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Subaru Forester 5 (SK) Crossover (2018)

32% Neofiliac52% External
Keywords: awdcrossoverdohcdouble-wishbonemacpherson-strutmild-hybridsubaru

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Product Overview

Subaru Forester 5 (chassis code SK) is a compact / mid-size crossover in production from 2018. It is available with a range of flat-4 engines that displaced 1.8 to 2.5 liters.
Unsurprisingly, while Subaru redesigned the vehicle, it looks just like its predecessor any hundreds of other crossovers on the road today. The generic, bland design is what attracts many.
Unlike many manufacturers who downsized like crazy, Subaru still used decent-sized engines, usually without turbo, though a hybrid drivetrain was introduced. To save fuel, only CVT is offered.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 32% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • High cargo capacity
  • Still available with naturally-aspirated H4 engines
Cons
  • Horrible 0-100kph time
  • Can't even reach 200km/h
  • No powerful engine options
  • No manual transmission
  • MacPherson strut front suspensions

What external reviewers found***

External score 52% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Good infotainment tech
  • Excellent all-wheel-drive performance
  • Excellent standard safety features
  • Decent on-road performance
  • Decent infotainment system
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Lack of cargo space
  • Lackluster infotainment system
  • Lack of optional safety features
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Specifications

2.0 e-Boxer2.5

Capacity

Cargo Capacity520 L / 18.4 cu-ft ~ 1779 L / 62.8 cu-ft2155 L / 76.1 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity8.5 L / 9.0 qt
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 L / 4.4 qt
Fuel Capacity48.0 L / 12.7 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal
Passengers5

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearVentilated discsDisc
Power SteeringElectric Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearDouble-wishbone
Tire Size225/60 R17225/60 R17, 225/55 R18
Turning Circle10.8 m / 35.4 ft

Construction

Body Style5-door mild-hybrid Crossover5-door Crossover

Dimensions

Ground Clearance220 mm / 8.7 in221 mm / 8.7 in
Size | Height1730 mm / 68.1 in
Size | Length4625 mm / 182.1 in
Size | Width1815 mm / 71.5 in | 2065 mm / 81.3 in (mirror unfolded)1816 mm / 71.5 in
Track Width | Front1565.0 mm / 61.6 in
Track Width | Rear1570.0 mm / 61.8 in
Weight1655.0 kg / 3648.7 lbs
Wheel Size7J x 1717 in, 18 in
Wheelbase2670 mm / 105.1 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h11.8 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph11.2 sec
CO2 Emission154 g/km
Fuel Economy7.1 L/100km / 33.1 MPG (combined)
Top Speed117.0 km/h / 72.7 mph
Towing Capacity1870 kg / 4123 lbs (w/ brakes @ 12% gradient)

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (transverse), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel drive
EngineFB20FB25
Engine | Bore84.0 mm / 3.3 in94.0 mm / 3.7 in
Engine | Compression Ratio12.5:1
Engine | Displacement2.0 L / 121.7 cu-in / 1995.0 cc2.5 L / 152.4 cu-in / 2498.0 cc
Engine | Power150.0 hp / 111.9 kW @ 5600-6000 rpm + 17.0 hp / 12.7 kW (electric motor)182.0 hp / 135.7 kW @ 5800 rpm
Engine | Specific Output75.2 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in72.9 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke90.0 mm / 3.5 in
Engine | Torque194 Nm / 143.1 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm + 66 Nm / 48.7 lb-ft239 Nm / 176.3 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine | Typedirect-injected petrol flat-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated direct-injected petrol flat-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | TypeCVT

Production

Availability2018
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3rd-Party Review Videos

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External Review Video abTbzO5-i5o for Subaru Forester 5 (SK) Crossover (2018)

External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 48%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The fifth-generation Forester is a slightly longer, wider car than the outgoing one, and feels more spacious inside in most respects. The cabin makes a classier first impression than last Forester managed, too, with more enveloping, appealing-looking primary fittings and a few richer material touches. It’s a shame Subaru doesn’t make it easier to keep the Forester running under electric power at low speeds; that's possible but you really do have to be delicate with the accelerator to manage it.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Decent fuel economy
  • Decent on-road performance
Cons
  • Alternatives are more practical
  • No automatic gearbox

autocar[2]

Reviewer score 51%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The new Forester will replace the current model in the UK around the end of this year. The US and Canada get a new direct-injection 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an upgraded CVT gearbox, but while the latter is expected to feature in UK cars, it’s not yet known what engine will be offered.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Lack of manual gearbox

autocar[3]

Reviewer score 35%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
Ride and handling are respectable but not outstanding. They stop a long way short of recovering the kind of driver appeal for the Forester. It has been designed to work just as well over gravel, ruts, slopes and fields as over asphalt. The CVT gearbox and hybrid assist system really do work very well on grass, mud and steep climbs.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Decent fuel economy
  • Decent on-road performance
Cons
  • Lack of electric motor-only power
  • Limited range

autoexpress[4]

Reviewer score 60%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
The Subaru Forester has been a mainstay of the Subaru lineup for over two decades. It began life as something of a toughened-up four-wheel-drive estate before evolving along with customer tastes into a more traditional family SUV. It's not as good to drive as some cheaper, more road-focused SUVs, but there's not much else that can offer such a breadth of ability and level of standard equipment at this price.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Excellent off-road capability
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Decent infotainment
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cheap to drive

autoexpress[5]

Reviewer score 45%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
The new mild-hybrid Subaru Forester has been tasked with combating the SUV's reputation for poor fuel economy. It joins a heavily populated marketplace of mid-sized off-roaders, rivalling the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. The shift to hybrid drive has produced mixed results. While a claimed emissions figure of 154g/km is reasonable for an SUV of this size, the Forester's fuel economy falls short.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Decent infotainment system
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Lack of turbocharging

autoexpress[6]

Reviewer score 30%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
ster went on sale in the UK in May 2013, priced from £24,995. Buyers could choose between 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines, the former coming in 148bhp naturally aspirated and 237bhp turbocharged forms. The Forester has plenty of head and legroom for five adults, while the boot is spacious, although the back seats don't fold flat. All Foresters come with climate control, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth and roof rails.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Good looks
  • Decent infotainment system
  • Good standard equipment
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cheap to run

cnet[7]

Reviewer score 74%
Reviewers from cnet have found the following***:
Underneath its new, yet familiar skin, the 2019 Forester is now based on the global Subaru platform that also underpins the Impreza and Crosstrek. The 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (or "boxer") four-cylinder engine makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Forester can also haul a bit more, with an increase to 1,500 pounds of towing capability.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Excellent all-wheel-drive performance
  • Excellent standard safety features
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Not as fun to drive as its predecessor
  • Lack of optional safety features

cnet[8]

Reviewer score 66%
Reviewers from cnet have found the following***:
The 2020 Subaru Forester has a tall, airy interior. This is great for passenger comfort, but it does make the vehicle feel a bit top heavy. There's also plenty of storage space in the Forester's cabin. Behind the second-row seat is an impressive 35.4 cubic feet of room.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Stylish looks
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Good infotainment tech
Cons
  • A bit top heavy
  • Lack of cargo space

digitaltrends[9]

Reviewer score 59%
Reviewers from digitaltrends have found the following***:
The 2019 Subaru Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5, the Forester remains one of the best compact crossovers.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful standard engine
  • Comfortable ride
  • Decent driver-assist tech
Cons
  • Slightly stiff suspension
  • Lackluster infotainment system

User Reviews

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References

  1. ^ Subaru Forester eBoxer 2019 review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/first-drives/subaru-forester-eboxer-2019-review. 2019-03-05. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  2. ^ Subaru Forester 2019 review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/forester/first-drives/subaru-forester-2019-review. 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  3. ^ Subaru Forester eBoxer Premium 2019 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/subaru/forester/first-drives/subaru-forester-eboxer-premium-2019-uk-review. 2019-11-21. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  4. ^ Subaru Forester review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/subaru/forester. 2020-02-05. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  5. ^ New Subaru Forester e-Boxer 2020 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/subaru/forester/107096/new-subaru-forester-e-boxer-2020-review. 2020-01-17. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  6. ^ Used Subaru Forester review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/subaru/forester/108640/used-subaru-forester-review. 2019-12-11. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  7. ^ 2019 Subaru Forester review: Smart camera tech watches the road and the driver. [cnet]. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2019-subaru-forester-review/. 2019-01-25. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  8. ^ 2020 Subaru Forester review: Wholesome goodness. [cnet]. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2020-subaru-forester-review/. 2020-03-18. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  9. ^ 2019 Subaru Forester Touring review. [digitaltrends]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/car-reviews/2019-subaru-forester-touring-review/. 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2022-03-10.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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