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We get to grips with the very capable Subaru Forester, now in its sixth generation…

Subaru is still something of a hidden gem in the UK. Elsewhere, in countries such as the US and Australia, the Japanese company’s cars are more appreciated and sell in much bigger numbers.

The brand’s capable 4x4s are renowned for their durability and owners are intensely loyal, holding onto their cars for longer than any rivals.

Nevertheless, here in Britain, buying a Subaru is still seen as a left-field choice – and the range-topping Forester is a prime example.

Since it was first launched in 1997, more than five million Foresters have been sold globally and it’s the third biggest-selling Subaru model in Europe.

Now in its sixth generation, the family-sized SUV has been treated to a makeover inside and out, and a technology upgrade.

Only available as a mild-hybrid and permanent all-wheel drive, it’s powered by the same 2.0-litre ‘e-boxer’ petrol engine as before (power reduced from 148bhp to 134bhp), and again is paired with a tiny battery and electric motor.

Subaru claims the engine features “24 technical improvements”. Unfortunately, this hasn’t translated into a much-needed economy boost.

The Mk5 managed just 34.7mpg with CO2 emissions are 185g/km – the 2025 model has an official fuel consumption of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 183g/km.

In other words, it struggles up against its rivals, which include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail or Hyundai Tucson.

Priced from £39,995, Subaru has kept things simple with three trim levels, all featuring the same powertrain.

Entry-level Limited includes 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, 360-degree parking cameras, and a wireless phone charger, alongside Subaru’s comprehensive Eyesight safety suite.

Stepping up to Field trim brings extra goodies including a heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, and an integrated sat-nav with What3Words functionality.

The range-topping Touring model I tested (priced at £44,100) adds larger 19-inch wheels, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

First impressions are mixed. It’s sharper looking than its predecessor, but it’s more of an evolution of a distinctive, yet conservative design.

Inside it’s much improved and modern with an 11.6-inch central touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a refreshing mix of physical controls. While the infotainment system isn’t cutting edge, the whole set-up is much better than before.

There’s a marvellously spacious feel, with loads of leg and headroom front and back, plus a 508-litre boot capacity (expanding to 1,720 litres when the rear seats are folded).

Maybe finished more for durability than luxury, the Forester’s cabin boasts solid build quality, comfortable seats and superb visibility.

There’s a commanding view of the road from the driver’s seat, and all in all, it’s a refined driving experience as long as you keep things smooth and leisurely.

Put your foot down and the CVT automatic gearbox does its worst. Despite the artificial, or stepped, gear changes that Subaru has programmed in, the engine revs uncomfortably high making for noisy progress. It soon settles down, but getting anywhere near the claimed 0-62mph acceleration time of around 12 seconds requires serious determination.

That said, the ride is comfortable and the Forester’s suspension soaks up the worst of the bumps – it’s just not the kind of car that will put a smile on your face.

While there’s plenty of traction and it holds on pretty well in corners, the steering is numb and, ultimately, the Forester is at its best cruising along – or off-road.

Select X-Mode, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud options, to optimise the permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive for all conditions.

To say that it’s effortless on the rough stuff would be an understatement – its agility and the degree of traction available is nothing short of remarkable.

So, if you live out in the sticks like me, the Forester really is a go-anywhere vehicle, and it’s also capable of dealing with extreme weather.

For the record, the Forester has a generous 220mm of ground clearance and a confidence-inspiring 500mm wading depth. It also has an impressive towing capacity of 1,870kg.

Ultimately, the sixth-generation Subaru Forester is an improvement, but real-world MPG in the late 20s/early 30s is disappointing given the hybrid technology on tap.

Verdict: The latest Subaru Forester is a solid SUV choice. Safe, spacious, well equipped and hugely impressive off-road, it’s just a shame that it’s uninspiring to drive as an everyday car and not as efficient as some rivals.

Subaru UK