For over 25 years, the Subaru Forester has been a cornerstone of the New Zealand vehicle landscape, serving as a dependable tool of trade for businesses and a versatile family adventurer alike. Its reputation for go-anywhere capability, thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, has made it a common sight on everything from construction sites to remote rural routes. Now, the all-new sixth-generation model has arrived, and it brings with it a host of upgrades that should put it at the top of the consideration list for fleet managers and business owners.

The headline act is a new 'strong hybrid' powertrain, but deeper improvements to safety, technology, and on-road dynamics make this a comprehensively enhanced package.

Powertrain: The Hybrid Question Answered

Subaru has addressed the market's demand for more meaningful electrification with its next-generation ‘Strong Hybrid’ e-Boxer system. This is a significant leap from the previous mild-hybrid offering. It combines a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a powerful 90kW electric motor and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a combined system output of 145kW.This represents a substantial 31.8% power increase over the outgoing hybrid, providing the instant torque needed for decisive urban driving while also allowing for electric-only operation at low speeds. For businesses focused on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the efficiency gains are compelling. Subaru claims a real-world driving range of over 1,000km, a figure aided by an enlarged 63-litre fuel tank. This extended range minimises downtime for refuelling, keeping your team on the road longer. For fleets not yet ready to make the hybrid switch, a refined 2.5-litre petrol-only engine remains available, delivering a reliable 136kW and 247Nm of torque through an upgraded Lineartronic CVT.

Uncompromised Capability and On-Road Manners

A critical question for any business relying on vehicle versatility is whether it retains its core capability. The answer is an emphatic yes. In a milestone for the New Zealand market, the new Forester is the first in its class to pair a strong hybrid system with a permanent, mechanical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system—a key Subaru differentiator that remains standard across all variants. This inherent traction is supported by a generous 220mm of ground clearance and the standard inclusion of X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, ensuring confident access to challenging work sites or rural locations. On the tarmac, where most company vehicles spend their time, the new Forester is more refined. The chassis is 10% more rigid, and it adopts the dual-pinion steering system from the WRX, resulting in a sharper, more engaging drive that reduces driver fatigue on long journeys. The first drive impression confirmed a quiet cabin with minimal NVH, seamless switching between petrol and electric power, and confident feedback from the improved steering.

The Modern Mobile Office

Inside, the Forester has been thoroughly modernised to serve as an effective mobile office. The cabin is dominated by a large 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen, which comes standard with the business essentials of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity is robust, with both USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear, while higher-spec models add the convenience of wireless Qi charging and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The cockpit feels more open and spacious, with Subaru having created more room between the front seats for better ergonomics.

Safety as a Corporate Responsibility

For any fleet manager, safety is paramount. The new Forester reinforces its credentials with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and a suite of advanced technologies. Every model is equipped with the latest-generation EyeSight Driver Assist System, now augmented by a new wide-angle monocular camera for a wider field of detection. Significantly, the Forester introduces ‘EDSS7’ (Emergency Driving Stop System). This system is designed to safely bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive by issuing escalating alerts before decelerating, activating hazard lights, and unlocking the doors. This is a major advancement in mitigating real-world accident risk. The safety package is rounded out with a Driver Monitoring System, a Panoramic 360-Degree View Monitor for tight manoeuvres, and nine airbags.

The Verdict

The sixth-generation Subaru Forester successfully builds upon its legacy. It’s a smarter, more comfortable, and safer vehicle that directly addresses the business need for greater efficiency without sacrificing the rugged, all-weather capability that made it an icon. The introduction of a potent and long-range strong hybrid system makes a compelling financial case, while the advancements in safety technology demonstrate a profound commitment to protecting a company's most valuable asset: its people. It is a well-rounded and capable SUV that warrants serious consideration for any New Zealand company fleet.