The Subaru Forester 2.5i-S Eyesight at a glance: Boxer goodness just got more premium

Here is the sixth-generation Subaru Forester that was launched in Malaysia in October 2025. The particular unit shown here is the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S Eyesight which is the sole variant of the new-generation Forester in Malaysia. Finished in Sapphire Blue Pearl, do note that the gold accents around the vehicle are just added on for this particular demo unit and are not fitted as standard.

While the previous generation of Subaru Forester was locally assembled (CKD) in Segambut, this new generation is fully-imported (CBU) from Japan. As such, this new generation costs a little more with an official price of RM221,500 (OTR without insurance).

Starting with the vehicle’s dimensions, the Subaru Forester measures at 4,655 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,230 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm and a 220-mm ground clearance. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, together with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the Subaru Forester’s driving dynamics are greatly enhanced, thanks to a full inner frame construction and wider structural adhesive use.

At the front, the Subaru Forester features LED projector headlamps with Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) as well as LED front fog lamps, and a full blacked-out front grille, giving it a menacing front end. Moving along the side, the Subaru Forester runs on 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels, wrapped with 225/55 R18 Bridgestone Dueller H/P Sport tyres. As expected from a utilitarian SUV, the Subaru Forester has squared black body-clad wheel arches, low-profile roof rails, and a set of LED tail lamps with a black garnish connecting them together, completing the rear end.

Here are the exterior details of the Subaru Forester:

LED headlamps and tail lamps
LED Cornering headlamps
LED front and rear fog lamps
Power adjustable and fold with integrated LED turn signals
Rain-sensing wipers
225/55 R18 Bridgestone Dueller H/P Sport tyres
18-inch alloy wheels
MacPherson Strut front suspension
Double Wishbone rear suspension
Black body cladding at wheel arches, lower side body, lower front, and rear bumper
Low-profile roof rails
Crystal White, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Daybreak Blue Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Autumn Green Metallic, Cashmere Gold Opal, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, River Rock Pearl, and Crimson Red Pearl exterior colours

The main highlight for the Subaru Forester is the Active Torque Vectoring called the Dual-function X-MODE, which enhances its symmetrical all-wheel-drive capability in slippery, steep, or uneven conditions by offering two specialized low-speed modes: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. It operates by optimizing throttle response, transmission behaviour, and wheel-specific torque. The Dual-function X-MODE enhances driver control on snow, ice, mud, loose gravel, and off-road terrain.

Additionally, the Subaru Forester comes equipped with its iconic Boxer layout engine, providing stability and reliable performance, which also comes in two drive modes called SI-DRIVE, Intelligent (I) for fuel efficiency and Sport (S) for enhanced driving performance.

Here are the powertrain details for the Subaru Forester, which are:

Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder FB25, boxer
Displacement: 2,498 cc
Maximum Power – 185 PS
Maximum Torque – 247 Nm
Transmission: Lineartronic Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel drive (AWD) with Active Torque Vectoring

Stepping inside the Subaru Forester, a large 11.6-inch head unit takes centre stage, providing quick access to entertainment and controls. Just above it is Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System, a dedicated camera and facial recognition to monitor fatigue or lack of attention. The seats feature real leather upholstery with brown stitching, accompanied by suede material. The suede material also continues to all four door cards for an added premium feel.

Here are the interior details of the Subaru Forester:

11.6-inch touchscreen head unit
Dual-gauge layout meter cluster with 4.2-inch full-colour LCD meter display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Wireless charger pad
2X USB type-A ports and 2 USB type-C ports
2X 12V sockets (Front and boot space)
Partially digital climate control
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, adaptive cruise control, and paddle shifters
Tilt and telescopic adjustment steering wheel
Rear air conditioning vents
10-way power adjustable driver seat
8-way power adjustable front passenger seat
Reclinable rear passenger seat (with 60:40 split fold)
Leather and suede seat upholstery in black or brown as options
Multi-view monitor
Kick sensor-activated hands-free power tailgate
Driver Monitoring System

In terms of safety, the Subaru Forester has a standout feature called EyeSight Driver Assist, which uses 3 wide-angle monocular cameras to expand detection range, particularly for pedestrians and bicycles, ensuring a safer drive. Not only that, core technologies like symmetrical AWD and the Subaru Global Platform enable precise control of the basic elements of driving: acceleration, turning, and braking.

Here is the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), also known as EyeSight Driver Assist for the Subaru Forester, which comes bundled together with the following safety features:

Pre-Collision Braking System
Pre-Collision Throttle Management
Adaptive Cruise Control
Autonomous Emergency Steering
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Lane Centring Control
Vehicle Adaptive Steering Control
Lane Departure Prevention
Lead Vehicle Start Alert
Emergency Driving Stop System
Active Torque Vectoring
Auto Vehicle Hold
Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD)
Vehicle Dynamics Control System

To recap, the Subaru Forester is priced at RM221,500 and comes with a 5-year or 100,000 km vehicle warranty plus 5 years of free service. Oftentimes, we loosely categorise any FWD, high-ground-clearance hatchbacks with black fender cladding as SUVs. Instead, SUVs should have the utilitarian capabilities of the 1940s Willys Jeep but be comfortable to be driven as an everyday car and for weekend wilderness adventures with family and friends. The Subaru Forester 2.5i-S Eyesight is a true definition of what an SUV should be.