2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring Test Drive Video Review

This Crossover SUV is available in 5 trim levels ranging from $22,595 for the base model 2.5i up to $34,295 for the 2.0XT Touring model. The trim used in this test was the 2.5i Touring which carries a price of $32,295. The changes to the exterior are subtle and include an updated front bumper and headlights and LED taillights. The color is Sepia Bronze Metallic.

Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter Boxer Engine that makes 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. of torque. Power is transmitted through a CTV transmission to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Fuel economy has improved with 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The Forester towers over other crossovers with over 8-inches of ground clearance which makes it very capable off road.

See More Car Videos

Join Our Facebook Page

[adamgarrett]

you radiate positive energy. you are the heated steering wheel of automotive reviewers. good stuff

[gene]

That was the first Forester that looked ok. Nice wheels and decent front end. Beautiful Seats. Nice to see you Again Dan. I've been with Dan since his beginning on the web. :)

[MrLanceboil]

I’ve got this EXACT car colour and everything... so far very impressed!

[shahab_shawn_siahpoosh]

good review and gorgeous car. 3 years ago, I couldn't see a day that I discovered a Subaru a gorgeous car. but recently Subaru has not only been making very durable and reliable cars, but also they've paid attention to the look of their cars. big thumbs up. you can't go wrong by buying any of their cars.

[FrankTheRabbit]

Our 2015 Forester recently passed the 100, 000KM mark with basic schedule maintenance. I don't drive the car hard and the brakes have not needed to be replaced yet. I do have the stock and winter tires, so tire wear has also been minimal. Overall, I'm super happy with the vehicle.

[gwolfable]

that is one of the best Subaru Forester reviews I've seen yet thank you keep it up

[BicycleCrossroads]

Nice review. A few features you missed though. There are power-seat position settings for two drivers on the Touring Model you tested. The LED headlights also tilt right/left as you turn "Adaptive Headlights". Another thing for DIY'ers is the Oil Filter is on the top of the engine (see at 1:56)... making oil changes a breeze. Pair that with a Fumoto Valve and you'll have the easiest (home) oil-changes in the market. With 8.7 inches of clearance, you don't even need to jack up the car.

[CRVgarage]

The limited & touring comes with the unstoppable X-Mode. It's a solid suv.

[demoncleaner]

Always like your reviews Dan, well done.

[StormyDog]

Contrary to what this video states, fuel efficiency has NOT improved over 2016. It's the same for 2014-2017 Foresters with the same trim levels (which is class leading I believe). Really now, there's hardly any difference in the 2014-2017 Foresters at all.

Another correction: there's a 12 volt plug in the cargo compartment right behind you when in the rear seats. There's also another one and a couple USB plugs in the back of the center console, easily reached from the rear seats.

[djkenny]

We love our Forester Premium. It is a solid value at 25 grand. We had a 2004 with 5 speed manual, base 2.5 X model with a few options, and really loved that one. Only reason we sold it was because the rear seat would not allow a rear facing child seat without the passenger seat shoved to the dash too much.

The new one is bigger inside, which leads to (sadly, IMHO) a bigger outside. That is my only complaint, it is a little too big. However, once you get use to the big, the quieter ride is appreciated. Because we went Premium we have the lovely panoramic moonroof and heated seats. So nice.

The CVT is smooth. No complaints, I am glad we went with it, but I sometimes miss the stick in our 04. I just like a Stick.

Subaru makes a solid automobile. The only thing we replaced on our 04 with 146k with a power window motor for $200 at a mechanic. A few fog lamp bulbs (they went out like every 2years.. cheap, but strange?). So, we skipped fog lamps this go around(an option, now). Just maintenance. No more timing belt on this new one, they went chain.

We got double KBB for our 1 owner 04. High demand for really well maintained 1 owner Foresters in the PNW. We plan to keep this one over 20 years, then give to my little boy if he wants a car, unless we go electric sooner.

[lucygray]

For the record: the northeast and midwest states are not the only ones who need AWD. Here in the south, we have some of the worst year-round roads, to include clay and sugar sand. Maintenance is rare in poorer counties, and it is often a challenge to get to work, school or grocery stores. I have two miles of bad road which turns into the Grand Canyon in heavy rain, and love my Subie for getting me in and out of here. This is year-round, too, not just in the winter. So knock it off about Subies only being helpful in the northern states. Everybody has bad roads.

[BassemRashidi]

Great Review Dan! You are a natural buddy.

[Jimo]

It perplexes me that driving enthusiasts like me cannot get the top trim levels with a manual transmission. North American marketing thinks we buy manuals because we are looking for the cheapest product. I have no idea what my next vehicle will be because of this.

[MetaView]

i am disappointed that you did not test the eyesight emergency stop

[samsacre]

Great video reviewI like to see what's out there! But I'm afraid you're not getting my wife out of her RAV4 now With LED headlights and other goodies on the upper end models!

[py]

All Japanese small/mid size cars (except Mazda) are using CVT these days, and Mazda cars are the most fun to drive among them.

[divisioneight]

I don't know where they came up with this pricing, but here in NY, the Forester Touring is north of $35k. Not worth the fact that there's still no cell phone nav. link to the head unit and the only way to get the "eyesight" adaptive cruise control feature is to get the top two tiers of the product. That and if you want privacy glass and a power seat, you must get the sunroof which cuts down on headroom. Plus a load floor that's not flat when the second row seats are folded down. Excellent driving position and visibility, simple controls and ease of access. But Subaru needs to rethink their head unit technology and basic features menus.

[ScribblyPoppo]

Any comments on backseat heating/AC location of vents and comfort level?

[QOOQ]

Why would one choose a Rogue over a Forester ?