Review: Subaru Forester 2.0i-S GT Edition Eyesight – A Rewarding Left-Field Alternative?

Face-lifted fifth-gen Subaru Forester in range-topping 2.0i-S GT Edition Eyesight is easy to denote thanks to its full-blown aerokit and exclusive 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

This isn’t exactly ‘new’, isn’t it?

You’d be right about that, but this isn’t bad news entirely. Making landfall back in May this year, the refreshed (read: face-lifted) fifth generation Subaru Forester can trace its roots way back to 2018. Nevertheless, we’ll argue that this latest refresh for 2022 has indeed strengthened its overall package, which was pretty respectable to begin with.

In the case of the range-topping Forester 2.0i-S GT Edition Eyesight variant as featured and tested here, you’ll arguably get a dash of sporty styling added too. Much of which stems from the exclusive aerokit Subaru has opted to prime the exterior with, matched with a set of also exclusive tasty dual-tone 18-inch wheels at all four corners too.

Latest refresh includes restyled head- and taillights, the former featuring all-LED illumination and, in this range-topper, ability to swivel based on steering angle and input.

Full-blown aerokit adds a sporty touch to things, and it consists of front and rear bumper lip extensions, side skirts, and a roof spoiler at the rear.

Take those away though it’s easy to see that the base design of the Forester, whilst still a traditionally squared SUV, arguably still stands out against segment contemporaries. However, given that looks and style is a subjective matter to gauge, we’ll leave it to you to decide and opine on the tweaks done in this latest mid-life refresh.

Exterior changes seen from the rear are subtle to say the least, though we reckon base styling of the Forester has already won plenty of admirers.

What Hasn’t Changed, Then?

Typical of an mid-life refresh, the Forester remains mechanically unchanged from before, and this is perhaps good news given how proven that, along with its driveline setup, are. Both are derived from Subaru’s not-so-distant and title-winning rally racing past which, as we discovered, possess plenty of merits, especially in the way it drives – more on this in a bit.

Overall space in the cabin is both respectably large and comfortable. Boosting the latter's levels further in the range-topper are the quilted pattern leather seats pictured.

Unchanged here too is the cabin’s generous on board real estate for both passengers and luggage or cargo, though we’ll argue both comfort levels and tech have been refined further now thanks to plush new quilted leather upholstery and soft-touch trims added, as well as a bevy of updated new tech and creature comforts on board.

Simply put, if you already fancied the Forester from before, then you’ll find that the many minor updates Subaru endowed it with in this refresh have made it a touch better and perhaps just a tad bit more tempting, more so given what we have to say about both its carried-over powertrain and driveline…

Despite not having forced induction, the Forester's 2.0-litre 'Boxer mill  has proven to be robust and reliable. It also contributes with a lower of centre gravity for improved handling abilities.

What About Its Powertrain?

Key to the Forester’s package is a 2.0-litre ‘boxer’/ ‘flat’ – more accurately, ‘horizontally-opposed’ –4-cyl petrol mill mounted up-front. Unlike regular in-line 4-cyl mills found in segment contemporaries, this boxer design and layout contributes to a much lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution for the chassis, granting arguably better handling and road-holding abilities as a result.

Boosting that further are the presence of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) and smooth-operating ‘Lineartronic’ CVT automatic box, which are tasked with managing the aforementioned boxer mill’s respectable 154 HP and 196 NM outputs. On top of which comes a bevy of selectable drive modes including ones made for terrains off the black-top.

7-speed Linerartronic CVT box (left) is a smooth operator and, when paired with the multi-mode symmetrical AWD (right), it grants the Forester with respectable fuel economy and ability to cross a variety of terrain types.

Say what you will about CVT-type transmissions, Subaru’s Lineartronic unit, developed and made in-house, arguably stands as one of the better examples of which. It has almost no ‘rubberband effect’ nor excessive lag with its operation, feeling a little more direct and engaging than most other CVTs in fact. Yes, there’s still a degree or droning here, albeit briefly, whereas excess vibrations are almost non-existent.

More importantly, it plays a critical part in granting drivers behind the wheel with greater ease to manage the powertrain – and driveline – towards better fuel efficiency, with Subaru claiming a respectable 7.8 litres/100 KM (combined) average here. Surely, this isn’t a bad feat as far as mid-sized, AWD-primed SUVs as such go.

Symmetrical AWD plus active torque vectoring work hand-in-hand to grant the Forester exceptional agility and sure-footed feel on the pavement.

And That AWD Driveline?

This is yet another key element towards the Forester’s impressive driveability. Developed and bred using years of know-how attained through rally racing, it differs from other part-time or partial AWD systems seen in most of the Forester’s contemporaries both through its full-time operation, and even front-rear torque distribution.

Though the claimed 10.3-second 0-100 KM/H sprint time doesn’t seem quick, it’s respectable for daily use. Also, the way this driveline’s Active Torque Vectoring system works ensure this 1,545 KG (kerb) SUV has all the traction and grip needed for any and all occasions on the pavement, even through corners. Certainly, this AWD suite and respectable ground clearance also allows this SUV to handle soft terrains easily too, which we reckon some prospects will be excited about.

Off-road specific display modes (left) and functional roof rails (right), adds to the Forester's all-terrain chops on top of its drivetrain and lifted ground clearance.

In other words, if you happen to spend equal amounts of time off the beaten path on weekends for hikes, camping (or ‘glamping’), or fishing trips out in the wild as you would with weekday urban commutes, then the Forester will arguably get you to your off-grid destination in far better stride over similar-sized and -priced rivals.

Best part? This ability to handle the rough doesn’t come at the cost of reducing the Forester’s on-road manners and dynamics. Unlike most tall, high-riding SUVs as such, which tend to feel loose or wayward, the Forester is instead blessed with respectable precision, response, and car-like sure-footed agility. Indeed, this bodes well with much of the heightened active safety systems it’s now primed with too.

Improved new stereo cameras mounted up front enables the Forester's advanced Eyesight 4.0 active driver assistance (ADAS) primed on board.

Tell Us More About These Active Safety Features

Style and cabin amenities aside, one of the biggest upgrades to this refreshed fifth-gen Forester lies in its heightened active driver assistance (ADAS) features, to which Subaru dubs as the ‘Eyesight 4.0’ suite. Like its powertrain and driveline, even this part of the Forester differs vastly over what we commonly see in segment contemporaries, largely due to its use of stereo cameras almost exclusively.

Through Eyesight 4.0, the Forester is able to provide features like Adaptive Cruise Control, both Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Steering, as well as improved lane-departure and keeping assist.

Present too are sensor-based ADAS features, namely blind-spot monitor (right) and rear vehicle detection, amongst many.

With it, the tech has allowed Subaru to endow the Forester with Adaptive Cruise Control, improved lane-departure warning and -keeping assists, as well as adding a new forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency steering module. Apart from minute differences, these are largely similar tech seen in the bulk of its rivals, and the execution of it all isn’t too intrusive, which is a huge plus too.

If anything, these improved semi-autonomous systems arguably make this Subaru seem just a touch better over its contemporaries, more so given the rich amenities laden in this range-topper.

With the second row seats down, the already sizeable standard boot space of 505 litres is more than tripled to a rather cavernous 1,775 litres. It's also easily accessed thanks to a powered tailgate opening and closing feature.

Is It A Practical Daily?

Definitely, and there’s more to it besides the large 505-litre standard boot space. Drop the second row seats flat and that figure more than triples to a cavernous 1,775-litre figure, meaning it’ll swallow up just about anything for those occasional trips to Ikea, or perhaps offer all the space you need for those weekend adventures off the grid.

Besides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the 8-inch Panasonic-sourced infotainment touchscreen also provides access to the multi-angle 360-degree parking monitor view, thus allowing drivers to easily manage this long and wide SUV in and our parking spots easily.

That aside, what further boosts this Subaru’s daily-driving credentials too is the presence of an interactive, multi-angle 360-degree parking monitor. Indeed, this proved handy at managing the Forester's 4,640 MM length and 1,815 MM width in and out of tight parking spots. Certainly, this is one feature we reckon the lady of the house will approve highly on besides the abundant cabin real estate mentioned.

Apart from which, the Forester has everything once could possible need and want for any and all occasions indeed, so as long as one is willing to meet the slightly princely asking figures this left-field alternative rightfully commands…

Like what you see in this Subaru? Perhaps the only bad news we have lies in its justifiably stiff price tag compared to similar-sized and -priced rivals.

What’s The Cost Of All This?

As tested, this range-topping Forester 2.0i-S GT Edition Eyesight featured is tagged at RM195,900 sans insurance. A 5-year, 100,000 KM warranty is included in said price too. We agree, this is no bargain indeed, but perhaps what this range-topper delivers as a total package is somewhat justified.

Though there are lower guises of the Forester available priced from RM173,500 onwards, opting for any of them also means making do with far less amenities to complement the Forester’s arguably brilliant drivetrain and driveline, especially for the daily.

Certainly, prospects seeking an SUV that doesn’t feel out on place in either the city or wilderness will be keen, perhaps because on this front, this Subaru is also arguably second to none. With that in mind, we’re certain avid prospects wouldn’t mind the slightly stiff premium indeed…

SPECIFICATIONS

SUBARU FORESTER 2.0I-S GT EDITION EYESIGHT