Own the road. Conquer the wild.

A new era for the New Zealand SUV segment is a step closer today, with the first mid-sized SUV with a strong Hybrid system powering Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive now open for official pre-order – welcome to the all-new, sixth-generation Subaru Forester!

Following its public debut at the Melbourne Motor Show, Subaru New Zealand has today confirmed full New Zealand pricing and specifications ahead of first vehicle arrivals from July 2025.

The next-generation Forester is the strongest, smartest and most capable iteration yet – reengineered to deliver greater everyday usability, enhanced efficiency, and even more confidence on and off the road.

Priced from $49,990, the Forester line-up includes six variants: three petrol-only (Forester AWD, AWD Sport and AWD Touring) and three equipped with Subaru’s most advanced hybrid powertrain yet (Forester AWD Hybrid, AWD Hybrid Sport and AWD Hybrid Touring).

The new-generation model range has been re-engineered inside and out, with more features demanded by Kiwi customers as standard across the range plus an expanded hybrid offering. This shift results in a significant boost in specification to the entry Forester variant, the Forester AWD, over the outgoing 2.5i AWD.

Making its debut in the Forester 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, delivering a smoother, quieter and more responsive driving experience.

With significantly improved efficiency and a driving range of over 1,000km per tank¹, the all-new Hybrid marks a major leap forward for the Forester nameplate and a pivotal step in Subaru’s electrification journey. What’s more, the driving dynamics that New Zealand customers have come to expect from Subaru has not been lost, with all powertrain and variants centred around Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

With impressive 220mm ground clearance², standard X-Mode, enhanced suspension tuning and new dual-pinion steering for improved precision and response, the all-new Forester remains purpose-built to tackle New Zealand’s roads and terrain with confidence.

Every all-new Forester – hybrid or petrol – features 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. And in hybrid variants, instant torque further enhances grip and low-speed control. The result? More confidence across a wide range of roads and conditions.

Inside, the Forester has been revamped to elevate comfort, connectivity and cabin refinement. Key features across the range include:

• 11.6-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™³
• Qi wireless smartphone charging pad⁴
• 12.3-inch digital driver display (on select hybrid variants)
• 360° Surround View Monitor for increased visibility and off-road confidence
• Enhanced cabin insulation and vibration damping for reduced interior noise
• Ergonomic seating for increased comfort

As always, safety remains at the core of Forester’s DNA. Subaru’s latest-generation EyeSight® Driver Assist technology is now standard across all models – featuring a new wide-angle monocular camera offering a wider field of view, and the new Emergency Driving Stop System⁵. Subaru Vision Assist, a Driver Monitoring System⁶ and nine airbags further strengthen Subaru’s commitment to occupant protection and its goal of zero fatal accidents in Subaru vehicles by 2030⁷.

“Forester has been a firm favourite with Kiwi families, weekend explorers, and everyday drivers and we are sure they will welcome this stronger, smarter and more capable next generation model. Now equipped with Subaru’s most advanced hybrid technology, the three Forester Hybrid variants are also more efficient,” said General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, distributor of Subaru vehicles, Kym Mellow.

“New Zealand’s challenging and spectacular terrain is the perfect playground for Forester which, courtesy of its safety, reliability, and capability, is built to handle it. From ski field gravel roads to alpine passes and even doing the school run in the rain, it handles all conditions with ease. This is a vehicle that’s more than ready for New Zealand and the addition of Subaru’s latest hybrid technology gives drivers the very best Subaru has to offer.”

“Whether you’re chasing everyday comfort, off-road adventure or driving confidence, Forester delivers in all areas. Every variant brings Subaru’s signature performance, safety and practicality to the fore. We are proud to introduce this exceptional SUV to Kiwi customers.”

Order Now at Armstrong’s Subaru Lower Hutt & Christchurch!