There’s a lot to be said about holding firm to one’s convictions. In the case of Subaru, it has spent decades refining the core technical concepts that underpin many of the company’s vehicles — all-wheel drive and a boxer engine.

Both of these elements may mark Subaru as a bit of an outlier in the circle of Japanese manufacturers, but the dogmatic approach has gained them a loyal customer base and respect from those looking in.

The Forester has long made its transition from a boxy station wagon to a capable SUV in an attempt to increase mass market interest. In its current guise it operates within the expectations of the average buyer while retaining a power that many of its class rivals don’t possess.

EXTERIOR

The 2024 Subaru Forester 20i-S is pure form following function. Yes, it’s a bit boxier than rivals; however, that pays dividends on the interior. Still, it does follow the standard compact SUV formula, so expect a slightly raised ride height, bulging wheel arches, and black plastic cladding on the lower sections. Otherwise, it has got a minor facelift to update it to the ongoing Subaru design language, which it will most definitely be recognised as.

INTERIOR

Sticking to that formula gives the Forester an amazing greenhouse. Due to the sheer abundance of glass, excluding the large sunroof, there is massive amounts of visibility that almost makes the suite of driver alert features moot. Most angles of the vehicle are just a glance away; a strength on or off-road. Inversely, this brings lots of light into the cabin, enhancing its inherent spaciousness.

Upon approach, keyless entry starts the process. At night, the interior lights up when the key is near. Inside the boxy dimensions provide the Subaru’s first superpower visibility, with a class-leading greenhouse. The window sizes and positioning not only aid driving by reducing blind spots but also lift the cabin feel in an already spacious interior. Open the sunroof and things get even better. Occupants can easily see the soft-touch materials placed at their key points of interaction, and see the plentiful storage solutions.

Good ergonomics places everything within reach for the respective user, as the driver is fed constant important information from the Subaru analogue gauge sweep to the three screens available. The infotainment is simple to use and comes with the modern connectivity options expected. There is a host of convenience features, such as the powered rear hatch, to make life easier for daily use.

ON THE ROAD

The core of Subaru can be felt here. In a world of faux SUVs the inclusion of standard all-wheel drive in the Forester, regardless of trim level, sets it apart from class rivals. It operates invisibility until necessitated, providing confidence across all surface types, and granting it goat-like traction in conditions less travelled. And if the going gets tougher, then X-mode is a button press away. This superpower combines with a suspension able to tackle urban living in comfort. Off-road it works wonders with the all-wheel drive system to provide the ground clearance and suspension travel to move the Forester through difficult terrain.

The low-mounted boxer engine is smooth and quiet, only taxing the constantly variable transmission at very high rpms, otherwise when set to sport mode requests for forward momentum via throttle applications are met with direct response, also great for assurance when being operated off-road.

Many SUVs never leave the road. Subaru would say otherwise about its ownership and has equipped the Forester with the power to operate off-road beyond the capabilities of many of its rivals, without having to compromise the daily practicality and comfort many want from their SUV. So, for those who go further on a regular basis, the Forester is a great option.