There are now seven variants available – four petrol-only and three hybrids.

The new-generation model range has been re-engineered inside and out, with more features demanded by Australian customers as standard across the range.

Subaru’s next-generation strong Hybrid e-Boxer system combines a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh battery,

All models have:

• Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
• 220mm ground clearance,
• standard X-Mode,
• enhanced suspension tuning and
• new dual-pinion steering for improved precision and response.

Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, delivering constant traction to all four wheels for all-weather control. It’s an always-on system, proactively shifting power to where it’s needed most. It’s without doubt the best true 4WD system available.

Inside it now comes with the large vertical central screen like the Outback. In addition, there is wireless smart phone connectivity and charging.

Other features include:

• 360° Surround View Monitor for increased visibility off-road
• Enhanced cabin insulation and vibration damping for reduced interior noise.
• Ergonomic seating for increased comfort

Subaru Forester remains the thinking person’s choice for adventurous activities. Pricing is from $43,490 through to $55,990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Forester – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Forester – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the Subaru Forester  could look at:

Buyers of the Subaru Forester could also look at Toyota RAV 4, HAVAL H6, Peugeot 3008, Nissan X-Trail , Kia Sportage, Range Rover Discovery Sport, Hyundai Tuscon 

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It’s a smaller AWD SUV, that is aimed directly at buyers that want a true adventurous lifestyle.

It comes with a choice of a 2.0 litre petrol engine or a mild hybrid version.

The key to the Crosstrek is its Symmetrical AWD system, which has permanent AWD as well as X-Mode functionality for difficult terrain.

Combine that with 220mm of ground clearance and its easy to see why they are so popular with the more adventurous buyers.

The Crosstrek is ideal for weekend camping trips, towing a small trailer, ski trips or just the daily urban grind.

With a Crosstrek you can venture much further off road, to find that secluded camping spot, than you can in almost any other similar SUV.

It will happily go where some much larger 4WDs will go and maybe put a few to shame at times.

Its smooth and easy to drive and both engines are reasonably economical. The Crosstrek comes with a CVT rather than an automatic transmission.

Inside its comfortable and spacious for its size. It also comes with premium features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a large 11.6 inch vertical central touchscreen.

Other features include auto wipers and headlights and class leading safety features.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

Listeners can find more detailed articles on the Subaru Crosstrek HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU CROSSTREK RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

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Not all SUVs are created equal. This was again brought to my attention when I spent a week in the Subaru Forester.

Its level of flexibility and practicality leaves many alternative choices in the dust. The main advantage the Forester has over all its rivals is the permanent symmetrical AWD along with X-Mode functionality and 220mm of ground clearance. It will keep up with many a ‘true’ 4WD and put a few to shame.

Let’s do a check list.

Urban runaround and daily driver – check.

Head away for a weekend to the nearest wineries – check

Towing a smaller boat or camper trailer – check.

Taking a trip to the snow – double check

Forest trails or exploring that dirt track to a secluded beach spot – check.

More adventurous outback touring – check.

Ticking off some bucket list drives like the Birdsville Track or Strzelecki Track – check.

The Subaru Forester comes with a choice of either a boxer petrol engine or a mild hybrid version. Priced from around $43,500 through to around $55,500 drive away its also outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU FORESTER RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Other Forester Motoring Minute Segments

• 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S awd SUV Review
• Subaru Forester achieves 300,000 sales in Australia
• Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport 2021 – Motoring Minute – Episode #13

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The post We drive the Subaru Forester 2.0i S AWD SUV appeared first on Motoring Minute.

We also took the Sport to the farm and drove around there for a few days.

It was cold out there, around 2 degrees, so the toasty seat warmers were appreciated. The full-time symmetrical AWD and X Mode ensured that the XT Sport handled the dirt roads, icy tar roads and around farm driving with ease.

On a particularly long stretch, I was in the car driving for seven hours and the cabin ergonomics and comfortable seats meant that I was relaxed and not tired when I arrived.

The more powerful engine in the XT responds beautifully to all situations. Economy was around 8.8L/100k for the time we had the vehicle.

The Outback XT Sport may miss out on a few cosmetic features of the Touring Model like sunroof and memory front seats but is well equipped and priced from $52,190 plus the usual costs its outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find full details about the Subaru Outback XT HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU SPORT XT RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Some quick thoughts about the Outback Sport XT 

• Sport XT sits below the Touring model and misses a few cosmetic, bling and convenience features.
• However, they aren’t really missed as it has all the safety and drive features you want.
• More power and torque are always a good thing
• Revised suspension means improved handling without compromising ride.
• It’s needed for greater towing performance.
• 2400kg is about best in class for towing.
• Over 1700km in the two weeks I had the Sport XT, and it was particularly comfortable, and relaxing to drive.
• Long distances were a breeze.
• The Autumn Green Metallic, or Olive as I call it, gathered quite a few comments from people. They seemed to really like it.

Also look at

The Outback crosses a few categories. full on AWD SUV, family wagon or city runabout.

Buyers could look to  Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8, Skoda Kodiaq RS, Kia Sorento, 

As an alternative there is the Audi A4 All Road, Landrover Discovery Sport, Skoda Superb Scout AWD

Subaru Outback Sport XT Final thoughts’

Since the Outback XT introduction, it’s been a huge success. I’m a little confused how Subaru can offer such stunning value for money in  their models.

I am a fan of the Subaru Outback. The Outback XT is better.

The Outback Sport XT may miss out on a few cosmetic and bling features that the Touring model has. But it doesn’t really miss them.

It, however, is excellent value for money and perhaps the smarter buy.

The more powerful engine overcomes the shortfalls in the original Outback model. Its adequate but the XT is substantially better again.

You can buy a Subaru Outback XT and a decent all terrain camper trailer or hybrid van for about the same as a full 4WD in many instances.

For most people this will completely satisfy their adventurous spirit.

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With a 2.4L turbocharged boxer engine the XT has outputs of 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The key here is delivery. The maximum torque comes in around 2,000rpm which helps for towing as well as relaxed cruising.

Driving the XT through the picturesque Megalong Valley and the Blue Mountains, you can really notice the improved performance. Ride and handling have always been an Outback feature but there is a new level of responsiveness that is appreciated.

Towing is rated at 2400kg which is amongst the best in class. This enhances the XT adventurous appeal with the ability to easily tow smaller camper trailers, hybrid vans and jet skis.

The Subaru Outback is the thinking persons SUV. It has class leading AWD capability, 213mm ground clearance, permanent symmetrical AWD and advanced X-Mode assistance. Add to that class leading Eye Sight safety features and its easy to see why they are so popular.

Pricing is excellent with the top model coming under $56,000 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Full Outback XT Details HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU OUTBACK XT RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Motoring Minute Subaru Outback XT Video

Quick Subaru Outback XT Thoughts

Driving impressions

• You can definitely tell the difference between the turbo and non turbo versions.
• The XT has more punch, torque is felt lower in the rpm range and that makes for more responsive and enthusiastic driving.
• We didn’t have the chance to tow on the days drive unfortunately but from past experience this will be an excellent towing vehicle
• Likewise the revised suspension tune allows for firmer handling yet remains compliant for excellent ride.
• It also allows the higher tow rating of 2400kg, which is impressive in the SUV class
• Off road the 213mm ground clearance and advanced X-Mode allows the Outback to put almost every other AWD SUV costing many thousands of dollars more to shame.
• Even some 4WDs as well.
• The closest to the Outback is the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and we know just how good that is.
• Combination of Symmetrical AWD and advanced X-Mode is awesome
• 213mm ground clearance is good, VERY GOOD. Note that the Toyota HiLux SR5 and Fortuner has 216mm, Land Rover Discovery Sport 212mm, Nissan Pathfinder 179mm, Hyundai Santa Fe 176mm, Jeep Grand Cherokee 216mm.
• The real limitations are approach and departure angles that require some focused attention.
• We took the Outback XT on some trails that other manufacturers of 4WDs would take their dual range vehicles on and caution us to take care.
• Well done Subaru – big tick

Subaru Outback XT Final Thoughts

I’ve always been a fan of the sophistication, capability and luxury of the Outback. The XT is simply better.

This is an ideal vehicle for snow trips, towing light recreational vehicles and small boats, jet skis etc.

It also should be on the shopping list for empty nesters or Gray Nomads that want to tow and travel Australia, but really don’t want the big 4WD and all the associated issues.

The XT lets them still explore deep into the outback (pun intended) but drive an SUV wagon comfortably.

The problem with the Outback is that it’s so capable that owners forget it’s an AWD SUV not a 4WD.

Being greedy, I am very appreciative of the extra output from the turbo version, but please Subaru, when can we have a 225kW/400Nm version.

Also look at

The Subaru Outback XT sits in a bit of an unusual segment. Its a wagon styles SUV, that is reasonably large, with five seats and yet extremely capable for the adventurous buyers.

You could also look at the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Audi A4 Allroad, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8, Skoda Kodiaq RS, Kia Sorento, 

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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