The Forester’s New Platform is a Game-Changer

A New Era for the Subaru Forester SUV

This isn’t just an update. It’s a leap.

The new Subaru Forester enters the scene with more than a facelift. Underneath its bold design lies the heartbeat of a smarter, smoother, more capable SUV. It’s the kind of progression that doesn’t just meet expectations. It rewrites them.

For over 50 years, Subaru has built its reputation on intelligent engineering, rugged reliability, and a quiet obsession with safety. With this new generation, that legacy doesn’t just continue. It accelerates. The all-new platform redefines what it means to feel at home on any road, no matter where it leads.

This is your Forester, reimagined for a smarter world.

What’s New Underneath? Meet the Subaru Global Platform

Think of the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) as the masterstroke. It’s the foundational structure that every next-gen Forester is built on. And it’s not just about what you can see or touch. It’s about how the vehicle responds, reacts, and protects.

What makes it special?

Better ride quality. Stronger safety performance. Sharper handling. The SGP has been engineered to handle life as it happens, whether you’re dodging potholes in Gauteng or cruising the bends of Chapman’s Peak.

• Chassis and frame rigidity are up. That means fewer vibrations, more stability, and a smoother drive.
• Impact absorption is enhanced. So if the unexpected happens, your Forester is ready to take the hit, not you.
• And with a lower centre of gravity, you get tighter handling and reduced body roll through corners.

Smoother Roads, More Refined Rides

Get inside, buckle up, and you’ll feel it within seconds.

Thanks to advanced suspension tuning and thoughtful weight distribution, the Forester absorbs road imperfections like a pro. Whether you’re cruising city streets or traversing gravel, the comfort never dips. Subaru has also worked hard to minimise noise, vibration, and harshness. So conversations stay clear, podcasts uninterrupted, and little ones asleep in the back.

Of course, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive remains standard across the range. Because when the weather turns or the road disappears under muddy tracks, it’s nice knowing you’re not alone.

This SUV feels just as composed in the suburbs as it does on a weekend away at the Berg.

Built-In Safety That Starts From the Ground Up

Safety isn’t an afterthought. It’s engineered into every panel, bolt, and beam.

The new platform improves crash energy dispersion and features more strategically placed crumple zones. This makes the Forester not just tougher, but smarter in how it protects you.

Then there’s Subaru EyeSight®, the driver assist suite that watches the road with you. Integrated into the platform, it enhances adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. This system doesn’t just alert you. It acts with you.

Tech Meets Terrain: Grip and Grace Combined

Steering in the new Forester feels crisp and connected. Thanks to the platform’s updated geometry, cornering is more precise and the drive more intuitive.

And when the road gets gnarly? That’s where X-Mode comes in. Deep sand. Loose gravel. Wet, rutted paths. X-Mode adjusts throttle, torque, and traction to suit the surface. It’s all beautifully synced with the platform for even better control in off-road situations.

This SUV was built for South Africa’s mix of smooth tarmac and untamed terrain. And it shows.

Spacious Inside, Sleek Outside

You don’t need to be an engineer to appreciate the interior gains. The platform allows for a wider stance, which translates into more shoulder room, boot space, and legroom — without making the vehicle feel oversized.

The cabin’s also quieter, thanks to reduced vibrations and better insulation. This makes for a more relaxing drive, whether you’re commuting or road-tripping.

Everything inside is designed with families in mind. From the easy-access seating to thoughtful Isofix placements and clever cargo design, this is practicality done with style.

Subaru’s Competitive Edge in the SUV Game

The Forester now stands on a platform that’s ready for what comes next. From urban commutes to bushveld getaways, it offers a driving experience that’s more refined, more capable, and more confident than ever before.

And when you stack it up against competitors, the difference is clear. Subaru leads in core pillars like all-wheel drive, safety, reliability, and long-term value. In a market full of pretenders, the Forester feels like the real thing.

Take a deeper dive into all things Subaru over at the Subaru Magazine or explore the latest lineup at Subaru South Africa.

Curious About the Details? Here’s What You Should Know

What makes the new Subaru Forester’s platform different?
It’s more rigid, safer, and offers better ride quality thanks to the new Subaru Global Platform. That means fewer jolts, more comfort, and a smarter structure underneath.

Will I actually feel the difference when driving?
Drivers will notice smoother handling, less noise, and better stability across all types of roads.

Does this platform improve safety?
Enhanced crash protection and smarter driver assist tech mean the Forester keeps up its reputation for high safety ratings.

What does this mean for off-road performance?
The combination of a tougher chassis and advanced X-Mode means the Forester can take on tough terrain without breaking a sweat.

Is the new Forester more spacious?
It is. A wider stance and better interior packaging mean more room for passengers and gear — ideal for growing families.

Ready for the Road Ahead?

The new platform isn’t just about today. It’s Subaru’s promise for tomorrow. More control. More comfort. More capability. The Forester isn’t just evolving. It’s leading the way.

If you’re ready to experience it for yourself, book your test drive right here and feel what a smarter SUV really drives like.