SUBARU FORESTER Hybrid Review
Robust, roomy, and ready for anything.
Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG
Unveiling The Ride
Cars that balance practicality, reliability, and just a touch of personality are one of the more sought afters especially for families, I was tempted to get behind the wheel of the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid. I've always admired Subaru's no-nonsense approach to car-making — they don't try to be flashy, but they consistently deliver cars that feel thoughtfully engineered. I had the chance to drive the Forester around Singapore — from weekday commutes along the expressways to weekend errands in the heartlands — and here's my honest take.
🔹 Design: Function Meets Subtle Form
Let's be real — Subaru isn't chasing beauty pageants, and I respect that. The 2023 Forester keeps its upright, no-nonsense silhouette. It's a purposeful design: wide stance, high ground clearance, and clean, unfussy lines. It looks ready to work — not pose.
In a sea of overly sculpted SUVs in Singapore's urban jungle, the Forester quietly stands out. The LED headlights and subtly updated front fascia add just enough modern flair without trying too hard. My first impression? Robust, spacious, and honest. It looks like a family SUV that isn't afraid of a little adventure.
Interior Impressions:
Step inside, first thoughts, tough and functional. The Forester feels like it was designed for real life, not showroom flash. Materials are soft where they need to be and tough where it counts — perfect for Singapore's humid, wear-and-tear-prone climate.
There are quite a few buttons scattered across the dash, which might overwhelm some at first, but once you get used to them, they're actually intuitive and useful. It's a car that prioritises function over form — and it works. — a change from overly touchscreen-heavy systems.
Rear legroom is excellent, easily accommodating adults. Whether I was ferrying colleagues to Holland Village or taking my parents to Gardens by the Bay, space never felt like an issue.
The boot is another highlight — at 520 litres, it's one of the best in its class. It swallowed everything from grocery runs to IKEA hauls without fuss. The wide-opening rear doors also make it a breeze to load child seats or bulky items.
The tech suite doesn't scream luxury, but it's solid. The 8-inch infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it's responsive enough for everyday use. Sound quality is average — fine for podcasts and playlists, not for audiophiles.
What impressed me most was Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist system. Adaptive cruise control made stop-and-go traffic on the CTE more tolerable. Lane keep assist gently corrected minor drifts on the ECP, and pre-collision braking kicked in once when someone abruptly cut in near Bugis. In Singapore, where sudden lane changes and tight roads are the norm, these systems aren't just bonuses — they're essential.
On Road Performance:
If you're looking for a sporty SUV, the Forester won't scratch that itch. Its 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer engine, paired with a mild hybrid motor, delivers a modest 150 hp and 194 Nm of torque. It won't win any drag races at traffic lights, I had to step on it a bit more than usual, but it gets the job done — overtaking is still comfortable enough for highways.
The car also adapts to different driving situations. With the AWD system, You do get a few selection of drive modes, and they actually make a noticeable difference when you're behind the wheel.
Let's talk X-MODE first.
This is Subaru's system for tough driving conditions, and I have to say, it works impressively well. I tried it out on a bit of rough ground, and the Forester just handled it—no drama, no slipping, just smooth, controlled traction. It gave me that extra bit of confidence when things got sketchy under the tires.
Then there's SI-DRIVE.
This one's more about day-to-day driving. You can switch between different modes depending on how you want the car to respond—whether you're just cruising around town or want a bit more punch on the highway. It's a nice touch and makes the drive feel more personalized, however, of course, don't expect the thrills.
Backing up? No stress.
Reversing can sometimes be a pain, especially in tight spots. The reverse camera isn't shown on a massive screen or anything, but I realise surprisingly, the image quality was seriously good—super clear and sharp. It gave me all the visibility I needed and made parking way less of a hassle and accurately.
Where it does shine is in ride comfort and stability. I was impressed by how stable it felt while cornering, with minimal body roll. The hybrid system makes starts feel smooth, and transitions between electric and petrol power are seamless. Engine stop-start at traffic lights is relatively quiet.
Fuel economy averages around 9.6L/100km, which is respectable for a AWD SUV — not groundbreaking, but good enough for city dwellers who don't want to be at the pump every three days. During my media drive, I clocked about 380KM on a full tank which is rather factual according to the distance I travelled on my driving style.
The Bottom Line:
Singapore is a unique place to drive — short distances, high COE, tight parking spaces, and weather that swings from sunny to stormy in minutes. In that context, the 2023 Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid makes a lot of sense.
It's practical, safe, and surprisingly spacious. It's not thrilling, but it is dependable. It won't turn heads, but it'll likely outlast trendier rivals. And with its AWD capability, it's also more than ready for the occasional trip to Malaysia or a more rugged staycation spot up north.
At around S$175K depending on COE, it's not cheap — no car in Singapore really is — but when you factor in the safety, space, and standard features, it holds its value well in the long run, and perhaps that's why you still see many Foresters on the road.
Is the Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid the Right Fit for You?
The current generation Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid isn't flashy, fast, or particularly trendy — but that's exactly its charm. It's a car which I feel excels at being reliable, roomy, and reassuring, whether you're navigating Orchard Road traffic or hauling groceries elsewhere.
It's a smart, sensible choice for Singaporeans who want an honest SUV that works with their lifestyle — not against it.
Car Specifications
Engine Capacity : 1,995 CC
Power : 148 BHP
Torque : 194 Nm
Century Sprint : 11.8 secs
Range : Up to 392KM (380KM During Media Drive)
Boot Capacity : 520L
Road Tax : $1206 Annually
Official Website : SUBARU SINGAPORE
Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!