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Subaru Forester 2.0 XT (A) Facelift Review

Here are the steps to get your driving license in Singapore


This is an old car model that is no longer for sale by the local distributor since Feb 2019.
Editor Review
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Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Premium 7-seater (A) vs Subaru Forester 2.0i-L (A)
29 Dec 2014  |  Nissan Reviews
These two Japanese compact SUVs battle it out to see which one drives away with the spoils.
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   Consumer Reviews of Subaru Forester
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4.0
 
48 Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
4.0 Reliability
4.0
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Handling
4.0 Features
4.0
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Exterior Styling
4.0 Interior Design
3.5
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Value for money
4.5 Engine Performance
4.5

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Photek1977
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
3 forum posts Joined on 04-Sep-2006
Most bang for buck turbo AWD SUV  Posted on 18 Jun 2023
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Review
Forester XT is a spacious, reliable and powerful turbo charged SUV. It caters to any sporty individual who needs space for their bike etc as well as small families too. It is probably the most bang for buck car, in terms of power to price ratio lol.


Siangeetan
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 31-Aug-2010
Subaru Forester SJ  Posted on 13 Apr 2023
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
A comfortable ride, an elevated seating position, standard all-wheel drive, and available state-of-the-art safety technology provide Subaru's compact crossover with the characteristics sought by customers shopping this class.

What I like
Design - 8
Practicality - 8
Price and features - 8.5
Under the bonnet - 8
Efficiency - 8
Driving - 9
Safety - 9

What I do not like
The quality of the aircon can be better.


Siangeetan
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 31-Aug-2010
Subaru Forester SJ  Posted on 12 Apr 2023
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
A comfortable ride, an elevated seating position, standard all-wheel drive, and available state-of-the-art safety technology provide Subaru's compact crossover with the characteristics sought by customers shopping this class.

What I like
Design - 7.5
Practicality - 8
Price and features - 8.5
Under the bonnet - 8
Efficiency - 8
Driving - 9
Safety - 9

What I do not like
The quality of the aircon can be better.


Stratovarius
Turbocharged
2 reviews
11,808 points
5179 forum posts Joined on 07-Oct-2009
VFM suv  Posted on 24 Apr 2022
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Driving the xt since 2017. No regrets. With the features and performance, it's hard to find a replacement at around the same price.

What I like
Boxy looks, spacious interior, all wheel drive and the Garett turbo.

What I do not like
Steering wheel leather peels like someone with leprosy. Wear and tear for some parts is too fast, cvt is not too bad but could be better if tuned to the same as the auto wrx.


Ah_tse
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 12-Mar-2007
Powerful and Comfortable SUV  Posted on 06 Apr 2022
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Review
Had the Forester XT for 5years now, and everyday has been a joy so far... Apart from some wear/tear, bearing and aircon issues, had no major problem with the car...

Kids love the car as well, spacious back seats and boot space

Fully functional car and pricewise best in its category for all the features and power output

Handling is good, buttery smooth power transition and

Dislike will only be the petrol prices now....

AND discontinuing the turbo model :(


Photek1977
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
3 forum posts Joined on 04-Sep-2006
All Rounder Forester  Posted on 05 Apr 2022
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Review
Spacious interior with sufficient 200 plus horsepower at your disposal. Overall pretty reliable with no major issues.
Highly recommended for the price as well!


jevangoh
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 26-Apr-2014
Value for money SUV  Posted on 05 Apr 2022
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Review
Excellent drive, value for money, family car with enough power to get you anywhere.


Armstrong902
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 08-Feb-2013
Most value-for-money car I've owned!  Posted on 01 Apr 2022
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Pros: Reliable, powerful, nice control. Reasonable fuel consumption. Electrically adjustable seats.
Cons: Interior design too simple.

What I like
Everything except for interior

What I do not like
Interior design


Aikboon
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
5 points
2 forum posts Joined on 07-Jan-2007
Very good handling and reliable car  Posted on 01 Apr 2022
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Owned this car for 4 years. Car is very reliable and handling is great. Much more confident in going through puddle water during rainy days and cornering. Fuel consumption is around 11km/litre, considered good for a 2Litre car.

What I like
AWD, Sunroof, Spacious interior

What I do not like
Head unit is too basic. Not a big issue, changed to after market head unit.


JeanYoh
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 01-Apr-2022
Excellent Spacious Ride (SUBARU/FORESTER 2.0 XT CVT AWD SR)  Posted on 01 Apr 2022
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Excellent drive and sturdy, with great view of the road in this SUV. Terrific, exhilarating and exciting ride every time. Easy to park with perfect turning circle. Overall, a reliable and excellent choice for SUV on the road. The interior of the car is extremely spacious with more than enough legroom for everyone. This is a very comfortable ride compared to a previous version that I used to own.

Strongly recommend the Forester for those looking for a power-packed SUV.

What I like
It is extremely powerful, and very sturdy on the road. I like the wide view that it presents. The interior is considered luxurious for an SUV. I like the internal space, not to mention the boot space it affords.

What I do not like
There is nothing I do not like about the car.


Arondight
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 08-Feb-2019
If you bought the naturally aspirated version you've bought the wrong Forester.  Posted on 07 Feb 2019
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Review after almost 3 years of ownership of my Forester XT. Changing to this after my FD2R took me awhile to get used to. I insisted on getting the boosted XT version to keep some semblance of "Performance".

I've also tested the naturally aspirated (NA) version of this car and its a car you drive with a long face :( there's nothing special about it.

The vehicle is quite well specced with a powered rear lift gate, keyless entry, integrated sat-nav, Harman Kardon infotainment system, motorized sunroof and front seats, dual zone climate control and even the hood is on dampers so you don't have to lift/prop it up.

Its great fun to drive especially when driving up north, its got the best 'power to $$' ratio of its segment. The engine is quite punchy especially if you're stepping on it enough that the turbo can generate boost, the CVT transmission keeps the power delivery smooth and constant although its a tad retarded and underwhelming at times. The Forester XT will easily run till 230km/h, but do invest in a good engine oil cooler to keep those temps down.

Ride quality is really comfortable though it could have been improved with a firmer suspension setup.Sound insulation is adequate for Singapore roads due to our speed limits and more crowding but road noise gets more noticeable when you drive up north on road trips.

The styling both inside and out could be seen as plain but its non-offensive and you could say its 'evergreen' as it'll still look good even after it's next generation goes on sale. IMHO I feel the SJ generation Forester still looks better than the new 2019 SK Generation ones.

What I like
- The boosted flat 4 engine

- Best 'Power to $$' ratio making it the odd ball out of all the SUVs in its price/size segment.

- One of the few SUVs at this price point with AWD. (whats the point of an SUV without AWD?! I could've bought a saloon or an estate)

- Well speced for its price

- Comfortable ride quality

- Great all round visability

- Boot space that can swallow up groceries, large items from Ikea and even more if you fold the rear seats down.

What I do not like
- I wish it had a 5AT or 6AT gearbox, the CVT is a tad underwhelming at times and its 0-60 times would probably be quicker with a conventional AT or manual.

- Fuel consumption isn't the best, but I don't care as its a boosted SUV, that power and practicality comes at a cost (which I can very well afford).

- Noticeable wind and road noise at >180km/h

- Powered lift gate opening/closing could be a tad quicker.


Fordred
1st Gear
2 reviews
88 points
68 forum posts Joined on 01-Jul-2014
Great drive. AWD makes the difference (FNA)  Posted on 07 Feb 2019
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
The Forester's drive is very engaging. I stretched my budget from a Korean 1.6 sedan got a FNA for 89k+ and it was worth it.
AWD and boxer makes a difference. The forester seriously corners like a sedan and is very agile for it's size.
Turning radius is comparable as well.
Engine is powerful even for the FNA. Can overtake on expressway easily.
Sound proofing is superb, makes for a quiet drive.
FC is decent as well. 10 to 12km/h depending on mood and route.

Can't comment about reliability yet as have only owned the car for less than 2 months.

What I like
Big interior space, big boot, 7 air bags, huge sunroof, very engaging drive.

What I do not like
No rear air con.


OnceInALifeTime
2nd Gear
2 reviews
211 points
472 forum posts Joined on 09-Apr-2018
A vehicle which is meant to be driven...  Posted on 08 Jan 2019
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
The Forester XT is a reasonably powered vehicle for the roads. Although, there is no jet thrust feel during acceleration and when the turbo kicks in. It is quick and nimble. The direct injection turbo and the cvt is quite perfect for Singapore roads, where is it smooth enough without much lag. At the same time fast enough when the power is summoned through the accelerator to speed up the wheels! It might not be the most stylist SUV, might not have the most features, gadgets and best trim in the cabin. But it is certainly one vehicle that is very nice to drive. In fact, will be pleasantly surprised...

What I like
FA20 DIT Engine
Lineartronic CVT
AWD and it allows it to drive like a sedan
Height of the vehicle

What I do not like
It lacks options from the distributor. Hence, making it almost very basic.


Sakurecca
Clutched
5 reviews
15 points
5 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Reliable Value Worthy SUV (FNA)  Posted on 03 Aug 2018
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
First timer in upgrading to a SUV, and glad that I invested in Subaru. The drive was engaging, and sound insulation was there. Fuel consumption wise so far seems to be right as paper. Though there was no rear aircon but for a 5-seater SUV, the front air-con cool down the vehicle nonetheless effectively. The only downside is expectedly, the start-up is slow but as soon as you pick up speed, it is fine to me.

What I like
The rugged exterior look
The roof rails and sunroof
The height and size worthy of a SUV
The FC

What I do not like
The start up
The infotainment system


Lmy102
Neutral Newbie
5 reviews
0 points
1 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Most Powerful car I have owned  Posted on 15 Feb 2018
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 2.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
After owning the Subaru Forester 2.0XT for more than 3 years, I have come to term with it and master the car's performance. I read about a number of owners complaining about this car. The exterior is not nice and could not match with other brands in the market, be it look or quality or the workmanship. Subaru, I know recently had tried to improve, but this is after a long time.
It takes time to get use to this car.I think the servicing and the kind of engine oil does play a part with our mileage. My guarantee period expired recently, so I took it to a friends workshop to get it serviced. After all the necessary filter and oil change out, my car is now averaging about 11-12 kilometers per litre. I use a better quality oil. I find that the engine performs smoother and get slightly better mileage. The car gives me a lot of pleasure especially driving it up country many times over the last 3.5 years. I read the reviews of owners of other brands, but Subaru, I find more compliments than complaints. Motor Image the local distributor can do better perhaps better quality engine oil during our service. We have a good car here but it must use the best engine oil so that we can get better performance and mileage out of it.

What I like
I like The turbo engine, but the CVT gear box does not bolder me much. I use a lot of paddle shift when I drive, giving me control over the car.
When driving at high speed, do not depend of the D mode as it can be very difficult to control the car in an emergency braking situation. Instead, use the manual mode and control the car speed with the paddle shift. When driving with the manual mode and paddle shift, the Forester 2.0XT does not jerk so much and the ride is smother. Of course in a tight traffic situation, the D mode or auto mode is unavoidable.when using GPS like Garmin and so on, it is best not to activate features such as speed warning or lane departing features, it will interfere with your driving.

What I do not like
The latest models in the show room has displayed better quality features but one should wait for the 2018, Forester to arrive if buying. The current models are only face lifted models of the 2014 models.
I have no dislike for this car although I think the body design should have been better a few years back.
I believe it is still the best performing SUV in terms of power and is sufficiently comfortable.

Subaru Forester
4 stars - based on 48 reviews