The wait is over. Subaru has officially launched the sixth-generation Forester in Australia, and for fleet buyers looking for an electrified SUV with genuine all-wheel-drive capability, the new hybrid Forester offers a compelling solution. With order books now open and deliveries set to start from July, the headline news is the arrival of Subaru’s next-generation “strong hybrid” system, paired with the brand’s symmetrical all-wheel drive.
“This is no ordinary SUV,” said Scott Lawrence, General Manager at Subaru Australia, during the virtual launch. “It is the first time a medium SUV meets strong hybrid technology with symmetrical all wheel drive.”
Three hybrid variants are available:
- Forester AWD Hybrid – $46,490
- Forester AWD Hybrid Sport – $54,990
- Forester AWD Hybrid Touring – $55,990
All three pair a newly calibrated 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery to produce a combined output of 145kW — a 31.8% boost over Subaru’s previous mild hybrid system.
Hybrid With Capability Built-In
From the outset, Subaru’s engineering team has prioritised capability, not just economy. All Forester hybrid models retain Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and 220mm of ground clearance, making them as ready for unsealed regional roads as they are for the urban commute.
“Thanks to its inherent design, the boxer offers an incredibly low center of gravity, minimal vibration, and contributes to outstanding vehicle balance — all characteristics befitting the perfect Subaru hybrid,” said Brad Hickin, Subaru Technical Product Engineer.
The “strong hybrid” system is built around two electric motors. MG1 starts the engine and recharges the battery, while MG2 does the heavy lifting — driving the wheels, assisting acceleration and providing regenerative braking.
“MG2 is the workhorse of the all new hybrid system, responsible for providing motor powers for the vehicle, as well as recharging the high voltage battery through regenerative braking,” Hickin explained.
The outcome? A hybrid SUV that’s confident off-road, efficient around town, and composed on the highway.
1000km Range, Real-World Thinking
One of the standout figures from the launch is the hybrid Forester’s theoretical range — over 1,000km on a single tank.
“The hybrid variants are capable of 1000 kilometers to a tank,” Hickin confirmed.
That’s thanks in part to a much larger fuel tank than before — now 63 litres, up from just 48 litres in the previous hybrid model. Fuel consumption is a modest 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle and 6.4L/100km in urban use.
“Keep in mind, we’ve also shifted from a two litre to a 2.5 litre engine, which delivers a huge boost in power as well, which is about 31.8% versus the previous generation hybrid,” said Goran Popov, Head of Product.
Subaru’s team made it clear that the focus wasn’t on winning fuel economy benchmarks, but on building a better driving experience with AWD safety as standard.
“There’s many questions which a few of you posed to me in the past — we could build a two wheel drive Forester if we wanted to — and for the sake of a few hundred dollars extra fuel each year, Subaru cars would get class leading capability,” said Lawrence.
Fully Equipped for Drivers and Fleets
Standard equipment across the hybrid range includes the latest-generation EyeSight driver assist system with emergency driving stop, 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree view monitor, driver monitoring system, and wireless phone charging.
The Hybrid Sport and Touring variants go further, offering 19-inch wheels, premium interiors, and advanced digital instrument displays. The Touring trim adds ventilated front seats and Harman Kardon audio.
Petrol models come with a full-size spare, but hybrid variants are fitted with a puncture repair kit due to the battery location. However, Subaru has developed a specific solution for fleets needing a full-size spare.
“There will be an option to purchase a tow bar mounted spare wheel carrier that will be available as a bit of a pack, along with a full size spare wheel,” confirmed Hickin.
Towing capacity is rated at 1,200kg for hybrid models (down from 1,800kg on petrol variants), making them suitable for light trailers or equipment.
Designed for Confidence
Beyond the mechanicals, Subaru has made significant improvements to chassis stiffness and ride comfort. The vehicle is built on the updated Subaru Global Platform and features dual-pinion steering — technology borrowed from the WRX — to improve steering feel and reduce driver fatigue.
“All Forester variants are built upon the Subaru global platform, which has been further refined. Increased torsional rigidity and revised suspension sees incredible drivability with flatter cornering and increased ride comfort,” Hickin said.
And for those who ask what the new Forester feels like to drive, Hickin had a simple answer: “Exceptionally well.”
Safety and Ownership Experience
All Forester variants come with nine airbags and Subaru’s latest safety technology, including a driver monitoring system that can detect drowsiness or distraction and even bring the car to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive.
“This incredibly valuable feature can detect if the driver has become incapacitated or unresponsive, and after a series of warnings and alerts, can automatically bring the vehicle to a safe and controlled stop,” said Hickin.
The Forester Hybrid is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with the hybrid battery covered for eight years or 160,000km. Service intervals are every 15,000km or 12 months.
Built for Australia
In closing the launch, Scott Lawrence summed up the new hybrid Forester’s mission:
“It’s a car that is built from the ground up to own the road and conquer the wild.”
For Fleet Managers, the hybrid Forester offers a unique combination — long range, AWD capability, and the electrification needed to reduce emissions and prepare for a more sustainable future. It’s not just another hybrid SUV. It’s a Subaru hybrid.
