The new Forester (6th generation) fully redesigned model will be announced in North America in 2024, with the Japanese version announced on April 3, 2025, and released on April 17. The biggest attraction will be the newly adopted strong hybrid system, the “next-generation e-BOXER.” With body dimensions of 4,655mm in length, 1,830mm in width, 1,730mm in height, a 2,670mm wheelbase, and a ground clearance of 220mm, the car boasts a minimum turning radius of 5.4m, demonstrating its excellent basic packaging. This article will explore the new Forester’s appeal, comparing it with its predecessor and rivals based on its size information, while also focusing on its significantly improved powertrain.
Subaru New Forester (6th generation) Size & Powertrain Summary
- New Forester vs. previous Forester (SK type)
- The new model has a length of 4,655mm (+30mm), width of 1,830mm (+15mm), and height of 1,730mm (almost the same), which is longer and wider than the previous model (length 4,625mm).
- The wheelbase (2,670mm), ground clearance (220mm), and minimum turning radius (5.4m) remain unchanged from the previous model .
- The powertrain has evolved into the “Next Generation e-BOXER” strong hybrid , combining an engine (118kW/209Nm) with a high-output motor (88kW/270Nm). (*In-house prototype measurements)
- Fuel economy is 18.4-18.8km/L in WLTC mode , a significant improvement over the previous mild hybrid (14.0km/L). (*In-house prototype measurements)
- The fuel tank capacity has been increased to 63L (previous model: 48L).
- New Forester vs. Mid-class SUV (RAV4, X-Trail)
- The new Forester ( length 4,655mm, width 1,830mm, height 1,730mm ) is 45mm longer, 35mm shorter, and 40mm taller than the RAV4 (length 4,610mm, width 1,865mm, height 1,690mm *Adventure). Its minimum turning radius is smaller than the RAV4 (5.5-5.7m).
- The new Forester is 5mm shorter, 10mm wider and 10mm taller than the X-Trail (length 4,660mm, width 1,840mm, height 1,720mm *X e-4ORCE). Its minimum turning radius is the same as the X-Trail (5.4m).
- Compared to its rivals, it boasts a higher overall height, a ground clearance of 220mm, and a minimum turning radius of 5.4m, as well as excellent fuel economy thanks to an improved hybrid system.
- Features of the new Forester (6th generation)
- The newly developed “next-generation e-BOXER” strong hybrid system combines powerful and smooth driving performance with excellent fuel economy of 18.4-18.8km/L in WLTC mode . (*In-house prototype measurements)
- Based on the previous model (SK type), the interior and exterior design has been revamped to give it a more powerful and modern impression.
- Improved body rigidity and suspension refinements have resulted in a high level of both driving performance and ride comfort.
- Equipped with the latest generation of EyeSight, safety performance has been greatly improved.
- It inherits and evolves the Forester’s traditional practicality, such as excellent visibility and a user-friendly luggage compartment.
- The vehicle’s best-in-class ground clearance of 220mm and advanced AWD system provide excellent off-road performance.
- With a minimum turning radius of 5.4m , it offers excellent maneuverability even in the city.
- The new Forester is recommended for these people!
- Those who seek high safety and reliability
- Those who want to use it for tough purposes such as outdoor leisure activities and driving on snowy roads
- Those looking for an SUV that combines excellent fuel economy and driving performance
- Those looking for an SUV that is easy to drive and highly practical (minimum turning radius of 5.4m)
- Those who want to drive a car with the latest design and advanced features
- Those who consider family use and prioritize a comfortable interior space
New Forester vs. Previous Forester (SK type): Differences in size and powertrain
First, let’s compare the size and powertrain of the new Forester (6th generation) with the previous-generation Forester (SK model) on which it is based. The new Forester measures 4,655mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and 1,730mm in height . The previous model was 4,625mm long, so the new model is 30mm longer and 15mm wider. Overall height is nearly the same as the previous model (1,715-1,730mm). The wheelbase (2,670mm), ground clearance (220mm), and minimum turning radius (5.4m) remain unchanged. The powertrain has undergone significant evolution, with the new model featuring a newly developed strong hybrid system called the “Next Generation e-BOXER,” compared to the previous model’s mild hybrid (2.0L e-BOXER) . This is expected to significantly improve fuel economy and driving performance.
Basic spec comparison (new model vs previous model)
| item | Previous generation Forester (SK type e-BOXER) | New Forester (6th generation next-generation e-BOXER) | Difference from the previous generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4625mm | 4,655mm | +30mm |
| Overall width | 1,815mm | 1,830mm | +15mm |
| Overall height | 1,715-1,730mm | 1,730mm | Almost the same |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm | 2,670mm | – |
| engine | 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder + motor | 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine + motor (next-generation e-BOXER) | Strong HV |
| Maximum engine output | 107kW (145PS) / 6000rpm | 118kW (160PS) / 5600rpm | +11kW (+15PS) |
| Maximum engine torque | 188Nm/4000rpm | 209Nm/4000-4400rpm | +21Nm |
| Motor maximum output | 10kW (13.6PS) | 88kW (119.6PS) | +78kW (+106PS) |
| Motor Max Torque | 65Nm | 270Nm | +205Nm |
| Drive system | AWD | AWD | – |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48L | 63L | +15L |
| Fuel used | regular | regular | – |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 14.0km/L | 18.4-18.8km/L | +4.4 to 4.8km/L |
| transmission | CVT (Lineartronic) | CVT (Lineartronic) | – |
| Tire size (example) | 225/60R17, 225/55R18 | 225/55R18, 235/50R19 | From 18 inches |
| Vehicle weight (example) | 1,620-1,640 kg | 1640-1750kg | Strong hybrid vehicles are getting heavier |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.4m | 5.4m | – |
| minimum ground clearance | 220mm | 220mm | – |
| Approach angle | 20.1-20.2° | (Unreleased) | – |
| Ramp breakover angle | 21.0-21.5° | (Unreleased) | – |
| Departure Angle | 25.8-26.5° | (Unreleased) | – |
| Luggage space capacity | 509L-520L (VDA method) | 484L-512L (VDA method) | – |
| Crew capacity | 5 people | 5 people | – |
| price | Approximately 3,069,000 to 3,850,000 yen | 4,048,000 yen to 4,598,000 yen | The price has increased compared to the previous model due to the adoption of the latest equipment. |
Powertrain details: “Next-generation e-BOXER” strong hybrid
The biggest improvement in the new Forester is the newly developed “Next Generation e-BOXER” Strong Hybrid System, which is thought to be based on Toyota’s hybrid system (THS) technology and combines Subaru’s proprietary horizontally opposed engine and AWD technology.
Main specifications
- Engine: 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC
- Maximum power output: 118kW (160PS) at 5,600rpm
- Max torque: 209Nm / 4,000-4,400rpm
- Drive motor: MC2 AC synchronous motor
- Maximum power output: 88kW (119.6PS)
- Max torque: 270Nm
- Drive battery: Lithium-ion battery (total power capacity 1.1 kWh)
This system efficiently controls the output of the engine and motor, achieving powerful, smooth acceleration and quiet driving. In particular, the motor’s output and torque have been significantly improved (compared to the previous model: output +78kW, torque +205Nm), which means an expanded EV driving range and a more direct acceleration feel can be expected.
And what’s particularly noteworthy is its fuel economy. WLTC mode fuel economy is 18.4km/L to 18.8km/L (internal prototype measurements), an improvement of more than 30% from 14.0km/L on the previous e-BOXER model. The fuel tank capacity has also been significantly increased from 48L on the previous model to 63L , contributing to an extended cruising range.
Size comparison between the new Forester and Toyota RAV4
Next, let’s compare the popular mid-size SUV Toyota RAV4 with the new Forester. (The RAV4 is based on the gasoline Adventure grade.)
RAV4
| Specifications | Toyota RAV4 (Adventure) | New Forester (6th generation) | Differences with RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,610mm | 4,655mm | +45mm |
| Overall width | 1,865mm | 1,830mm | -35mm |
| Overall height | 1,690mm | 1,730mm | +40mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,670mm | -20mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.5-5.7m | 5.4m | -0.1 to -0.3 m |
| minimum ground clearance | 200mm | 220mm | +20mm |
Compared to the RAV4, the new Forester is 45mm longer, 35mm narrower, and 40mm taller. The wheelbase is 20mm shorter. The Forester’s ground clearance is 20mm higher , giving it an advantage in off-road performance. The Forester’s minimum turning radius is also 0.1m to 0.3m smaller , indicating greater maneuverability.
Size comparison between the new Forester and Nissan X-Trail
Next, we will compare it with the Nissan X-Trail, another mid-class SUV. (The X-Trail is based on the X e-4ORCE grade.)
X-TRAIL
| Specifications | Nissan X-Trail (X e-4ORCE) | New Forester (6th generation) | Difference with X-Trail |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,660mm | 4,655mm | -5mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm | 1,830mm | -10mm |
| Overall height | 1,720mm | 1,730mm | +10mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705mm | 2,670mm | -35mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.4m | 5.4m | – |
| minimum ground clearance | 185mm | 220mm | +35mm |
Compared to the X-Trail, the new Forester is 5mm shorter in length, 10mm shorter in width, and 10mm taller. The wheelbase is 35mm shorter. The Forester’s ground clearance is 35mm higher , which also shows a clear difference in off-road performance. The minimum turning radius is 5.4m, the same as the X-Trail , so they can be said to be equal in terms of maneuverability.
Who is the new Forester for?
The new Forester inherits and evolves the merits of its predecessor (SK model), such as excellent visibility, high practicality, and driving stability and off-road capability thanks to its highly reliable AWD system. With a total length of 4,655mm and a width of 1,830mm , it is not too large for Japan’s road environment, and its minimum turning radius of 5.4m makes it easy to drive in the city. And its ground clearance of 220mm provides a great sense of security in outdoor situations.
In addition to these, the biggest attraction is the “Next Generation e-BOXER” Strong Hybrid , which provides excellent fuel economy of 18.4-18.8km/L in WLTC mode and powerful, smooth driving thanks to motor assist. It also comes equipped with the latest safety driving support system, “EyeSight,” and a more modern and powerful design.
Compared to its rivals, the car’s significant advantages include its high ground clearance, small turning radius, and significantly improved fuel economy .
Specifically, it is recommended for the following people:
- Those who prioritize safety: Looking for the latest EyeSight’s advanced safety features.
- For those with active hobbies: Camping, skiing, fishing, etc., you often drive on unpaved or snowy roads and would like to take advantage of the 220mm ground clearance .
- Those who value both fuel economy and driving performance: Looking for the low fuel consumption and comfortable driving that comes with a strong hybrid.
- Those who prioritize ease of use in everyday life: Those looking for an easy-to-handle size of 4,655mm in length and 1,830mm in width , good visibility, and easy maneuverability with a minimum turning radius of 5.4m .
- Those who want to drive safely for a long time: They appreciate the reliability and driving stability that only Subaru can offer.
- Those seeking the latest design and functionality: The new interior and exterior, resulting from the full model change, and the advanced hybrid system will appeal to you.
The new Forester leverages the strengths of its traditions while significantly improving its overall performance, particularly in terms of its powertrain, to meet modern needs, making it an attractive choice for many drivers.
A word from the editorial department
The new Forester has undergone significant evolution, worthy of a full model change. Of particular note is the adoption of the “Next-Generation e-BOXER” Strong Hybrid. This has resulted in a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model ( 18.4-18.8km/L in WLTC mode ) and more refined driving performance. While the size has grown slightly from the previous model (total length 4,655mm), the Forester’s unique ease of handling and off-road capabilities remain intact , with a minimum turning radius of 5.4m and ground clearance of 220mm . The design and safety features have also been updated to the latest generation, making it a truly all-around evolution.
Forester
