Bauhaus architecture is known for it--in fact, it's one of its most basic tenet. "La forma segue la funzione", or form over function, believes that the shape of the building or object should relate to its purpose.
It's the same with the 2018 Subaru Forester. This vehicle knows a thing or two about it, and has subtly resisted the urge to join the bandwagon of SUVs that seem to distort their shape to look cooler in design.
In many ways, the Forester takes a bit of Frank Lloyd-ish design by emphasizing on squares and straight lines. You can see it everywhere: the "almost" squarish, straight doors, windows, and roof-line--not too rounded or sloped to the point of losing its basic identity. And by identity we mean the following:
Combining great safety features and excellent handling, the Subaru Forester comes with a DOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder, four-stroke, petrol engine--turbocharged for the top-spec variant, and supposedly the last turbo Forester--with an Active Torque Split AWD system through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
It comes in three variants: 2.0 i-L, 2.0 i-P, and 2.0 XT. The 2.0 i-L and 2.0 i-P share the same engine which has a maximum power of 150 PS (148 hp) @ 6,200 rpm and a torque that reaches 198 Nm @ 4,200 while the 2.0 XT puts out 241 PS (238 hp) @ 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm @ 2,400 - 3,600 rpm
The Forester has a helpful feature called the X-Mode. When activated, you optimize your car's electronic control of the engine, transmission, All Wheel Drive system (AWD), brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control System, and other important parts.
Subaru's interior has a luxurious yet comfortable feel to it. Except for its base trim that uses fabric, all the other variants use finely-stitched leather that adds elegance to the cabin's design. Everything is neat and practical--no cluttered design to distract you elsewhere. It's also very quiet, thanks to a better noise suppression system.
Its infotainment system is just as uncluttered as the overall design, and we like how the controls are intuitively organized. Still, if given the chance, we'd rather choose the upgraded one just because the screen's larger (and with clearer graphics).
Subaru Forester has successfully learned how to walk the tight line between "too conservative" and "outlandish", leaning ever so slightly towards traditional design that has stood the test of time.
A hexagonal grille plus a strong snout gives this car a dynamic facade, and its steering-responsive headlights almost look like squinting eyes watching your every move. It's almost like your bored, nonchalant self telling everyone to get the hell out of your way.
The extra ground clearance is a huge bonus, giving you excellent outward visibility like no other.
The cargo area is spacious, and there's enough leg room to stretch when you get stressed out from all the driving. We especially like its "One-Touch Folding Switch" that allows you to automatically fold each of the 60/40 split rearback seats very easily.
Just how spacious is the cargo area? With the rear seats down, it offers around 34 cubic feet of space, while with the rear seats down, it extends to 75 cubic feet of cargo room. That's enough to move in a small loveseat--even a small washing machine.
Safety is one of Subaru's greatest strengths, and really--they don't disappoint even with the Forester. In many ways, it will even exceed your expectations. This car has earned the United States' National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration's (NHTSA) highest overall safety rating, and is ranked at one of the highest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) rating: IIHS' 2017 Top Safety Pick+, so you're really in good hands here.
Some of its safety features include: ABS Electronic Brake Distribution, eight airbags, brake assist system, child-proof rear door locking on both side, engine immobilizer, and whiplash reducing front seats. If you can stretch your budget a bit, try to include their rear vehicle detection monitor and side view mirror monitor. They will do you a lot of good when doing back ups.
It may not scrimp on fuel like there's no tomorrow, but fuel consumption is satisfactory. For instance, the base trim's 60-liter fuel tank offers around 8.2 liters/100 km (combined or 12.295 km/l) and 11.4 liters/100 km (8.772 km/l) for urban driving.
The Subaru Forrester offers many great features at a reasonable price. While the base trim is capable enough, we would recommend you go for the 2.0 XT if you have extra cash to spare. That way, you'd get a good balance of power and overall features--something which the Forester has in spades.
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