Used Subaru Forester Review (2014-2018) MK4
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Off-road capabilities
- Excellent reliability
- Comfortable ride
- Strong competitors
- Some noisy petrol units
- Interior lacks luxury feel
What's the Subaru Forester like?
Many owners of mid-sized SUVs like to know they have all that metal around them, but if you need the 4x4 capability in a smaller and more car-like package, the Subaru Forester could be just what you’re looking for.
This good-looking estate is easy to drive and to handle in confined spaces and, should you need the towing or off-road ability, it’s well ahead of any two-wheel drive car.
Also, Subaru has consistently been among the top marques for reliability throughout the world, which is always good to know.
Engines
There are three engine options and all come with that four-wheel drive (4WD) security. I’ll start with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which is likely to be the most common when bought used.
It has 147bhp and takes 9.9 seconds to cover the 0 to 60mph sprint.
It’s lovely and flexible with plenty of power from low revs so that there’s no need to change gear too often.
Like the petrol models, it comes with the choice of 6-speed manual or Subaru’s ‘Lineartronic’ CVT automatic gearboxes.
Petrol’s start with a 150bhp 2.0-litre that comes with start/stop and covers the 60mph sprint in 10.6 seconds.
Although it’s available with the CVT automatic, this really blunts the performance and because the engine operates at higher revs much of the time, it’s more noisy.
Top performer is the Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) 2.0-litre that’s only available in top models and that sprints to 60mph in 7.7 seconds, through the standard Lineartronic automatic.
It has no less than 240bhp, which is enough for excellent acceleration from any speed whenever it’s needed.
The diesel gives the best economy, at 47mpg average, but all suffer from the permanent 4WD they use, so that the 2.0i is only capable of 40mpg and the DIT of only 33mpg.
Driving Experience and Practicality
This is an SUV that strikes an excellent balance between on-road and off-road ability.
Peter Hayward
Out on the road, there’s less body roll than in most large 4x4s, and this makes it more comfortable through the corners.
This is partly due to the flat four engines being mounted low in the chassis, giving a better centre of gravity. The steering is direct and reasonably informative, but can take some acclimatisation as it is pretty light.
Lineartronic automatic models are all fitted with Subaru’s ‘X-Mode’ off-road driving system, which sets up the engine, gearbox, and traction control to best handle the rough or slippery stuff.
Comfort is better than many SUVs, and very good road-holding is helped by the 4WD.
Equipment
Mid-range XE spec includes parking sensors, climate control, alloys, alarm, traction control, headlight washers, audio remote controls, heated seats with electric adjustment for the driver and an electric sunroof.
And with a five-star safety rating, it will also take good care of you if the worst comes to the worst.
Find your Subaru Forester your way with CarStore
The Subaru Forester is an ideal choice for adventurous families, with a spacious interior, huge boot, and plenty of safety features for extra piece of mind while driving.
Despite it being so road-friendly, the Forester is much better off-road than many other mid-sized SUVs and has excellent ability to handle the worst of winter conditions on the road.
