2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester is a 5-seater crossover that not only runs from point A to point B but also makes the journey quite relaxed and peaceful. Although there are no major changes compared to the last year, the 2024 Forester is equipped with a lot of features from, head to toe, from the base trim to the Forester Touring. The market for the compact SUV in the USA is fierce, and no one is ready to leave an inch, let alone the whole market. To strive in such conditions, every automaker who is in the business offers a loaded product, and so is Subaru. Although not every features are available in every trim, the base trim is not Spartan in any way, for people who can’t increase the budget anymore, can settle with this too. The 2024 Subaru Forester is available in 6 trims - Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, and is priced from $27,720 to $38,020, without any charges, and accessories.

Models	Base	Premium	Sport	Wilderness	Limited	Touring
MSRP	$27,720	$30,920	$32,490	$35,545	$34,600	$38,020
Key Features	EyeSight driver assistance	Dual front USB input ports	Dual rear USB charging ports	Dual-zone automatic climate control system	Power rear gate with automatic close, height memory function and vehicle lock button	2-position driver seat and mirror memory
	Cargo-area grocery bag and tie-down hooks	Power front bucket seats with multi-level heating functionality	Fold down rear armrest with dual cup holders	Cargo-area rear gate light	Heated steering wheel
	Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)	Cargo-area underfloor storage	8” touchscreen with SUBARU STARLINK multimedia Plus		8” touchscreen with SUBARU STARLINK multimedia Navigation
	Overhead console with dual LED map lights and sunglasses storage	6.5” touchscreen with SUBARU STARLINK multimedia Plus	One-touch folding rear seatbacks	9 Harman kardon speakers and a 576-watt-equivalent Harman Kardon amplifier music system
	Automatic climate control system	4G LTE Wi-Fi capability
	6.5” touchscreen with SUBARU STARLINK multimedia	Keyless access with push button access and pin code access
	Manually adjustable front seats	Leather-trimmed steering wheel
	60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks	6-speaker sound system
	Multifunctional 3-spoke steering wheel	Panoramic power moonroofof
	Front USB port	Reclining rear seatbacks
	Hands-free Bluetooth
	4-speaker music system
	Adaptive cruise control

Packages

Alloy wheel package - $625

• Alloy wheels
• Roof rails

Optional package - $1,850

• Power rear gate
• Blind spot detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• SUBARU STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus/Navigation
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Heated steering wheel

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Whatever amount you're paying, every trim of the 2024 Subaru Forester is powered by the same power plant, which simply means that each and every trim is making 182 hp and 176 pound-feet of torque under the hood, and is configured with all-wheel drive, coupled with vehicle dynamic control, as standard. There are only cosmetic changes from trim to trim. The base Forester, while equipped with all the mechanical controls, when talking about amenities and convenience, it's nearly nil. Well, you get the multi-function steering wheel and manually adjustable front seats, but if talking about electronic amenities, then the base model is limited to the 4-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, front USB port, and automatic climate control. That's it. With around $3000 bucks in, the Premium Forester makes more sense, even better than the upper trims, if considered from the price-to-features ratio. The power driver seat is there with power lumbar support, a better music system, a better multimedia system, reclining rear seats, etc. Well, even then you have to settle with a manual front passenger seat. Yet, the 2024 Forester Premium is a better deal, compared to the base and the top guns. Almost everything one requires in a car for a comfortable and convenient ownership experience is available with this trim. Get this one, and save money for gas and maintenance.

Release Date

The 2024 Subaru Forester is anticipated to launch in early winter of 2023.

Powered by the Subaru-famed Boxer 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, the Forester 2024 edition is an above-average crossover that just supplies adequate power to move a pseudo SUV over almost anything. Standard AWD is there, mated to VDC a.k.a. the vehicle dynamic control, which helps the crossover to be stable on wet and snowy roads. The 2024 Forester makes 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm under the hood, which doesn't push any adrenaline rush and has been manufactured more for going from Point A to Point B. Well, they say if you really want to make it, then any car would work. The same goes for the Forester. As mentioned, the given standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive and VDC will take care of most of your adventures to the unknown, while for some, either you'll have to settle down with a more capable SUV, or make the Forester like one of those.

Model	2024 Subaru Forester	2024 Honda CR-V	2024 Mazda CX-5	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
MSRP	$27,720	$29,500	$29,000	$26,950
Engine	2.5L Boxer flat-4	Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4	2.0L turbocharged Inline-4
Transmission	Lineartronic CVT with adaptive control	CVT	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Horsepower	182 hp @ 5,800 rpm	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	184 hp @ 4360 rpm
Torque	176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	187 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm
0-60 MPH (seconds)	8 seconds	8.6 seconds	7.2 seconds	9.1 seconds
Quarter-Mile (Seconds)	16.2 seconds	16.7 seconds	16.6 seconds	16.9 seconds
Top Speed (mph)	117 mph	115 mph	130 mph	125 mph
Tow rating (lbs)	1500	1500	2000	1500

Every single competitor on the list makes more power than the Forester, however, the outcome is more emphasized on the top speeds, be it the VW Tiguan or the Mazda CX-5. Among the 3 competitors, only the CX-5 makes it to the top, in every section, be it the 0 to 60 bar, or the quarter-mile lap. The 2023 Tiguan is the slowest among all, clocking 60 in a bit over 9 seconds. The same happens in the quarter-mile lap, finishing the line in slightly less than 17 seconds. Although making the lowest output, the '24 Forester on the other hand is the fastest in the long run and scores the second in clocking 60 mph. However, in terms of towing, both CX-5 and Tiguan have the upper hands, boasting 2000 lbs of tow rating.

2024 Subaru Forester Ride and Handling

The 2024 Subaru Forester, like the previous year, does not sprint like a tiger, nor runs like a horse. But it runs well on 4-wheels. As long as getting to the destination is the most concerned matter, the 2024 Forester is good to go with. The ride quality, in no way, can be termed average, rather the Forester wraps up a comfortable ride with a memorable experience. Everything is fine, except the NVH level in the cabin. It seems Subaru forgets to insulate the interior and the engine bay of the 2024 Forester completely, which makes the ride a little bit uneasy. 

Mechanized with all-wheel drive, and vehicle dynamic control, coupled with other mechanisms regarding traction and stability, the Forester is really stable on the road and does not tweak much here and there. The handling, in no way, can be termed subpar, rather it’s okay to convey it better than most in the same segment. The design, being well-balanced, and well-proportionate, blends well with the power output, and the underbody mechanisms that the engineers work for. In a nutshell, the 2024 Subaru Forester rides well and is not shadier like some of the upper-class SUVs.

2024 Subaru Forester Braking Performance

Coming with a curb weight of over 3000 pounds, the 2024 Subaru Forester is an averagely heavy crossover that is mechanized with 4-wheel disc brakes, coupled with other braking aids. With 11.6” ventilated discs at the front and 11.2” standard disc brakes on the rear, the ‘24 Forester takes only the required time to come to a complete stop. So that while braking, the crossover does not lose focus, a stabilizer bar has been given at both front and rear, while brake actuated limited slip-differential is there also. Every trim is armed with the antilock braking system, brake assist, and automatic braking. Reverse auto braking is also available as an option for some trims. Together these systems manage to stop the 2024 Forester at 125 ft from 60 mph.

Model	2024 Subaru Forester	2024 Honda CR-V	2024 Mazda CX-5	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Front Brake Rotors (in.)	11.6	12.3	11.7	13.4
Rear Brake Rotors (in.)	11.2	12.2	11.9	11.8
Curb Weights (lbs)	3,454	3472	3728	3728
60-0 (ft.)	123	118	120	121

The 2024 Subaru Forester is the lightest among all the mentioned crossovers, followed by CR-V, CX-5, and Tiguan. Just as the weight suggests, the other crossovers too, are equipped with similarly sized rotors that make the perfect proportion to the body weight. If the weight-to-brake size ratio is considered, then the CR-V seems to be better equipped with 12.3” brakes at the front and 12.2” discs at the rear. Compared to that, the other vehicles, the Tiguan and the CX-5 could be mechanized with bigger rotors. With a curb weight of 3728 pounds each, Mazda CX-5 features 11.7” and 11.9” of brakes on all 4 wheels, while the same for the Tiguan is 13.4” and 11.8”, making the VW stop at 121 ft. The 2024 Honda CR-V covers the least distance to come to the true value of zero, while the Mazda CX-5 2024 edition covers 120 ft. In a nutshell, the Forester covers the most distance, making it one of the poorly braked crossovers in the segment.

The 2024 Subaru Forester is decently fuel efficient. Neither it’s good, nor bad. It’s just average. The 2024 Forester can cruise 33 miles on a gallon, while in the city, the crossover can run for 26 miles. Equipped with a 16.6-gallon fuel tank, the 2024 Forester can run 481.4 miles with combined driving, while at most 547.8 miles can be covered at most, in one go. However, it’s always necessary to go along with these figures. Many a time, we have seen, heard, and experienced better economy than the EPA listed figures, on other cars. Just drive mindfully, and maybe you can also be the one to attain such results.

Model	2024 Subaru Forester	2024 Honda CR-V	2024 Mazda CX-5	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
MPG (city)	26	28	24	24
MPG (highway)	33	34	30	31
MPG (combined)	29	30	26	27
Fuel capacity (gallons)	16.6	14	15.3	15.3
Range (miles)	431.6/547.8/481.4	392/476/420	367.2/459/397.8	367.2/474.3/413.1

Packing a set of powerful engines under the hood, the Tiguan and Mazda CX-5 both turn to be less efficient than the Forester. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V, which makes the most power with its turbocharged 1.5L, returns better economy than the same. Equipped with a 14-gallon fuel tank, the 2024 CR-V can run for 476 miles at most, however, if per gallon economy is counted, then the Honda sits on top with a mpg rating of 28/34/30. Both Tiguan and CX-5 come with the same-sized fuel tanks, but in terms of overall efficiency and range, the VW scores better. Compared to Forester, the CR-V is more efficient, and the range deficiency could be improved with a larger tank.

The 2024 Subaru Forester is a spacious crossover, crafted with quality materials, in most areas, while at some patches, the quality of material can be improved. Capable of seating up to 5 people, the seats, whether manual or power-adjustable, are cushioned and made with quality materials. On the upper trims, leather seats have been given, but the clothed upholstery of the base trims is good too, providing good comfort. Lots of amenities are available inside for a convenient journey, and although, the base trim is in dearth of electronics, for convenience, and enjoyment, Subaru has equipped some amenities and features there too. However, since the Premium trim, the Forester appears to be well-equipped with all the necessary specs. 

Model	2024 Subaru Forester	2024 Honda CR-V	2024 Mazda CX-5	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	7
First Row (Head/leg/shoulder room) (inch)	41.2/ 43.3/ 58.1	40/ 41.3/ 57.9	39.7/ 41/ 57.1	39.6/ 40.2/ 57
Second Row (Head/leg/shoulder room) (inch)	39.6/ 39.4/ 57.2	38.2/ 41/ 55.9	39/ 39.6/ 54.8	39.1/ 36.6/ 55.9
Cargo Area - till 3rd row (cu.ft.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	12
Cargo Area - till 2nd row (cu.ft.)	28.9	39.3	29.1	33
Cargo Area - till 1st row (cu.ft.)	74	76.5	59.3	65.3

The 2024 Forester, as the data informs, is spacious than all of its competitors, on the first row. Enough headroom is there, with adequate space to stretch on either side. The CX-5 and the Tiguan are the least stretchable as there is not enough legroom and shoulder room. coming to the 2nd row, the Tiguan seems to be cramped with the least amount of legroom, while on other sections, Forester rules. The Honda CR-V provides the best 2nd-row legroom, with lots of space. Only the Tiguan among the quad is a 7-seater, thus for large families, there is no better option, which is loaded with features, and lets you experience the best driving experience in the budget.

Coming to the cargo area, the 2023 VW Tiguan provides 12 cubic ft of space behind the 3rd row, and 65.3 ft.3 of area with both 2nd and 3rd row down. Among all, the CR-V makes the best offer, while Forester is not far behind with 74 cubic ft of area overall and 28.9 cubic ft of the standard luggage area. For an organized drive, grocery bags and tie-down hooks have been given in the cargo area.

• Overhead console with dual LED map lights and sunglasses storage
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system
• Power front bucket seats with multi-level heating functionality
• Cargo-area grocery bag and tie-down hooks
• Reclining rear seatbacks
• Power panoramic moonroof

Infotainment System of the 2024 Subaru Forester

In this tech-connected world, we can’t move an inch, then how come a car can take you to the destination? Sounds logical, right? With the 2024 Subaru Forester, every destination appears closer and easy. Whatever the car is, it’s always equipped with the Subaru Starlink multimedia system, and the Forester is no exception. The crossover mounts a 6.5” touchscreen with the Starlink multimedia system including the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is there for music and calls, and to enjoy all the classy songs, the base Forester offers a 4-speaker sound system as standard. All the said features are standard on the base model and are also equipped with a USB port at the front console. For a better experience, you can get either the Touring trim, equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen with Starlink Navigation, and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon music system, or the specs you can get as optional too. In a nutshell, the 2024 Subaru is a loaded crossover with all the required features, from the base trim.

• 9-speaker Harman Kardon music system and a 576-watt-equivalent Harman Kardon amplifier 
• 8-inch touchscreen with Starlink Navigation
• Keyless access with push-button access and pin code access
• Dual front USB input ports
• Dual rear USB charging ports
• Fold-down rear armrest with dual cup holders

Similar to every other Subarus, the 2024 Forester to looks quite good, with black cladding at crucial areas. Most Foresters are mechanized with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, with LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) installed as standard. Base or top, all Foresters come with fog lights, however, the top trims feature LED fog lights, while for others, halogen ones are allotted. A few trims are also equipped with roof rails. Among all 6 trims, the Forester Wilderness appears a bit different with hexagon-style headlights and fog lights, 17-inch 99T all-terrain tires, a matte-black hood decal designed to fight glare from the sun, and many more. And all these ornaments suit as this particular trim is built for off-roading, and the exterior specs come in handy in those situations. Talking about other features, the Forester 2024 also features a power rear gate with automatic close, however, this feature is only available with the top 2 trims.

Model	2024 Subaru Forester	2024 Honda CR-V	2024 Mazda CX-5	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,454	3472	3728	3728
Length (inch)	182.7	184.8	180.1	186.1
Width w/ mirrors (inch)	81.1	77.4	83.3	83.3
Height (inch)	68.1	66.2	66.1	66.4
Wheelbase (inch)	105.1	106.3	106.2	109.9
Ground Clearance (inch)	8.7	7.8	7.9	7.4

Neither the 2024 Forester is the longest among the quad, nor the widest, which means the Forester is meant to provide less space inside. However, the interior section says a different story. Compared to others, the all-new Forester is taller, providing the best headroom. The VW Tiguan tops the list regarding the wheelbase, however, that is evident being a 7-seater. Among the 5-seaters, the CR-V comes with a longer wheelbase, and in the interior section, we have found that the same also provides better legroom in the 2nd row. For an enhanced off-road capability, the 2024 Forester sits taller than others, and the Wilderness trim provides a 9.2-inch ground clearance.

• Body-color folding side mirrors w/ integrated turn signals
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED fog lights
• Power rear gate with automatic close
• Raised roof rails

Without proper safety, all these features, and mechanisms are meaningless. Similar to yesteryears, the 2024 Forester also is solidly built. Armed with multiple safety features, which come standard in almost every trim, the Forester is a fairly safe and sound crossover that you can choose eyes closed. Armed with 7 airbags, adaptive cruise control, 4-wheel ABS, VDC, brake assist, brake override system, and traction control system, the 2024 Forester is quite safe to take on adventures. Apart from the mentioned features, the Forester 2024 edition is also equipped with the followings:

• EyeSight driver sight technology
• DriverFocus distraction mitigation system
• Blind spot detection with RCTA and lane change assist
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point seatbelts
• Rearview camera

2024 Subaru Forester Vs. 2024 Honda CR-V

The 2024 Subaru Forester and the 2024 Honda CR-V, both offer practicality and versatility. Contending in the compact SUV segment, the 2024 CR-V is one of the best cars available that not only delivers a good performance, coupled with a spacious interior but also is known for its reliability, as we find in other JDM cars. If refined ride and fuel-efficient engines are the priorities, then the Honda CR-V has the upper hand over the Subaru Forester. However, the 2024 Forester is not as bad as portrayed. Known for its standard all-wheel-drive configuration, coupled with multiple traction and stability system, the Forester is loaded too, and the best thing is that most mechanical components and systems are standard from the base trim. If adventure and space are something you crave, go with the 2024 Forester. It won’t deceive you.

2024 Subaru Forester Vs. 2024 Mazda CX-5

While both are great products in the segment, the 2024 Mazda CX-5, as always, is positioned as an affordable luxury. The engine is punchy and good to drive, and with a top speed of 130 mph, the compact SUV can sprint to 60 in just 7.2 seconds, around 0.8 seconds faster than the Forester. The interior is quite luxurious for the price, not like the regular interior as we find in the Forester. In short, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 provides a premium driving experience. With its sleek design and sporty handling, the CX-5 appeals to those seeking a more dynamic and enjoyable ride on city roads and highways. However, the CX-5 is configured with FWD as standard, and AWD is available as optional, unlike Forester. When there are shady situations, then it’s always better to be equipped mechanically, and the Forester with its AWD and other mechanical prowess, is always ready to take over the challenges, while CX-5 has to think twice before attempting to do the same.

2024 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 VW Tiguan is one of the best compact SUVs out there that really shines in terms of driving dynamics, and a memorable driving experience. Although the power is not that much, neither it sprints faster than anyone else, if we talk about the handling and ride quality in the long run, the 2023 Tiguan has definitely proven itself to the other German counterparts. While all other SUVs will fade away after 5-6 years or so, due to the simple, minimalist design, the Tiguan always stands out of the crowd. However, although everything is fine with the Tiguan, there are some aspects where Forester is better than the same any day. The Forester is more versatile than any of the competitors, and when it comes to adventure, the luxury features inside don't matter, rather what matter is the comfort, versatility, and proper functional features. The 2024 Forester is more spacious than the same too, making the ride more relaxed.

The 2024 Subaru Forester is a good crossover that makes adequate power to run over the roads, paths, and terrains. Coupled with multiple mechanisms, to move the vehicle smoothly over almost anything, the Forester is not only family-friendly but also is capable of some tough adventures that we seek at some point. If you are planning for a long trip around the USA, the Forester is a perfect choice, due to being versatile, reliable, and spacious. 

Compared to most of its competitors, Subaru has focused more on ride quality and the ultimate comfort, with relaxed seats, and convenient features, coupled with the mechanical prowess. However, where it lacks is the high NVH level that at times is very irritating, and Subaru should work on the dull acceleration. It’s extremely boring. Other than these, there are no other issues to focus on. In a nutshell, the 2024 Forester is a well-balanced compact SUV that you can invest in eyes closed.