2022 Subaru Forester itching to make PH debut, now in showrooms

Updated Mar 02, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Wanna see it in the metal? Then visit your nearest Subaru dealership. 

Recently, we learned that units of the facelifted Subaru Forester for the model year 2022 are now in the Philippines. For that matter, some are already on display at select Subaru dealerships in the country.  

A picture of the 2022 Subaru Forester on a roof-top parking lot.

The updated Subaru Forester for 2022

That said, Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, is itching to launch the updated crossover. The company previously said that the refreshed 2022 Forester will officially be making its local debut at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). 

Now that MIAS is confirmed to be happening this April, there’s a high probability that Subaru PH will indeed use the event to formally launch the 2022 Forester. There, it will make an appearance together with other new Subaru models. The car brand has also previously shared the all-new BRZ will also be launched at the said event. 

To recap on this new Forester, it was initially introduced in Japan back in August 2021. Style-wise, it looks a bit more aggressive than the outgoing pre-facelift model. Then again, it also gained a degree of more refinement due to the new Subaru “Dynamic X Solid” design language. 

A picture of the side of the new Subaru Forester

The new Forester from the side

The inside of the new Forester however, looks identical to the one on the outgoing model. There are some new details though, and these come in the form of new seat variations similar to the ones from the Japanese-spec Forester. The new Forester’s seats can now be wrapped in either polyurethane, Ultrasuede, or Nappa leather. 

Under the hood, the 2022 Subaru Forester uses a 2.0-liter hybrid e-Boxer engine, or a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. The hybrid powertrain can make up to 145 horsepower and 188 Nm, while the turbocharged one can produce up to 177 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque.  

Those engine options are for the Japanese version of the facelifted Subaru Forester. So as we’ve said before, the Philippine version could most likely come with a 2.0-liter boxer engine. This is the same engine that came on the outgoing Forester, and it can produce up to 154 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque. 

Also like the previous Subaru Forester, the local version will be using a Lineartronic continuously variable gearbox, as well as Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. 

2022 Subaru Forester now in PH showrooms

The 2022 Subaru Forester is now in the Philippines

The driver-assist tech on-board the facelifted Forester was also updated, and it now has the EyeSight 4.0. It offers an updated adaptive cruise control, which now has lane centering. It also comes packaged with lane departure prevention, as well as lane departure warning. 

Lastly, the facelifted 2022 Subaru Forester will come with only one trim for the local market as of this writing. It retails at Php 2,068,000, which is the same price tag as the outgoing version. This is a plus point considering that Subaru PH didn’t adjust the price despite the new features integrated into the facelifted Forester.

On top of that, the updated Forester will be offered with an introductory price of Php 2,018,000. That’s Php 50,000 off the standard retail price. 

If you’re excited for the local launch of the new 2022 Subaru Forester, then keep it here on Philkotse

Know more about Subaru Forester 2024

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a five-seater, all-wheel-drive, compact crossover. For the Philippine market, this model has three variants. This includes the Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT, Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT, and the Forester GT Edition priced at Php 1,938,000, Php 2,168,000 and Php 2,298,000 respectively. 

Under the hood, the Philippine-spec Subaru Forester uses a 2.0-liter boxer gasoline engine. This mill can make up to 154hp and 196Nm of torque. The sole Forester variant has a lineartronic continuously variable gearbox, and all have all-wheel-drive.

Size-wise, the Forester is 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,670mm and a ground clearance of 220mm.

In the local market, the Subaru Forester competes against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, among others.

>>> New and used Subaru Forester 2024 for sale in the Philippines

 

Subaru Forester Lineup Comparison | Philkotse Reviews

 

Subaru Forester Launch

Subaru Corporation has been manufacturing this bestselling SUV since 1997. Since then, it has received various awards such as SUV of the Year and Best Car to Buy both in 2014.

Locally, the fifth-generation Subaru Forester received a refreshing update to its exterior and interior which fans and new followers love. The present model still bears the company’s former slogan “SUV tough, Car Easy.”

The Forester GT Edition was then launched at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show. 

Subaru Forester Exterior

The Subaru Forester measures 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm tall. Its fascia is highlighted with the Japanese company’s signature grilled and wide hood. LED headlamps with automatic levelers provide illumination. It is paired with a pop-up-type headlamp washer and a pair of steering-responsive headlights.

Compared to previous releases, it now boasts a slightly bigger, more beefed-up body. It is designed with character lines and nice curves exuding a hint of sophistication. At the rear, LED combination lamps with fog lamps support visibility.

Subaru Forester front view

The Subaru Forester measures 4,640mm long, 1,815mm wide, and 1,730mm tall.

 

Subaru Forester Interior

The Forester’s spacious cabin is dominated by sturdy plastic and leather in black. Drivers will enjoy the vehicle’s extensive features such as the eight-way power-adjustable seats (with memory function), telescopic steering wheel wrapped in leather, and the high-grade multi-function display. At the back, the seats are wrapped in leather and can be reclined using a one-touch folding switch. It also comes with a center armrest with two cup holders.

A dual-zone automatic air conditioning system will keep passengers comfortable. There is also a ventilation system found in the rear. The vehicle is also built with 12-volt power sockets located in the center panel and console box for recharging mobile devices.

Subaru Forester interior view

The Forester’s spacious cabin is dominated by sturdy plastic and leather in black.

Technology & Safety Features

The new Forester has an eight-inch display with a navigation system, affixed for entertainment that can be controlled using designated buttons found on the steering wheel. 

As for safety, the Subaru Forester is equipped with the latest Subaru EyeSight 4.0, offering Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Centering Function, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, among others.

In terms of standard safety features, the crossover gets SRS airbags at the front and side. Curtain and knee SRS airbags are also added for utmost safety. Each seat comes with height adjustable seat belts and ISO-FIX child seat anchors. Its rear doors come with childproof locks.

Subaru Forester front view

Platform & Chassis

The new Subaru Forester Philippines shares the same platform with its brothers, the Subaru XV and the Subaru Impreza. It is built with a retuned 4-wheel independent suspension for a smoother ride and better handling. Ventilated disc brakes assist in the vehicle's stopping on the front and back.

Subaru Forester rear view

Forester GT Edition

Subaru Forester Engine & Drivetrain

The new Subaru Forester runs using direct fuel injection, boxer-4, DOHC 16-valve engine. It is tested to produce 156 hp with a torque of 196 Nm. With this, expect consistent performance on any terrain.

Subaru Forester 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Subaru Forester 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

Variants  Price
Subaru Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT ₱1,938,000
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT ₱2,168,000
Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight GT Edition CVT ₱2,298,000

Subaru Forester FAQs

1. How much does a 2024 Subaru Forester cost?

The Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT, Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT, and the Forester GT Edition are priced at Php 1,938,000, Php 2,168,000 and Php 2,298,000, respectively. 

2. Is the Subaru Forester automatic?

The Forester is exclusively available as an automatic variant in the Philippines, or particularly as a CVT.

3. What is the ground clearance of the Subaru Forester?

The ground clearance of the Subaru Forester is 220 mm.

4. Is the Subaru Forester diesel or gas?

The Subaru Forester is gasoline-powered in the Philippine market.

5. Is the Subaru Forester a SUV car?

Yes, the Subaru Forester can accommodate up to 5 passengers in its cabin.

 

₱ 2,168,000 - ₱ 2,298,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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