Used Subaru Forester 2013-present review

Those looking for a rugged SUV with plenty of true off-road abilities can do worse than take a look at a used Subaru Forester. This is the Japanese firm’s most popular current model, and when you consider its winning combination of solid reliability and no-nonsense, four-wheel drive utilitarian handiness, it’s not hard to see why.

However, to achieve such virtues on a limited budget is not without its problems, and though the Forester is superbly screwed together, its antiquated interior design, compromised dynamics and vaguely agricultural driving experience all count against it in a class of newer and more competent rivals.

Its engines are pretty lethargic, too. There’s the choice of a rather underpowered 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, a gruff 145bhp 2.0-litre diesel and, for those after a performance-oriented model, a thirsty turbocharged 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol. You can also choose between a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox and three different trim levels.

The Forester's ride and handling really disappoint. With four-wheel drive as standard, there’s plenty of grip available, but the steering is spongy and slow. True, the soft suspension is good at taking the sting out of bumps, but it gives a very fidgety ride at all speeds.

Inside, there are plenty of hard plastics, but it’s well equipped and the boot is a reasonable size and perfect for storing muddy wellies and a couple of labradors.

Entry into Forestry starts at around £12,000, at the time of writing. This will buy you a good, clean 2013 example with an average mileage and a service history, either privately or, for a small premium, from a dealer. Up the dosh to between £13,000 and £15,000 and you should net a 2014 car with a full history and an average mileage, while £16,000 to £18,000 will buy you a 2015 or early 2016 car with the same criteria.

The 2.0-litre diesel is the most economical Forester, at a claimed average consumption of 49.6mpg, but it doesn’t beat the lower powered 2.0-litre petrol by much; in automatic Lineartronic mode, that model can achieve an average 43.5mpg. The higher-powered petrol engine helps the Forester to a claimed 33.2mpg.

Subaru dealers offer a number of options for used car servicing plans, which you can almost tailor to your needs. Plans are available that will cover cars up to 12 years old and with up to 120,000 miles on the clock, and regular payments to cover such can start from around £22 per month. From new, Foresters come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

Insurance groups range from a middling 23 to 34 in the higher-powered petrol variant.

We’d steer clear of the 2.0-litre petrol engined-car, because it lacks sufficient shove for a car of this size. It's also very loud under any acceleration and you’ll be frequently stopping at the fuel pumps. We’d also avoid the higher-powered petrol, because it’s very thirsty and rather noisy and its character doesn’t really suit the Forester.

We’d acutally pick the 2.0-litre diesel. This is a much better performer than the lower-powered petrol and has a decent amount of performance, even from low revs, which is useful if you plan on towing. It is quite an unpleasantly noisy engine when accelerating, though, and the automatic gearbox tends to hang on to high revs unnecessarily.

Trims start off with the XC/XE, and we’d pick this, because it makes most sense financially. Electrically heated and folding door mirrors, automatic lights, cruise control, electric windows and 17in alloy wheels are fitted on the outside. Inside there is dual-zone climate control, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and Subaru's Starlink infotainment system complete with a 7.0in touchscreen display, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a DAB radio and a rear-view camera.

Our favourite Subaru Forester: 2.0D XE

The Toyota RAV4 has a similarly rustic and rugged workhorse feel to it. Like the Subaru Forester, it’s a decent SUV, but there are rivals that are more refined and better to drive.

The Nissan X-Trail comes as a five or a seven-seater. Many people will consider the X-Trail to be a far sexier alternative to most of the normal rather soft SUVs. With the rugged looks of an SUV and the option of a third row of seats, some versions can swallow seven people and you'll look far cooler on the way to the shops. Of course, while most people like the look of big SUVs, they don’t necessarily need the off-road ability they traditionally possess. Handily, the X-Trail also offers the option of front or four-wheel drive, allowing you to pick between lower running costs and some rough road ability.

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