Subaru Forester S Hybrid 2020 Lifestyle Review

 Subaru Forester S hybrid is an entry into the alternative fuel source market for Subaru. It really a normal Forester with a mild hybrid engine. What is it like?

Forester hybrid Fit for purpose-

The Forester is a comfortable drive and a decent sized SUV for small families that want adventure in their lives. The new Forester is possibly the best choice from SUVs in this size for that.

The hybrid is meant to provide better economy. As a hybrid, it brings somewhat a quieter drive and for now that’s the only difference I can say. The Forester is good around the city and in peak hour traffic as well as longer trips.

Forester hybrid Design-

Apart from the badge, you wouldn’t notice anything different between the hybrid and the normal Forester. It’s a good-looking SUV with pleasant style and full LED lighting outside.

Inside, it continues to be pleasant and quite stylish. The dash, console and steering all provide good driver comfort.

Subaru does a good job of hiding the batteries and still maintaining the overall space internally.

Forester hybrid Performance –

This is what it’s all about. Hybrid features a 2.0L boxer engine with a high voltage lithium ion battery. This is shared with the XV Hybrid.

Subaru tells me the four cylinder 2.0 litre engine produces 110 Kw of power at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Add to that (well not really add) the electric motor bit with 12.3 kW of power and 66 Nm of torque.

A clever feature is that the battery is self-charging, via kinetic energy captured by regenerative braking and coasting. The hybrid weighs about 100kg more than a standard Forester, not much really.

People buy hybrids for better fuel economy. Compared to the normal 2.5L boxer engine the hybrid offers about 19% better economy in the ADR urban cycle and over 9% in the ADR combined cycle.

Now for a hybrid I was surprised that the fuel economy was sitting around the high 8L/100km for normal every day, and peak hour driving. As for highway driving, I didn’t get the chance to take it for a trip away, this could have dropped the fuel economics but by how much?

Driving the hybrid is a little different to the normal Forester S. It’s a little heavier as I said which helps the ride but not so much the take off. The Forester drives quiet comfortably with smooth ride and good handling. It has rolling stop-start function with the hybrid cutting in, but also a slightly touchy brake.

Forester hybrid Comfort-

I like the normal Forester. It’s really designed for maximum driver and passenger comfort. I’ve been away in a few normal Foresters and they are excellent on long trips and great round town.

There is a heap of space for luggage and you can take a family of four away for weekends or longer trips. There is decent amount of space in the back seat that even adults will be happy in.

The dash board includes all the features you need, enjoy and to be entertained with and it goes way above in the safety features. As always the seat warmers are a nice touch

Forester hybrid Verdict-

Overall I enjoy the Forester, I think it’s a great SUV.

However, the hybrid Forester, well that is a different story. Do I think it is worth paying extra for the hybrid? Not so much.

With not a lot separating the hybrid Foresters to the petrol version you would need to be doing a lot of kms over years to make up for the price difference and saving money on petrol.

What’s Good?

• Comfort and style
• Internal space
• AWD ability

 What’s Not So Good?

• Not as much fuel saving as expected.
• Pricey compared to the normal Forester
• Some jerkiness while driving

Also look at;

• Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid (full hybrid)

Model: Forester S Hybrid

• Model Price:                      $45,990 MLP*
• Engine:                               2.0i horizontally opposed e-boxer 4 Cylinder.
• Drivetrain:                         seven speed manual mode Lineartronic™ CVT
• Power:                               110 kW @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque:                              195 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
• Electric:                              3 kW of power and 66 Nm of torque
• Safety:                                5 Star ANCAP
• CO2 Emissions:                  152 g/km
• Economy:                          6.7 L/100km (ADR comb)
• Tow Capacity: Max              1200 kg
• Tow Ball Rating:                  120 kg
• Servicing: Capped Price      12 Months/12,500KM
• Warranty:                         5yr/ unlimited km with full roadside assist

Eight-year 160,000 km lithium ion battery warranty

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.