Subaru Forester 2.0X Review
Finding Forester

The last generation Subaru Forester was much loved despite it being just a wagon crossover rather than a full bore SUV. The Forester somehow possessed a certain kind of charm and character that went down well with many.

The latest generation model can’t match the previous one in terms of character but it’s all for the better nonetheless as it got more mainstream to cater to a bigger crowd. Rather than wagons with raised suspension like with previous generations, the current model looks more like a full-fledged SUV in the mould of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V among other models.

Three years on after the current generation Forester was introduced, Subaru has tweaked the entry-level 2.0X variant of its compact SUV model. In terms of styling, the designers did try hard to inject some curves into the overall look and shape of the Forester. The styling is a tad nondescript from the side and rear but the Forester’s lines are well-proportioned and rather purposeful and rugged for what is an urban-biased SUV. Another trademark Subaru feature is the bonnet scoop for the turbocharged 2.5XT variant. Missing though are the frameless doors that were synonymous with the brand in the past. Features like the roof rails and swelled wheel arches give it a nice, purposeful stance for a compact SUV.

You’d need to squint very hard indeed to visually differentiate the refreshed 2.0X from earlier cars as exterior changes are limited to a revised front grille with more chrome and slightly different roof rails.