What does it cost?
For Big and roomy, the Subaru Forester is more of a 4x4 than an estate. It rides well and is good off-road, as well as having plenty of equipment.
Against The 2.0-litre petrol engine lacks punch, something that is especially noticeable with the automatic gearbox. The cabin isn't terribly attractive and running costs can be high.
What Car? says
The Subaru Forester is a spacious 4x4 that's competent on- and off-road, and is worth considering if you live in the country. It's durable and well specced, but numerous rivals are better on-road.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 5 Subaru Forester versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
With the Subaru Forester you can choose from either a 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 145bhp diesel.
Don't bother with the petrol, because it feels too flat in the low- and mid-range. The diesel is the one to go for – it's strong, flexible and smooth.
There's a slightly odd arrangement with the trims, though, because they're different depending on whether you go for the petrol or the diesel.
Both versions start off in X trim, which come with four-wheel drive, self-levelling suspension, stability control, six airbags, four powered windows, climate control, CD player, foglights, heated seats and cruise control.
However, the petrol range continues and ends with XS trim, which gives you alloys, electric leather seats, a CD changer, xenon lights and an electric sunroof.
The diesel range continues with XC trim, which gets alloys, roof rails, xenon and sunroof, while the range topping XSn adds leather, sat-nav and powered chairs.
Reader test team says:
Subaru Forester 4x4 2.0 XS 5dr
I bought my Suretrak in July and have covered about 2500 miles. The levels of equipment in the Suretrak are good with useful extras such as rear…
4
out of 5 stars
Subaru Forester 4x4 2.0D X 5dr
Test drove the new Forester over the weekend. I've looked at most of the competition in this category recently and was extremely impressed. The cabin…
4
out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car
View all reader reviews
Forester rivals
Forester used car reviews
advertisement
See all
Our pick of the range
Subaru Forester 4x4 2.0D X 5dr
This is the pick of the range – a great engine and a decent spread of equipment makes the 2.0D X the best value Forester there is.
Read reviewadvertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
