The Subaru Forester is no stranger to bearing the STI performance badge, with its maiden release way back in 2004 as a Japan-only model. Almost two decades later, the enhanced Forester returns again as a home market exclusive, but with the performance aspect dialed down significantly.
Subaru resurrects the Japan-only Forester STI
This is the Forester STI Sport, a limited-edition run of the compact crossover. According to Subaru, the model was unveiled “to suit the needs of customers who demand sportier and higher quality driving while being an SUV.”
The obvious difference from the standard version is the aesthetics, wearing gloss black highlights on areas such as the fog lamp housings, side sills, exterior mirrors, and bumper trim. A power tailgate hovers above the standard dual tailpipes. Red STI badges on the front and rear proclaim its status, accompanied by 18-inch alloy wheels rendered in super black high luster.
The twin tailpipes are a Forester staple
Inside, up to five occupants will likely appreciate the interior that’s clad in Nappa leather in a Black and Bordeaux red colorway, featuring red stitching and STI emblem on the headrests. Drivers get to take command of an STI Sport instrument cluster just beyond the multi-function steering wheel.
Unfortunately, where the Forester STI Sport falls painfully short of its predecessor is in the powertrain, as it still runs on the stock 1.8-liter turbocharged Boxer inline-4 rated at 175 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. No 2.5-liter turbo engine here, sorry. And no 5-speed manual either, as the lone gearbox option is a continuously variable transmission working with the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.
STI accents are also found in the cabin
Chassis-wise, Subaru justifies the STI part of the Forester STI Sport through the retuned suspension, comprising Hitachi Astemo Sensitive Frequency Response front Dampers (SFRD) as well as rear dampers, all specially tweaked by Subaru’s STI division. Subaru’s EyeSight Safety Plus suite of advanced driver-assist functions remains an available option.
Specially-tuned dampers justify the STI badge
Subaru says that the Forester STI Sport will hit Japanese showrooms sometime in the third quarter of 2022, with no pricing information disclosed.
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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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