Last Updated on December 20, 2022 by Lily Connel
The Subaru Forester has several benefits such as a spacious interior, good fuel efficiency, an efficient engine, and all-wheel drive capability. However, one possible downside of this vehicle is poor visibility due to its large pillars that can make driving in confined areas difficult.
Are you looking for a car that can handle your active lifestyle? The Subaru Forester is a great option for those who need an SUV that can take on any terrain. In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of the Subaru Forester so you can decide if it’s the right car for you!
Introduction Of Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV choice for drivers looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle with plenty of cargo and passenger space. It also offers good fuel efficiency and off-road capability, as well as a range of safety features. But before you decide if the Subaru Forester is the right car for you, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. In this blog post, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Subaru Forester, so you can make an informed decision.
Let’s Know The Table – Pros And Cons Of Subaru Forester
| Serial | Pros Of Subaru Forester | Cons Of Subaru Forester |
| 1. | Roomy interior with plenty of headroom and legroom. | Low fuel economy when compared to other vehicles in the same class. |
| 2. | All-wheel drive system for superior traction in all weather conditions. | No diesel engine option is available in the US market. |
| 3. | Standard EyeSight driver-assist technology for added safety and convenience. | A limited selection of exterior colours, with only five colours available at launch. |
| 4. | High ground clearance and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, provide great off-road capability. | No hybrid option is available to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. |
| 5. | Available X-Mode feature for better traction control when driving on slippery or steep surfaces. | Only one trim level is offered, which limits customization options for buyers. |
| 6. | Spacious cargo area with reclining rear seatbacks for added versatility. | The infotainment system is outdated and lacks modern features such as Wi-Fi hotspot capability or a wireless charging pad. |
| 7. | Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration with voice commands. | Engine vibration can be felt at higher speeds, which can be uncomfortable for some drivers. |
The List – Pros of the Subaru Forester
1. Good Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Forester is a great option for those looking for an efficient and reliable vehicle. The vehicle offers great fuel economy with 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway – or 25 MPG combined. This makes it an excellent choice for longer trips, as well as for those looking to save money on gas. The Forester also has a low carbon footprint, making it a great choice for eco-conscious drivers.
2. Spacious Interior and Cargo Space
The Subaru Forester offers a spacious interior and cargo space for its class. The vehicle has a high roof and clever design, making it easy to get in and out of the car. The cabin is airy and roomy with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers. The Forester also has a generous cargo room, with up to 76.1 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it easy to carry large items in the car, such as bikes, camping gear, and more. The high roof also means that it’s easier to load items into the car compared to other crossover vehicles. The Forester also has useful roof rails, allowing you to secure large items on the roof of the vehicle.
3. Off-Road Capability
The Subaru Forester is a great all-rounder, and its off-road capability is no exception. It features a higher ground clearance than most SUVs, as well as better tires for a smoother and more comfortable drive. The Forester Wilderness models can also tow more than their regular counterparts, making them better suited for off-roading adventures. The Subaru Forester also has a standard all-wheel-drive system, which will provide extra traction when driving on rough terrain. The Subaru Forester can easily handle sand, rocks and dirt roads thanks to its off-road capability, making it the perfect vehicle for those wanting to explore the great outdoors.
4. Safety Features
The Subaru Forester comes with a full suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security. These features can help to keep you safe in all types of conditions, from city driving to off-road adventures. The Forester also has above-average ground clearance, allowing it to traverse uneven terrain with relative ease. Additionally, the Forester comes with a full suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain. This helps to provide additional protection in the event of a collision or rollover. All these features combine to make the Subaru Forester an incredibly safe vehicle.
The List – Cons of the Subaru Forester
1. High Cost of Ownership
The Subaru Forester may be a great car to own, but it comes at a cost. According to a five-year breakdown of ownership costs, the first year is responsible for the highest depreciation costs. Maintenance ranks the highest at $2710 over five years. This means that the Forester isn’t just expensive to purchase, but also expensive to maintain. Additionally, there are other factors to consider such as tax fees, tax credits, insurance costs, fuel, and several others. All of these add up quickly and make owning a Forester a significant financial commitment.
2. Low Horsepower and Torque Outputs
The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. These outputs are relatively modest compared to other vehicles in the same class and may be too low for some drivers who are looking for more power. Although the Forester has decent acceleration, its lacklustre power output may be a limiting factor when driving on the highway or trying to pass slower vehicles.
3. Lack of Luxury Features
The Subaru Forester may not have the most luxurious features compared to other SUVs in its class, but it does offer a good amount of comfort and convenience features. It comes with power windows, power locks, and remote keyless entry. It also includes a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. Other features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded infotainment system are not available as standard features on the Forester. You can get these luxuries if you upgrade to the higher trim levels, but they come at an extra cost.
4. Poor Resale Value
The Subaru Forester is a great car, but unfortunately, it has one major downside: its poor resale value. The Forester is known for depreciating faster than other cars in its class, meaning that you will likely get less money if you decide to sell it. This is because the Forester is an older model and does not have the same features as newer vehicles, making it less desirable to buyers. Additionally, repairs and maintenance on the Forester can be more expensive than some other vehicles, further reducing its overall value. If you are looking for a car that will retain its value over time, then the Subaru Forester may not be the best choice.
5. Limited Rear Visibility
The Subaru Forester has excellent visibility through the windshield, but its narrow front fenders, hood, and A-pillars can create blind spots. This can make it difficult to detect approaching traffic or objects from the side. To mitigate this issue, the Forester is equipped with a rearview camera and Blind Spot Detection system. Additionally, its wide mirrors can help drivers spot objects in their peripheral vision.
6. Engine Vibration at Higher Speeds
The Subaru Forester is equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While this power output is sufficient for everyday driving, it can cause significant vibration at higher speeds. The vibrations can be particularly noticeable when driving on the highway. Additionally, this engine is known to be noisy, which can be problematic in terms of comfort and refinement. While the engine noise is not as loud as some other vehicles, it can still be quite intrusive at times.
Conclusion
This doesn’t ride like the other Subarus, but it looks like one and sounds like one. It offers loads of cargo space and a decent off-road capability. It is also rated 5-star ANCAP safety and has good fuel efficiency. However, it can be costly to own and maintain, and it lacks in luxury features. The rear visibility is also quite limited, as well as its horsepower and torque outputs. On top of that, the engine can vibrate at higher speeds. Therefore, it is important to consider all the pros and cons when considering a used Subaru Forester.
