New Subaru Forester gets four-wheel drive and hybrid tech for under £40k

• New Subaru Forester now on sale in the UK
• All models get four-wheel drive and hybrid tech
• Prices start from £38,995

The new Subaru Forester is at last available to order in the UK, after it was first unveiled at the LA Auto Show back in 2023. Despite picking up new technology and a modernised interior, the family SUV is just as rugged as it’s always been, coming with Subaru’s trusty four-wheel drive system as standard.

Prices for the new Forester start from £38,995, rising as high as £42,995 for the range-topping Touring model. But if you’re a member of the National Famers’ Union (NFU), you can knock £1,000 off those figures, as Subaru is keen to win over buyers who need a rugged, reliable SUV for farmyard duties.

What’s special about the new Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester has always been something of a family SUV wildcard. It’s never enjoyed quite the same success in the UK as models like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage, but owners don’t seem to mind. Subaru was ranked as the best car brand to own in the latest Driver Power survey, beating the likes of Tesla, Kia and Porsche for owner satisfaction, so there’s a lot riding on this new model.

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It’s understandable then that Subaru hasn’t fiddled with the formula all that much for the new Forester. It’s still a boxy, family SUV with seating for five passengers and a focus on being tough, but there are some welcome changes inside and out.

Underneath, the new Forester rides on the same platform as the old car, but it’s been stiffened to improve ride smoothness and noise levels. There’s an impressive 220mm of ground clearance for getting over off-road obstacles, plus an ‘X-Mode’ for the traction control system which helps with slippery conditions.

Of course, there’s new exterior styling, too. You get new LED headlights and a bigger front grille, while the tail-lights are connected by a horizontal trim piece at the rear. It’s still a rugged look overall and isn’t trying to disguise its SUV proportions with a sloping roofline like some of its rivals.

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That helps the new Forester from a practicality standpoint. You get a 508-litre boot, which grows to 1,720 litres with the rear seats folded. Elsewhere on the inside is a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree parking camera as standard. Unlike most modern SUVs, the Forester still uses a pair of traditional analogue dials for speed and engine revs instead of a digital screen.

What engines are available for the new Forester?

There’s just the one engine here actually. It’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine connected to a CVT automatic gearbox with an integrated hybrid system. Subaru calls it the ‘e-Boxer’, and it’s essentially the same as the hybrid engine from the old Forester. 

Like before, it’s connected to Subaru’s “Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive” system. Unlike other four-wheel drive systems on the market, it never switches to two-wheel drive, meaning you have full 4x4 traction all the time.

That does have a negative effect on fuel economy, though – the Forester is capable of up to just 34.8mpg in official figures, while a four-wheel drive Nissan Qashqai will return around 40mpg. Performance appears to lag behind the pack, too, with just 136bhp and a 0-62mph time of 12.2 seconds.

How much does the new Subaru Forester cost?

UK customers can now buy a new Subaru Forester, with prices starting at £38,995 for the entry-level Limited model. There’s a Field trim level, too, which brings some extra kit at a price of £40,440. Then there’s the range-topping Touring model, getting practically all of the optional extras and costing £42,995.

Members of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) are eligible for a £1,000 discount on any Forester model, which is a handy bonus if you’re looking for a new farmyard workhorse.

Read more about our favourite 4x4s here…