Subaru has officially introduced the sixth-generation Forester to the Philippine market, bringing with it the brand’s first “strong hybrid” system and a clear push toward lower emissions without losing the all-weather capability that defines the nameplate. The new Forester 2.5 i-S EyeSight e-BOXER Hybrid arrives with a starting price of P2,498,000 and goes on sale immediately through local Subaru dealers.
At the heart of the update is a self-charging hybrid setup pairing Subaru’s 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with an integrated electric motor and a 63-liter fuel tank. Subaru claims a combined driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers per fill. Unlike plug-in hybrids, the e-BOXER doesn’t need to be charged externally; it automatically switches between electric drive, engine power, or a blend of both depending on conditions.
In city traffic, the Forester can run briefly in electric-only mode for silent, zero-emission travel. At the same time, the motor’s instant torque lends extra punch for hill climbs or quick overtakes. A revised Lineartronic CVT incorporates the electric drive motor, maintaining balanced weight distribution – a key Subaru trait.
Despite the hybrid focus, the Forester keeps the rugged credentials that have made it a popular adventure crossover. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard, feeding power to all four wheels for steady grip on slippery roads or loose surfaces. Dual-function X-MODE tailors the drivetrain for mud, gravel, or steep inclines, and Hill Descent Control helps manage tricky downhills. The ground clearance is a generous 220 mm, higher than that of many rivals, while the updated Subaru Global Platform is 10 percent stiffer, providing better ride comfort and handling.
Inside, the new model mixes practicality with a more upscale feel. Seats co-developed with a Japanese medical center are designed to reduce fatigue, and the driver is equipped with a ten-way power chair featuring memory and lumbar support. An 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen anchors the dash, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, backed by a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless phone charging. Cargo space starts at 484 liters and expands to over 1,600 liters with the rear seats folded.
The latest EyeSight 4.0 driver-assist suite features a wide-angle monocular camera, expanding detection capabilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, autonomous emergency steering, and pre-collision braking. A new Emergency Driving Stop System can bring the vehicle to a halt if it senses driver inactivity, while a Driver Monitoring System uses facial recognition to detect fatigue or distraction.
In terms of exterior design, the new-generation Forester features a bolder grille and C-shaped LED headlights, complemented by muscular wheel arches and 19-inch alloy wheels. New paint options such as River Rock Pearl and Cashmere Gold Opal freshen the look without straying from the Forester’s familiar silhouette.
The Forester e-BOXER Hybrid represents a deliberate yet significant step toward electrification for Subaru in the Philippines – a hint of what’s next for the brand’s local offering. It’s a pragmatic update aimed at buyers who want hybrid efficiency but still expect the confident, go-anywhere feel that has defined the Forester for more than two decades.
