2024 Subaru Forester / Buy Now or Wait for 2025?

With a new model coming in the spring, it may seem best to hold out on the 2024 Subaru Forester, but that's not entirely the case. Today I'll show you what makes the current forester a standout amongst cars like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue AND its own successor!

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me test drive various Foresters over the years to make this video possible.

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00:00 Intro
00:22 2025 Forester / Exterior
01:38 Interior
04:35 Driving Impressions
08:57 Reliability / Safety
09:48 Final Thoughts

[randolphwilson]

Ordered a 2024 Premium Forester some 4 weeks ago. Delivery time is 8-10 weeks. Dealer did not have in stock (nor one in their pipeline) as I wanted Ice Silver Metallic. I'm age 71 and do not care for the touchscreen, rather prefer physical buttons. Really like the outward visibility.

[robbierabby]

We just did the 5 year dealer service on our 2018.Forester
$3500. Just so you all know
3rd brake job in 85000KM

[craigster]

One thing to consider.... I bought one of the last 2023 Subaru Crosstreks. [A 6 speed] The 'generation' of the Crosstrek that I bought has been made since 2018 so no problems are expected. And none have shown up. The all-new 2024 Crosstrek has had a few problems. But that's how it is with any all-new model. I would expect that the all-new 2025 Forester to have some problems too. Where as the 2024 Forester should prove to be problem free.

[winnepeterson]

I agree with the comments that a manual transmission would be nice. I’m 73 and that’s what I’ve driven most of my life. So much more fun.

[Subie-Driver]

If you don’t like the big screen…buy now. We did…I like the analogue knobs and buttons.

[handlethetruth]

This young man continues to impress with every review. His attention to detail is obvious. But importantly, he is able to keep his reviews interesting, without fluff that makes me sign off other reviewers. Nevertheless, if you like to drive cars, then you want enough acceleration for the occasional sporty merge, or to be able to pass on a two lane without worrying about oncoming traffic. I would have liked there to be a Forester with more power, and the comment below about the 2015 ST is supportive of this view. Of course sportiness with a turbo will come with worse gas mileage and more expensive upkeep; but it would make for a better daily driver....if you enjoy daily driving. The issues of the windshield cracking really bothers me, and I am repeating what the Car Wizard has mentioned, that calibrating "Eye Sight" has not been an easy task, though I think Eye Sight as a safety measure is awesome. I continue to follow his videos because of their consistent excellence, and every time I watch one, I want to go out and buy a Subaru. SUBARU, are you listening? Maybe this guy should be doing commercials for you.

[nore]

I had the 2014 and was quite pleased. Now I’m getting the 2024 with the same drive but more. The 2025 is blah….not a ground breaking suv. I thought at least a second engine setup. So I’m happy that I chose the 2024.

[In-obscurity-nj]

This channel just may have the best reviews. The Subaru Forester just may be the best value.
She might not be the prettiest girl at the dance. I would have no problems sporting her around town or driving her hard off in the woods.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

[victorteran]

thanks for the video, actually I just convinced my folks to get a 2024 Touring Forester, right before the reveal of the new one, and was worried I might have steered them in the wrong direction by advicing them not to wait for the 2025 model. Glad to hear I made them make the right choice!

[AB-jktw]

Give us a 200+ hp / 220 ft of torque hybrid powertrain from Toyota and the Forester will be close to the perfect car.

[kevinworth]

After seeing - and hearing about - the ‘25😒, I opted out of waiting and got a ‘24 (“goofy”) Sport. I once was in the “AWD is unnecessary” camp, but after getting my daughters older model Subarus, ‘13 Impreza hatchback, and ‘04 Legacy Outback (classic!), I was converted. Your reviews also helped!

[barryg]

One of the clearest and most concise reviews on YouTube. Not a fan of CVT's. The 2015 Forester ST has a turbo and more HP. Subaru should make one with a turbo and a standard transmission.

[toronado]

I enjoyed this video. You make some excellent points. One thing I will miss is the little secondary screen that sits atop the infotainment screen. I just think that's so cool.

[bobboberton]

IMO, the interior is under rated. It looks great and feels upscale with mostly soft touch materials. So many have gone to a dash that looks like a 4x4 with a tablet bolted on top. Yet those terrible looking dashes/interior get love as being nicer and upscale when in reality they look like a 1974 International Scout.

[Honestandtruth]

I actually really Like analog knob control

[billyrock]

Topgun vehicle for extending driving for seniors. (65+) ✅

1) Best visibility of any car
2) Best safety system of any car
3) Best collision protection of any car
4) Best ingress/regress of any car
5) Best drowsiness detection of any car

[jarekast]

Hi. As a Subaru fan from Europe I can see great attention to detail and understanding of the issues tackled. We have a very limited range of engines and versions available in Europe (e.g. Forester and Crosstrek are sold only with a 2.0 L mild-hybrid engine which sucks in terms of acceleration) due to a small number of units sold by Subaru in Europe plus the outrageous exhaust norms applied in the EU market. And Subarus are way pricier in Europe, starting at about 40% higher price than US.

[ltwig]

Yeah, Looks like I will be keeping my 2022 Touring for a bit longer than planned. By the time the hybrid comes out it will likely be out of my price range. Maybe I will downsize to a Crosstrek Hybrid come 2028.

[jjlovelord]

Got a 23 Forester premium has BSM package with heated seat and sunroof that's all I want AND not a giant center screen which I don't like it. AND I had good deal 😚

[HOON]

Less wind noise, better steering, more comfortable seats, ventilated seats, and (maybe) more trims with a heated steering wheel are the wins for the new model.
Dislike the new looks, hate the new screen, and hate the new price.
All things considered I'd still pick the current gen. (Especially in Cascade Green Silica) Very happy with our '21.
The great visibility can't be overstated. Hope they didn't ruin that too.