Most Improved Car of the Year
Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid
The Subaru Forester retains a strong and adventure-ready stance with this iteration but now comes with a fully hybrid drivetrain. Bestowing this Forester with more power than previous iterations, this drivetrain makes the SUV more effortless to pilot than before. Pair this with the retained spaciousness that Foresters have always been renown for and its hard to not see this SUV as a serious contender for segment honours.
Special Features
Reviews
 
Waited 4 months for this beauty and the high coe almost made it impossible.What a great decision to purchase Great marriage on the eboxer with AWD symmetrical. Toyota reliability and subaru performance Well done!
Read More
 
I�ve driven the Forester 2.5L Hybrid for about two months now, covering roughly 2,000 km. As someone who previously owned the SK-generation Forester, the difference is noticeable. The hybrid setup makes the car feel smoother and more relaxed in daily traffic. It isn�t as zippy as the older model, but it excels in day-to-day drivability � especially around town, where the electric assist makes creeping in traffic feel more effortless.In terms of fuel economy, I averaged around 710 km over three tanks. This is quite far from the �1,000 km per tank� figure that�s often mentioned, so that was disappointing. In real Singapore conditions, with mixed city and expressway driving, 700+ km seems more realistic.Inside, the car feels familiar but more refined. The seats are comfortable on long drives, visibility is still one of the Forester�s strongest points, and the cabin has a solid, functional feel. The infotainment system is responsive enough, and the air-con handles our weather without breaking a sweat. As an audiophile, the sound system surprised me � it�s genuinely better than what most mainstream SUVs offer, even without aftermarket upgrades.Parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces is where the car shines. Despite being an SUV, it�s easy to judge, and parallel parking is straightforward. There are a lot of electronic settings and driver-assistance features, which can feel overwhelming at the start, but once everything is set to your preference, you don�t really think about them anymore. Overall, the hybrid Forester still carries the same �confidence in all conditions� personality that Subaru is known for � just without the stronger punch of the older petrol-only versions.
Read More
Verdict
The Subaru Forester earns the title of Most Improved Car of the Year for good reason — it represents a remarkable evolution of a beloved SUV, addressing long-standing criticisms while elevating what makes the Forester great.

Key to that evolution is the brand's first-ever full-hybrid system. While still utilising a Boxer engine, the integration of the hybrid system is both effective and seamless. Hybridisation brings obvious fuel efficiency benefits, but there are also notable improvements in both performance and refinement. The Forester feels more urgent especially in the low-end, while the improved Lineartronic CVT is feels less elastic and has less of a typical CVT drone. And pleasingly, the buttery feeling of the Boxer engine (and accompanying soundtrack) still persists.

The Forester has gets a more refined exterior shell, while still retaining its rugged identity. The smaller headlights and sleek DRLs lend it a more sophisticated look.

Inside, the Forester's cabin has also seen thoughtful upgrades. Materials feel more premium, fit and finish have been sharpened, and tech features are more intuitive and generous. Thankfully, overall usability remains high, thanks to sensibly arranged controls and a user friendly digital interface.

Practicality, always a Forester strength, hasn't been compromised. Boot space remains generous, rear seating is comfortable, and the elevated driving position continues to provide excellent visibility — traits that Singaporean drivers appreciate for both daily use and family outings.

But it ultimately will come back to that new drivetrain. It very tangibly elevates the particular Forester experience in ways that feel only additive. The improvements in performance, refinement and efficiency mark a significant improvement for the model, and makes it our Most Improved Car of the Year.