Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Control leads to confidence, and stability creates an agility that excites in the Forester. Subaru vehicles are gifted at inspiring confidence behind the wheel, thanks to the inherently stable design of Symmetrical AWD paired with the uniquely balanced SUBARU BOXER engine. This system delivers power to all four wheels at all times for enhanced control on all roads and in poor conditions.
Suspension
For responsive handling and capability over a variety of surfaces and conditions, the Forester is equipped with an advanced front and rear suspension. With spring rates and dampening dialed in for smooth surfaces as well as rough, the Forester is a true multi-purpose vehicle. For DIT models, the front suspension features friction-control oil seals,
It has excellent side-to-side balance and handling precision, thanks to its main components being aligned longitudinally, whilst its low centre of gravity creates an especially engaging and responsive drive. The unique advantages of Symmetrical AWD make for exceptionally rewarding handling and empower you to better avoid danger.
guide bushings, hydraulic fluid on the struts, and optimised suspension tuning—all working together to help smooth vibrations and decrease body roll. Also for the DIT model, the rear support sub-frame provides a more rigid base to mount the rear suspension, for a more controlled ride and more responsive steering.
SUBARU BOXER Engine
Few other SUVs drive with the level of confidence and responsiveness of the Forester, and the main reason for this lies beneath the surface—the SUBARU BOXER engine. Its horizontally opposed configuration places the pistons 180 degrees apart, for a lower, flatter profile than other
engine types. This gives the engine, and therefore the overall vehicle, a lower centre of gravity and better sense of balance. Further, the pistons’ opposing movements inherently counteract each other, naturally helping to reduce vibration.
Increased Stability
Long-Lasting Performance
Because the engine block has a flatter profile and sits lower in the chassis, the overall vehicle is more stably balanced and resistant to side-to-side motion than other designs.
The engine’s flat design is inherently rigid and self-balancing to achieve durability and reliable performance, generating less vibration than V-type or in-line engines in the same class.
Lineartronic + Active Torque Split AWD
For instant, seamless response to changing conditions, the Lineartronic CVT(Continuously Variable Transmission) uses a chain instead of a belt—allowing a greater span of overall ratios for improved performance and efficiency as well as a faster response to throttle input.
It’s longitudinally paired with an active torque-split AWD system that responds to traction conditions, the transmission and driver inputs by continuously controlling the torque distribution front to rear.
X-Mode
The second wind. It’s that extra bit of strength summoned from within that helps you rise to the occasion and conquer the challenge. The Forester finds its inner strength with X-Mode.
Activated with the push of a button, it gives the Forester that extra bit of capability you may need to take on adverse road and weather conditions.
X-Mode and Hill Descent Control
“X” marks added capability for any driver, on most any road. With a push of a button, X-Mode takes control of the engine, transmission, AWD, brakes, and other components to safely navigate through bad roads and slippery surfaces for maximum confidence.For challenging descents, Hill Descent Control enhances confidence down the steepest of hills you’ll encounter by providing constant, controlled momentum so the driver can focus more on steering the vehicle—and less on braking.
Engineering That Doesn’t Quit
The Forester was engineered to help you conquer ledges, rocks, trees and other obstacles you may encounter without sustaining damage or getting stuck. The larger the object, the larger the approach and departure angles needed to prevent damage to the front and rear bumpers. Optimised for both, the Forester’s ground clearance maximises break-over angles, minimising your chances of being hung up from underneath.
