If we look back in time, the Japanese domestic market (JDM) has always gotten the cool stuff. A case in point is the new Forester variant.
For Subie heads, surely you’ll remember that the Subaru Forester did have the XT spec, which came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Since 2018 however, an engine like the aforementioned has disappeared from Forester’s lineup of engine options.
Apart from its turbocharged engine, this new Forester variant looks sportier as well
Subaru however, recently introduced the Forester Sport 1.8-liter turbo version to the Japanese market. It’s much more powerful than the Philippine-spec versions, and it also bears a few unique designs features both inside and out.
Starting with the exterior, the new Forester Sport bears the same shape and roofline as the global models. There are, however, several features that differentiate it from its naturally aspirated brothers.
Upfront, this new Forester comes with a blacked-out grille, as well as grey colored rocker panels and side mirrors. From the sides, it also gets a black colored set of 18-inch wheels.
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Note the dual-exhausts
The most notable exterior feature of the Subaru Forester Sport, however, is found on its rear. Unlike the regular non-turbo Forester, this new one comes with a dual-exhaust setup. This feature isn’t only for show, as it might provide a throatier sound as well.
Inside, the Forester Sport 1.8-liter Turbo gets its own specific instrument cluster. Also notable are its aluminum pedals, as well as the silver stitching on its leather and suede-covered seats and surfaces.
The Subaru Forester Sport Turbo gets a fancier interior too
However, the most notable highlight of this new Forester Sport variant is its 1.8-liter turbocharged CB18 boxer-four gasoline engine, which is the same mill found on the new Levorg.
This turbo boxer-four can make up to 177 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Power is sent to a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system via a continuously variable transmission.
>>> Related: 2020 Subaru Forester GT Edition Review | Philkotse Philippines
The all-new Subaru Forester Sport Turbo
Obviously, the 1.8-liter turbo is not a direct replacement of the old 2.0-liter boxer which was capable of making 250 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. In comparison, the current Philippine-spec Forester’s 2.0-liter makes 154 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque. That’s 21 horsepower less than the JDM Forester Turbo’s output.
Is the new Forester 1.8 Turbo a return to form for the model? Also, would you want a turbocharged Forester for the Philippine market?
For more automotive news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Subaru Forester 2024
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 2025 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2025 Price List
Let's check out the Subaru Forester 2025 price 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 2025 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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