Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2024 Subaru Forester after taking it for a thorough test drive. The Forester has always been a popular choice for those needing a reliable, practical, and adventure-ready SUV, and the 2024 model aims to build on that reputation. So, buckle up as we explore everything from its performance and handling to its interior comfort and tech features. Let's get started!

First Impressions

Alright, so the first thing you'll notice about the 2024 Forester is its updated design. Subaru has made some tweaks to the front fascia, giving it a more modern and aggressive look. The redesigned headlights and grille make a statement without straying too far from the Forester's familiar silhouette. Stepping inside, the cabin feels spacious and well-laid out. The materials are decent for its class, and everything feels pretty solid. But let's be honest, the Forester has never been about flashy interiors; it's always been about functionality and practicality.

Performance and Handling

Now, let's talk about how this thing drives. The 2024 Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it's not going to win any races, it provides adequate power for daily driving and light off-roading. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is smooth and responsive, making for a comfortable ride around town. One of the Forester's standout features is its standard all-wheel-drive system. This makes it incredibly capable in all kinds of weather conditions, whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or even some mild off-road trails. During our test drive, we put the Forester through its paces on some gravel roads, and it handled them with ease. The suspension soaked up bumps and imperfections, providing a confident and stable ride. The steering is light and accurate, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, it could use a bit more feedback for those who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. Overall, the Forester prioritizes comfort and practicality over sporty handling, which is perfectly fine for its target audience. It’s reliable and predictable, exactly what you want for daily commutes and weekend adventures. The engine might feel a bit strained when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, especially when going uphill. This is where a bit more power would be appreciated. However, for most everyday situations, the engine performs adequately. The CVT does a decent job of keeping the engine in its optimal power range, but it can get a bit noisy under hard acceleration. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Forester's performance is generally satisfactory, especially considering its focus on fuel efficiency and reliability.

Interior Comfort and Tech

Moving inside, the 2024 Subaru Forester offers a comfortable and functional cabin. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them suitable for long drives. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, so even taller passengers will be comfortable. The Forester also boasts a generous amount of cargo space, making it ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear. The rear seats fold down easily, creating even more room when needed. The interior design is simple and straightforward, with an emphasis on usability. The controls are logically laid out and easy to reach, and the large windows provide excellent visibility. While the materials aren't the most luxurious, they feel durable and well-assembled. Regarding tech, the 2024 Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims get an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like navigation and a premium audio system. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, but it's not the most responsive or visually appealing on the market. The graphics look a bit dated, and the system can be slow to respond to inputs at times. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a big plus, as it allows you to use your smartphone's navigation, music, and other apps on the car's display. The Forester also comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features work well and can help to enhance safety and prevent accidents. The adaptive cruise control is particularly useful on long highway drives, as it automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you. The lane departure warning system can be a bit sensitive at times, but it's generally helpful in keeping you centered in your lane. Overall, the 2024 Forester's interior is comfortable, functional, and well-equipped with tech features. While the infotainment system could use some improvement, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies makes it a competitive offering in its class.

Off-Road Capabilities

One of the things that sets the Subaru Forester 2024 apart from many of its competitors is its off-road capabilities. With its standard all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance, the Forester is more than capable of handling rough terrain. During our test drive, we took the Forester on some moderately challenging off-road trails, and it performed admirably. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, even on loose gravel and dirt. The suspension soaked up bumps and ruts, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The Forester also has a special X-Mode system that optimizes the all-wheel-drive system for even better performance in challenging conditions. X-Mode includes settings for snow, dirt, and mud, and it can automatically adjust the engine output, transmission settings, and stability control system to maximize traction. We tested X-Mode in a sandy area, and it made a noticeable difference in the Forester's ability to maintain traction. The Forester also has a hill descent control system, which automatically controls the vehicle's speed when descending steep hills. This can be a lifesaver when navigating tricky terrain. While the Forester is not a hardcore off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler, it's more than capable of handling most off-road adventures. It's a great choice for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors and need a vehicle that can handle a variety of conditions. The combination of all-wheel-drive, generous ground clearance, and X-Mode makes the Forester a surprisingly capable off-road machine. Just remember that it's still an SUV, not a rock crawler, so don't get too carried away. Stick to moderate trails, and the Forester will reward you with a fun and capable off-road experience.

Fuel Efficiency

Let's be real, fuel efficiency is a big deal for most of us. The 2024 Subaru Forester delivers respectable fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates it gets around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. During our test drive, which included a mix of city and highway driving, we averaged around 29 mpg. Your mileage may vary depending on your driving style and conditions, but these numbers are generally achievable. The Forester's fuel efficiency is thanks to its efficient four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT helps to keep the engine in its optimal power range, maximizing fuel economy. The Forester also has an automatic start-stop system that shuts off the engine when you come to a stop, further improving fuel efficiency in city driving. Some drivers find the start-stop system to be a bit intrusive, but it can be easily disabled with the touch of a button. Overall, the Forester's fuel efficiency is competitive with other SUVs in its class. It's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, but it's certainly not the worst. If fuel economy is a top priority for you, there are other options to consider, such as hybrid SUVs. However, the Forester strikes a good balance between fuel efficiency, performance, and capability. It's a practical choice for those who need a versatile SUV that won't break the bank at the gas pump. Plus, with its standard all-wheel-drive system, you'll have added confidence in all kinds of weather conditions, which is a bonus for those who live in areas with snow or rain.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict on the 2024 Subaru Forester? Overall, it's a solid and reliable SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's not the flashiest or most exciting vehicle on the market, but it excels in practicality, comfort, and capability. The standard all-wheel-drive system makes it a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather or enjoy outdoor adventures. The spacious interior and generous cargo space make it ideal for families or anyone who needs to haul a lot of gear. The Forester's fuel efficiency is respectable, and its safety features are top-notch. While the infotainment system could use some improvement, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the EyeSight suite of driver-assist technologies makes it a competitive offering in its class. If you're looking for a reliable, practical, and adventure-ready SUV, the 2024 Subaru Forester is definitely worth considering. It's a vehicle that you can depend on for years to come, whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the great outdoors. Just remember to take it for a test drive yourself to see if it's the right fit for you. And that's a wrap, guys! Thanks for joining me on this test drive review of the 2024 Subaru Forester. I hope you found it helpful. Until next time, happy driving!