The 2021 Subaru Forester offers a wide range of variants, including two hybrid models and a new Sport trim level.
Prices range from $35,190 before on-road costs for the base 2.5i to $46,490 before on-road costs for the Hybrid S.
Though it looks very similar to the previous, fourth generation model, the current Forester – introduced for 2019 – rides the company’s new Subaru Global Platform.
Unlike past Foresters, there are no turbocharged models. The new Forester Sport looks the part but it’s only an appearance package, leaving those seeking a sporty, practical Subaru to look at the Levorg.
Pricing
- 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i: $35,190
- 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i-L: $37,440
- 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium: $40,440
- 2021 Subaru Forester Hybrid L: $40,490
- 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport: $41,990
- 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S: $43,490
- 2021 Subaru Forester Hybrid S: $46,490
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
Most 2021 Subaru Forester models are powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 136kW of power and 239Nm of torque. It’s mated to a continuously-variable transmission and all-wheel drive.
The 2021 Subaru Forester Hybrid pairs a 100kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 12kW/66Nm electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a CVT transmission. It’s also all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Subaru Forester consumes 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle, or 6.7L/100km in the hybrid.
All Foresters run on 91RON regular unleaded fuel. The regular petrol models have a 63L fuel tank while the hybrid has a 48L tank.
CO2 emissions are 168g/km in petrol models and 152g/km in the Hybrid.
Dimensions
The 2021 Subaru Forester measures 4625mm long, 1815mm wide, and 1730mm tall, with a 2670mm wheelbase.
Luggage space measures 498L in petrol models and 509L in the Hybrid. This expands to 1779L in the Hybrid with the rear seats down, while that figure is 1768L in all regular petrol models bar the Sport and 2.5i-S where it’s 1740L.
Braked towing capacity is 1800kg on petrol models and 1200kg on hybrid models.
Servicing
The 2021 Subaru Forester has a five-year and unlimited-kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year and 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery.
Subaru offers three- and five-year servicing plans. For the non-hybrid models, these cost $1269.15 and $2413.63, respectively, while the Hybrid’s plans cost $1279.49 and $2430.85.
Safety
ANCAP awarded the Subaru Forester five stars in 2019, based on scores of 94 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 80 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 78 per cent for safety assist functions.
All 2021 Subaru Forester models come standard with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
All bar the base 2.5i come standard with a facial recognition camera to detect driver drowsiness or distraction, as well as reverse autonomous emergency braking.
Standard Equipment
The 2.5i comes standard with the following equipment:
- 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- DAB+ digital radio
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Reversing camera with washer
- Adaptive cruise control
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Dual-zone climate control
- Automatic, active cornering LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Front fog lights
- Paddle shifters
- 6.3-inch multi-function display
- Six-speaker sound system
- One-touch electronic folding rear seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
The 2.5i-L and Hybrid L add:
- Driver Monitoring System
- Reverse AEB
- Adaptive high beam
- Front and side cameras
- Heated front seats
The 2.5i Premium adds:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation
- Sport mode
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power tailgate
- Eight-way power front seats with driver’s memory
- Metal pedals
The Sport adds:
- Sunroof
- LED front fog lights
The 2.5i-S and Hybrid S add:
- Leather upholstery
- Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
