Forester has been quite a staple for Subaru.
Yes it has. Our test Forester Premium arrives as the flagship in the sixth-generation line-up that launched here in Mzansi in late 2025. This isn’t a radical reinvention or all-new model from scratch, but rather a thorough update to Subaru’s long-time family favourite, the one that’s been quietly winning loyalists with its no-nonsense capability and that unmistakable boxer engine thrum.
Subaru wants to remind everyone why the Forester has always been the go-to for those who value real-world versatility over flashy show. The updates bring a bolder front grille, sharper LED lights, and a more modern stance, but the core DNA – practicality, visibility, and that legendary Symmetrical AWD – remains intact.
The exterior is distinctive yes. How is the interior?
Inside the Premium trim feels like Subaru has dialled up the quality without losing its honest character. Leather and Alcantara seats hug you nicely, the build materials feel solid and reassuring, and there’s a premium Harman Kardon sound system that punches above its weight. The large panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, though the visor is manually operated, a small nod to old-school simplicity. Visibility is outstanding, thanks to those boxy proportions and a high driver’s position that gives you commanding views all around, making city traffic or narrow gravel roads feel far less stressful.
There’s a retro touch in places: analogue speedo and rev counters keep things classic, a stubby automatic gear lever sits where it should, and the music volume knob is a welcome round dial you can actually grip. Yet modern touches sneak in, including an electromagnetic handbrake, a multi-function steering wheel loaded with buttons (including a heated rim for those chilly mornings), and the EyeSight suite that keeps a watchful eye on safety. A subtle flashing warning appears through the steering wheel if your gaze wanders, quiet but effective, without nagging like some systems do.
What’s under the bonnet?
The heart is the familiar 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer motor delivering 136kW and 247 Nm, paired to a CVT transmission and that rock-solid Symmetrical AWD. It’s not quick at 0 – 100km/h takes in about 10.2 seconds. But it is smooth, and dare I say, refined, and feels durable enough to last forever. Subaru’s boxer engines have that reputation for longevity, though I do wish for a turbo or hybrid boost to sharpen response and drop the fuel consumption figure. The tested average sits around 8.9 litres/100 km, which is thirstier than some turbo rivals. However, the 63 litre fuel tank gives decent range for those long hauls up to Ukhahlamba or down to the coast.
In conclusion.
At 4.7 metres long, 1.8 m wide, 1.7 m tall, and riding a 2.67 m wheelbase, the Subaru Forester Premium strikes a sweet spot. Big enough for family gear, weekend camping, or schlepping mates around, yet not so bulky it feels unwieldy in town. The AWD system is as reliable as ever, ready for gravel, soft sand, light trails, or wet Gauteng thunderstorms. It’s no hard core off-roader of course, but it handles Mzansi backroads with confidence, and the high ground clearance keeps things composed. At this price point it might find it a bit of a challenge to justify itself, given the long list of rivals that come in at less Randelas.
QUICK STATS
SUBARU FORESTER PREMIUM
ENGINE: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed boxer
POWER: 136kW at 5 800rpm
TORQUE: 247Nm at 3 700rpm
0 – 100 KM/H: 10.2 seconds
GEARBOX: CVT
DRIVE: Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD)
FUEL AVERAGE: 8.9 L/100km
RANGE: 708km
FUEL TANK: 63 litres
PRICE: R830 000
NATURAL RIVALS: BAIC B30e Hybrid, GWM H7, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Volkswagen Tiguan TDI 4Motion
FOR A SIMILAR PRICE: BMW X1 sDrive18, Hyundai Tucson 2.0D AWD N-Line, MINI Aceman E, Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, Omoda C9 Explore, Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6, Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TSI
BABE MAGNETIC FACTOR: Medium
*A price rival falls within R50 000 or so of the subject’s price on either side of its price spectrum for cars costing R850 000.
