Text and Photos by Monch "Monchster" Henares
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| 2024 Subaru Forester iS ES |
The 2024 Subaru Forester is a standout in the compact SUV category, particularly for its blend of practicality, safety, and rugged capability. Right off the bat, the 2.0-liter Boxer flat-four engine producing 152 HP and 200 Nm of torque, offered smooth acceleration, although it’s not the most thrilling performer. The power delivery, particularly at lower speeds, is adequate for daily driving. However, when pushing it on the highway, I noticed the engine had to work harder, with the Lineartronic 7- Speed CVT ramping up the revs to maintain higher speeds, especially on inclines. It's not built for speed but rather for dependability, and the Forester excels in making daily commutes and weekend adventures more comfortable. This engine with SI Drive technology offers a decent fuel economy of up to 14 km/l on the highway, making it one of the more efficient AWD SUVs in its class.
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| X-MODE, an intelligent system for all road conditions |
The drive itself is composed and comfortable. Subaru has tuned the suspension to soak up most road imperfections, which became obvious as I navigated through potholes and uneven surfaces. Though not a performance vehicle, the Forester handled confidently around corners, aided by its Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, which is standard on all models. The AWD provided excellent traction during a light off-road excursion, where I engaged the X-MODE for better control on loose gravel.
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| This cover behind the rearview mirror houses the unique EyeSight dual-color camera system. |
What stood out to me most was Subaru’s renowned EyeSight 4.0 Driver Assist Technology, which truly elevates the driving experience. The system integrates several advanced safety features that make navigating traffic and highways less stressful. Adaptive Cruise Control was a personal favorite—smoothly adjusting the speed based on the vehicle in front, and in stop-and-go traffic, it worked flawlessly. The Lane-Centering Control function was particularly impressive, gently nudging the car back between the lines when it detected drifting. On the highway, this was a great help in keeping the Forester well-positioned, though I found that it occasionally reacted to more subtle changes in lane curvature. These features helped the Forester earn a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the prestigious Top Safety Pick Plus award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Pre-Collision Braking System gave me extra confidence, especially in city driving. During my test, it activated once when a pedestrian unexpectedly crossed the street, warning me and priming the brakes. It didn’t overreact, but it was reassuring knowing that the system is constantly scanning for potential hazards. There’s also Lane Departure and Sway Warning, which alerted me with gentle beeps whenever I unintentionally veered out of my lane.
One feature I came to appreciate in more congested traffic was the Lead Vehicle Start Alert. This feature notifies you when the car ahead has started moving again, a helpful nudge in stop-and-go situations where attention can easily lapse.
Another aspect of the Forester’s EyeSight system that shines is its Adaptive Headlights. These headlights dip when it detects oncoming traffic as not to blind fellow motorists. It would automatically turn the high beams back on when the road is clear.
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| Front Seats offer ample cushioning and bolstering to provide support during long drives or off-road adventures. |
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| Folding Rear Seats with lots of legroom |
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Beyond safety, the 2024 Forester’s practicality is also a strong selling point. The generous 71 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded flat is a real boon for family road trips or even quick weekend getaways. The square rear tailgate makes loading large or awkward items straightforward, and thoughtful touches like tie-down hooks and underfloor storage bins add to the vehicle’s versatility. Subaru clearly had practical adventurers in mind here.
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| Subaru Forester iS ES cockpit |
Infotainment is straightforward and user-friendly, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen that supports wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offer an 11.6-inch screen and premium features like a Harman Kardon audio system and built-in navigation.
In my opinion, the 2024 Subaru Forester is a vehicle that knows its strengths—safety, comfort, practicality—and it plays to them with unwavering commitment. Sure, it might not win any races, but it will win over your trust, your passengers, and, most importantly, your cargo. So, if you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV that’s ready to venture off the beaten path without breaking a sweat, this quirky, adventure-loving workhorse might just be the ride for you.
More Photos:
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| User Registry that uses facial recognition that memorizes your seat and mirror settings and sets it for you every time you sit in the driver's seat. |
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