Subaru Forester 2015 Review

We love:

• Reliability
• Pragmatic for city driving
• Capable off-road and great on fire trails

Pain points:

• No AEB or Eyesight driver assist for diesel automatic option
• Frequent servicing

The First Diesel Automatic Forester

Subaru Forester 2015 review

With a theoretical touring range close to 1,000 kilometres, making the most of the efficient diesel option, the Subaru Forester 2015 is an obvious choice for families who like to explore.

Now that the diesel is finally available in automatic, it will be more popular with Australian buyers who usually favour automatic over manual transmissions.

Exterior of the Subaru Forester 2015

The newest model of the Subaru Forester shifts away from the car-like size of previous models. It's taller, wider, longer, and a full 318 kilograms heavier. Trying to appeal to the modern market, it looks more like a small SUV, though still recognisable as a Subaru wagon.

Image courtesy of Cars Guide

The Forester comes with roof rails, and the option to add customer accessories like bike racks or luggage carriers to match your needs. There's also rain-sensing wipers so your vision is always clear.

Inside the Subaru Forester 2015

The interior quality is a huge improvement on older models, with updated infotainment, and a variety of trim options from hard-wearing base spec to luxuriant leather trim. The Subaru Forester now meets its competitors with interior options that are attractive and easy to use but are still practical for family life.

The front row of seats is higher than the second row, and it's ergonomically friendly. Seats are heated, and the dual-zone climate control effectively prevents the windows from fogging over without needing to select the demister frequently. There's great visibility all around, but if you've filled the back up with luggage, the reversing camera can help you navigate safely out of a tight spot.

Image courtesy of Cars Guide

Safety features include seven airbags and electronic stability control. The boot holds 422 litres, expanding to 1,474 with the 60/40 seats folded.

Connectivity

With a Starlink six-speaker entertainment system operated from a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, you can use the clear Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera and satellite navigation. There's also a single CD player, USB connectivity, and Pandora radio.

What's it like to drive a Subaru Forester 2015?

The Subaru Forester 2015 is most at home on the open road at high speeds, taking dirt or gravel quietly and confidently handling rougher roads at slower speeds, due to the all-wheel-drive system. Choosing the X-mode low-speed option with hill descent control increases traction when you need it, useful on loose, wet surfaces or snow.

A true blend of capability - image courtesy of Car Advice

With 220 millimetres of clearance, the suspension is designed to take terrain in its stride, without compromising your cruising comfort. While the driving experience could be more dynamic and engaging, the Subaru meets a balanced compromise while retaining its gravel grace.

The well-tuned CVT provides smooth, linear acceleration at highway speeds and allows you to overtake easily and smoothly. At slower speeds, the 10.6 metre turning circle and electric steering make navigating urban areas easy too.

A standard model tows 1,500 kilograms, with XT and XT Premium models able to tow 1,800 kilograms braked.

Who's the Subaru Forester 2015 for?

If you're around town during the week, but traversing fire trails and national parks each weekend, the Subaru Forester is a reliable all-rounder with a stellar reputation and strong resale value.

The diesel Subaru Forester is aimed at previous owners who'll repurchase, as well as anyone wanting a well-rounded SUV that can capably handle dirt.

The only thing we'd change would be the servicing frequency, which is every six months or 12,500 kilometres when most competitors offer 12-month servicing.

Feature Summary

Price: $35,090

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel (108kW/350Nm)

Transmission: six-speed manual all-wheel drive

Wheels: 18-inch alloy

Safety: 5 star ANCAP

Fuel: 6.3L/100km

Emissions: 156g/km

AV and tech: Six-speaker Starlink with 7-inch touchscreen radio/CD/Bluetooth audio.

Seats: 5

Doors: 4 door wagon

You can finance a Subaru Forester 2015 from $160/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost to own this Australian favourite.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.

*Over a 5-year loan term.