid car. No doubt. But why but why design such an ugly car? There are brands that have a cache of not being so “ pretty” such as the old volvo’s or Saab’s but this
…, this is not that. This is something else and I just don’t get it. I absolutely loved the old foresters. I think like 2006-7 … This is just horrible stuff and it is such a shame because it is probably the best car of its segment.
Both rubbish give me a classic car anyday!,!!!😂vh commodore ek1 honda civic kq ford laser etc
Okay bro.
Thanks mate ! 😂I will not part with my fathers EK1 anniversary model Civic 1997
Nearly 30 years on still turns heads especially around Cronulla in Sydney's south