Subaru Forester HEV to return stronger sales

SUBARU Australia recently debuted its sixth-generation Forester to a market keen for a refresh of a stalwart favourite.

Chiefly among the model’s extensive list of design, technology, safety, and mechanical upgrades was Subaru’s petrol-electric ‘Strong Hybrid’ system combining a larger displacement 2.5-litre Boxer engine with a Toyota-sourced electric motor and battery.

The combination is said to offer fuel consumption reductions in the vicinity of 20 per cent when compared with Subaru’s current 2.0-litre mild hybrid driveline, and a driving range of up to 1000km from a single tank.

Importantly for Subaru Australia, the technology comes as hybrid driveline adoption among local buyers is steadily growing. Year-to-date sales of hybrid-powered vehicles now top 47,000 units, up 34.8 per cent on the same time last year – a statistic not lost on Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence.

Speaking with GoAuto this week, Mr Lawrence said the inclusion of a true hybrid offering within the Forester range will help to broaden the model’s appeal, while continuing to offer the virtues that have drawn Australian buyers to the range for over 30 years.

“Our approach with the next-generation Forester is still grounded in what makes Subaru, Subaru – vehicles that are built for real-world adventures, with safety, capability and reliability at their core,” he explained.

“The new generation Forester is a true evolution of our number one model and its bolder, smarter and more capable platform will appeal to our loyal and new owners alike. Our marketing strategy will continue to blend the best of Subaru with sharing the brand’s product evolution with a wider audience.

“We’re focusing on marketing channels and partnerships that reflect how Australians want to live – exploring more, getting outdoors, and choosing a vehicle that can keep up with whatever the day brings.

“It’s still very much Subaru, just with a fresh perspective powered by a new drivetrain.”

That new drivetrain will see Subaru dealerships adapt to provide sales and service of a model range that has bordered on traditional for far longer than many of its rivals.

A genuine petrol-electric hybrid driveline will create challenges at a showroom level to which Subaru sales and servicing staff will need to adapt, Mr Lawrence assuring Australian buyers that in-depth training is already underway to help smooth that transition.

“As with every new Subaru launch, the arrival of the all-new Forester is supported by a comprehensive national training program for our retailer network, service teams, and partners,” he affirmed.

“We’re committed to ensuring our teams across the country are fully equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently support customers, both in the showroom and in the service bay.

“From technical training to customer experience, it’s all about delivering a seamless, informed and reassuring ownership experience from day one.”

The changes come at an important time for Subaru Australia. Sales of the range are down considerably, the aging Forester in particular down 10.5 per cent against a segment average up 7.0 per cent.

Sales of the Subaru Forester totalled just 3208 units across the first quarter of 2025, significantly behind those of the all-hybrid segment leader and traditional rival, the Toyota RAV4, with 13,802 units sales in the same period.

Mr Lawrence said it is his belief the new Forester will re-energise interest among Subaru loyalists, with the introduction of a cutting-edge hybrid driveline to attract both new and return customers alike.

“We are always grateful for the trust our customers place in us and it’s something we never take for granted,” he said.

“Subaru owners are very passionate about the brand and also appreciate the trust that has been built over decades of delivering vehicles that Australians can rely on, and now, as we introduce our next-generation hybrid technology, we are focused on bringing our customers on that journey with us.”

Beyond the newly launched Forester – and with details of an all-new Outback recently brought to light – Mr Lawrence said the inclusion of hybrid technology will continue to play an important part in the advancement of the Subaru range moving forward.

While reluctant to speculate the sales share hybrid-powered models will hold moving forward, he said work is underway to ensure the success of hybrid technology in the Subaru line-up both here and overseas.

“While we’re not quite ready to lift the curtain just yet, there’s definitely more in the pipeline,” he stated.

“The all-new Forester with stronger hybrid power marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Subaru in Australia. We’re working on some exciting things behind the scenes and can’t wait to share what’s next when the time comes.”