Forester Adventure

Introduction

Some cars chase trends, others deliberately stick to their roots. The Subaru Forester in the tested Adventure trim presents itself confidently as an all-wheel-drive vehicle — with a rugged character, plenty of space and classic engineering. At €48,990, our test car is by no means positioned as a bargain, but as a serious offering in the segment of versatile family and leisure vehicles.
But how modern is the overall package, really? And does the technical layout still fit into 2025/2026? The test shows: a very solid car with clear strengths — and only a few, mostly conceptual weaknesses.

Design and build quality

Visually, the model has become noticeably more modern compared with its predecessor. The lines feel fresher, the overall appearance more contemporary. Even so, the look stays functional rather than playful — not a lifestyle statement, but an honest workhorse with a civilised finish.
Build quality leaves a very good impression. Nothing creaks in the cabin, nothing feels loose or cheaply fitted. Everything sits firmly, feels durable and cleanly assembled.
Hard plastic dominates the materials, some of it lightly padded underneath. It doesn't create a luxurious ambience, but that suits the "Adventure" positioning. The surfaces are robust, the seats easily wiped clean and thus thoroughly practical for everyday use. Anyone actually using the car — with kids, luggage or outdoor gear — will quickly come to appreciate this choice of materials. Function clearly comes before show here.

Interior

This is where the vehicle plays its greatest strength. Space is generous — even with the driver's seat pushed well back, there's still enormous room in the rear. The boot also offers ample reserves. You genuinely get a lot of car for the money here.
This becomes especially noticeable on longer journeys: the interior feels open, airy and thoughtfully laid out. For families or longer trips, that's a clear plus.
The cockpit has become more modern but stays deliberately down-to-earth. The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and works solidly without being particularly spectacular. A pleasant surprise: the sound system, which performs above expectations.
A major advantage is the number of physical buttons. Rather than resolving everything through touch surfaces, it relies on classic controls on the steering wheel and centre console — which noticeably improves everyday usability. The only real criticism is the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster. In this price class, at least an optional digital solution would have been welcome. At the same time, there will likely be buyers who appreciate exactly this classic instrumentation.
Bottom line: the interior convinces less through high-tech features than through space, functionality and solidity — and does so at a high level.

Powertrain and handling

Under the bonnet works a two-litre boxer engine with 136 hp and a hybrid system combined with all-wheel drive. The hybrid system is most noticeable when manoeuvring and pulling away. In daily use, the car drives pleasantly and predictably. The steering feels well balanced, and handling stays stable and secure even in faster corners. The all-wheel drive stands out in particular. In snow and rain, the vehicle conveys a high degree of control and traction. Especially in winter conditions, you feel confident at all times — a genuine everyday benefit, not just a marketing claim.
136 hp is sufficient for normal operation. Even so, overtaking or higher motorway speeds reveal there isn't an abundance of power in reserve. The CVT gearbox holds revs higher for longer in these situations, which feels acoustically present. It's not a serious shortcoming, but sporting ambitions shouldn't be expected.
Overall, the car convinces dynamically less through outright dynamics than through stability and safety — and that suits its character well.

Driver assistance and safety

This is where the vehicle shows itself to be very modern. Safety equipment is extensive, and the assistance systems work reliably. Lane-keeping assist, obstacle detection and the camera systems for manoeuvring all work precisely and noticeably improve everyday comfort.
The menu navigation for adjusting the systems is also easy to follow. Overall, the vehicle feels thoroughly up to date on safety.

Efficiency

In mixed driving, consumption settled at 8.2 to 8.4 litres per 100 km. On the motorway, figures just under 8 litres are achievable.
Given the vehicle's size, all-wheel-drive technology and hybrid assistance, these figures are solid, if not outstanding. This is a large, not particularly light vehicle — which puts the numbers into perspective. Even so, a slightly lower consumption relative to output would have been welcome.

Verdict

For €48,990, you get a well-rounded, very solid overall package clearly focused on daily use, space and safety. The vehicle convinces with enormous space, high build quality and all-wheel drive that offers real value, especially in snow and rain.
The engine is adequate but not generous, and the interior could have been more modern in terms of digitalisation.
Even so, the positives clearly outweigh the negatives: you get a lot of car for the money, plenty of room for family and luggage — and a vehicle that provides a reassuringly safe feeling especially in difficult conditions. It's not a trendsetter, but a reliable companion with substance. And that's exactly where its strength lies.