Subaru Forester Generations
First introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995 as the Subaru answer to the crossover market, the Forester has become an SUV that contends with the best for over 20 years. It became available to the public in 1997 and ever since has become known as a one of the most stylish, all-wheel drive, durable and innovative SUV’s on the market.
Let’s take a look at the Forester over its generations so far and look at the Subaru Forester model comparison currently available too.
Subaru Forester Model Comparison
Subaru Forester History
Looking at the Subaru Forester generations, is like reading a coming of age story. The first-generation Forester hit the proverbial shelves in 1997 and impressed car lovers and critics alike until 20022 when the second-generation Forester was created in 2002. The 2003 model added refinements to the weight of the car as well as offering a new, improved 2.5l version of the car. The 2008 Forester became the third-generation Forester which was release in Japan on Christmas Day 2007 and it included more boot space and moved away from its once traditional design to the crossover SUV design we’re more accustomed to today.
2012 saw the fourth-generation Forester being born and the 2019 Subaru Forester was launched at the New York International Auto Show in 2018 and includes the systems we love like the Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system, X-mode and Hill Assist systems.
Many ask what year Subaru Forester is the best? Our answer is all of them! Each generation had its own unique set of offerings that were ahead of their time. Car enthusiasts will often say the original generation of car is the best but others prefer later generations for the advancements in driver systems that exist.
Difference between Forester models
Currently there are three different Subaru Forester models, namely; the 2.0i CVT model, 2.0i-L ES CVT model and the 2.0i-S ES CVT model.
Take a look at the shortened comparison table between the three models:
| 2.0i CVT | 2.0i-L ES CVT | 2.0i-S ES CVT | |
| Steering Responsive Headlights | No | Yes | Yes |
| Double Volume Power Sliding Sunroof | No | No | Yes |
| 60/40 split folding rear seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Screen Display | 6.5-inch | 8.0-inch | 8.0-inch |
| EyeSight Driver Assist System (Pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management etc) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 7 x SRS Airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control System | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| X-mode with Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Consumption (litres/100km) | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| Price | R476 000 | R517 000 | R552 000 |
Which Subaru Forester model to buy?
We’ve just chosen a few specs to compare and as you can see the 2.0i CVT is the standard, entry level Forester which offers a huge amount of bang for its buck. However, if you’re wondering which Subaru Forester model is best, then you’d have to look at the 2.0i-L ES CVT or the 2.0i-S ES CVT models in more detail as they offer the top of the range when it comes to features and specs available.
The 2020 Subaru Forester
Where to buy a Subaru Forester?
Like what you’ve read about the Subaru Forester’s history and the current 2019 models available. Find your nearest dealer today and find out more about the Forester model in your price range. Find a Dealership now
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