New Sixth-Gen Subaru Forester Breaks Cover

New sixth-gen Subaru Forester debuts with modest styling tweaks and a host of improvements underneath.

Bowing at the LA Auto Show 2023 this week is the new sixth generation Subaru Forester. Whilst not entirely all-new, it does sport a redesign that’s best described as ‘cautious’ or ‘modest’ at best, and that’s despite its slight growth in size overall too.

Perhaps the fact that it still underpins a tweaked version of its predecessor’s chassis platform explains this, but there’s still much to look forward to in this latest iteration of one of Subaru’s best-sellers, more so given what’s detailed in the North American-bound version revealed this week.

The chassis is largely carried over, but the new sixth-gen Forester is slightly larger than before - 15 MM longer and 7 MM wider.

Despite the carried-over bones, the new Forester reportedly sits 15 MM longer and 7 MM wider, thought the wheelbase length is retained. Subaru notes that both the body shell and chassis are 10% stiffer thanks to an improved build using even more structural adhesive.

The updated chassis also adopts the new dual-pinion electric power steering module derived from the latest-gen WRX sports saloon. As for rolling stock, the choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels are all available, albeit variant-dependent of course.

Subaru notes the improved chassis and body shell boasts 10% increase in stiffness. Depending on trimline, 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheel choices are available too.

Despite being more of an evolution than complete revolution, the new chassis does promise enhanced suspension comforts, better handing, as well as lower noise, according to Subaru that is. The same can also be said with the new Forester’s powertrain package.

Under the hood sits a familiar 2.5-litre naturally aspirated ‘boxer’ (horizontally opposed or flat) 4-cyl petrol heart producing 180 HP – slightly down from its predecessor’s 182 HP figure – and 241 NM of twist, the latter marking a slight bump from the previous model’s 239 NM figure.

Subaru retained it's signature 2.5-litre 'boxer' 4-cyl and Lineartronic CVT automatic box pairing, as well as its signature symmetrical AWD setup in this latest-gen Forester.

Unchanged to is the pairing of both Subaru’s signature Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD). Notably, the former hardware sees the option for steering-mounted paddle-shifters available, whilst the latter sees dual-function X-mode available in higher-end guises.

Whilst on the powertrain still, it appears early rumours of the new Forester gaining a turbocharged option hasn’t come to fruition. Instead, a new electrified hybrid version will, albeit at a later date.

No more C-shaped motif in the head- and taillights now as they're all new and powered by LEDs.

As noted, the styling tweaks are modest, but the new Forester does bring forth Subaru’s latest design ethos evident from the absence of C-shaped lighting signatures common in other Subaru offerings. With that, it’s easy to see that the LED head- and taillights are both new in this sixth-gen version.

Elsewhere, the US-market version shown sports a black grille primed across multiple guises, whereas the Sport guise is distinguished by its adoption of bronze-hued accents. Apart from which, the overall stance and silhouette remains familiar, albeit slightly blockier now.

The 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (left) boasts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto whilst front seats with heated and ventilation functions are available too.

The instrumentation sees a hybrid analogue-digital setup. Subaru also noted that the front seats are new and slimmer, promising improved comfort space.

On board, the new sixth-gen Forester sees its dash house an 11-6-inch infotainment touchscreen lifted from the WRX, Outback, and other Subaru models. Said tech also offer both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on top of navigation function and over-the-air software updates.

There’s still a mix of analogue and digital in the instrument display, with Subaru noting the front seats are both new and slimmer, promising enhanced comfort and space. Other bits present include dual-zone climate control, hands-free powered tailgate, wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, and more.

Improved here are the Forester array of active driver assists (ADAS), namely its AEB that which now works quicker in detecting pedestrians and cyclists at intersections.

As for safety, the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) suite has been enhanced with quicker cyclist and pedestrian detection at intersections. This improved AEB feature also now also works in reverse.

New too is a feature that pulls the car over if the driver is unresponsive to requests to take over control from the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems. Other available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring system, and 360-degree camera.

Following its debut this week, the new sixth-gen Subaru Forester is set to enter North American showrooms first starting next year, with other global markets to follow suit after.