I like when everyday cars get proper reviews because they help regular buyers understand what they are getting. This forum does a good job of breaking things down. I had an older Forester, and it was a solid, reliable car. But I can’t deal with Subaru’s infotainment anymore. The last one I had was a nightmare. Why did they remove simple buttons for temperature control? Just bring them back.
This will sell well, but Subaru needs to fix that huge laggy screen. Also, they should offer the 1.8T as the base engine. The 2.5 with the CVT feels weak and underpowered.
I was car shopping last week after our Outback got totaled. The new Forester and Outback didn’t impress me. They are too similar to the older models but with a massive, slow screen. Subaru hasn’t done a complete redesign in over a decade. The Forester last had a full update in 2009, and the Outback in 2010. Every new version since then has just been small tweaks.
They aren’t as reliable as Toyota, not as upscale as Mazda, and they don’t match the hybrid MPG of CR-V, Tucson, RAV4, or Escape. The AWD is still good, but it’s not a major advantage anymore for most people.
@Akira
Most buyers of this car probably like the big screen and don’t care about power.
People just want something high up with solid safety, decent reliability, good visibility, and AWD. Subaru gives them that.
It’s not the fastest, not the fanciest, not the most efficient, but it’s a safe daily driver that handles snow well.
@EdwardGenesis
My partner found the screen overwhelming, which is why we crossed it off our list.
That said, the things you listed aren’t exclusive to Subaru anymore. RAV4, CR-V, CX-5, and Escape all offer safety and AWD. The idea that only Subaru does AWD right is outdated. Tires matter just as much as AWD performance.
@Akira
None of those cars have Subaru-level visibility or a true AWD system. Most are front-wheel drive setups that send power to the back only when needed. Subaru AWD always sends power to all four wheels.
With winter tires, a Forester will outdo most competitors in the snow. The others aren’t bad, but Subaru still does it better.
@EdwardGenesis
Most modern AWD systems aren’t just front-wheel drive until they slip. Ford’s new AWD systems (Escape, Bronco Sport, Maverick) are at least as good, if not better, than Subaru’s.
Full-time AWD isn’t even necessary for most driving. If I’m on the highway, I don’t need power to all four wheels.
@Penny
The Maverick’s AWD system is actually pretty impressive. It can even simulate a rear differential lock, which is rare at this price point.
Jose said:
@Penny
The Maverick’s AWD system is actually pretty impressive. It can even simulate a rear differential lock, which is rare at this price point.
Yeah, same system as the Bronco Sport Badlands. I’ve been impressed with it.
@Akira
I think they handle well for their class. The boxer engine helps with balance, so it’s not as sluggish in corners as some SUVs.
But yeah, this new design is ugly. The next Outback is even worse—just wait until you see that boxy thing.
@Hadden
I don’t get why Subaru keeps making their interiors feel outdated.
Darwin said:
@Hadden
I don’t get why Subaru keeps making their interiors feel outdated.
Agreed. The infotainment looks like it’s running software from ten years ago.
Subaru makes some weird-looking cars.
Milan said:
Subaru makes some weird-looking cars.
Yeah, but the people who buy them don’t seem to mind.
Good review. I have the perforated leather seats in my ‘23, and they are very comfortable. I did a 10-hour drive recently and felt fine afterward.
The pros? Great AWD, top-notch visibility, and a smooth ride. I also have the smaller touchscreen with physical climate controls, which is a big plus.
The cons? The Forester is falling behind the competition in most other areas. The MPG could be better. It should either have more power or better fuel efficiency.
I love my 2024 Outback, but I hate the huge touchscreen. Why do carmakers keep doing this?
Mia said:
I love my 2024 Outback, but I hate the huge touchscreen. Why do carmakers keep doing this?
The base model with the smaller screen actually works better and looks nicer.
I gave up on Subaru after dealing with their infotainment system. It was just frustrating to use.
I had a 2023 Outback Wilderness and sold it after a year. The screen-based controls made simple tasks like adjusting the temperature a pain while driving. The system also kept disconnecting my phone and freezing up for minutes at a time.
Carmakers need to stop forcing touchscreens on us. Buttons work.
If you can get a hybrid AWD RAV4 for about $2K more, why would you pick a Forester? The RAV4 is faster, gets way better gas mileage, and has similar resale value.
Do they still rattle inside?
