Key improvements for 2017 will aim to keep the Forester’s sales momentum going.
By Laurence Jones
The Forester stands as Subaru’s most popular model. Keeping traits familiar to Subaru loyalists, the Forester ups the performance, technology and styling ante. The goal is keeping a steady flow of customers in showrooms. Keeping it fresh to savvy consumers is a wise move towards keeping the Forester relevant.
Performance
The Forester’s big performance news is the WRX’s Active Torque Vectoring coming to the Forester’s turbocharged 2.0XT Touring trims. This system aims to curb understeer, and the accompanying quicker-geared steering promises to emulate the WRX’s heightened agility.
Safety
Subaru’s signature EyeSight Driver Assist Technology gains new functionality. Color cameras have expanded the view to take in a greater scope of nearby obstacles. Previously, EyeSight prevented collisions with obstacles ahead of you, and the ’17 Forester will include sensors in the rear bumper to stop the car for rear obstacles as well. This should be a boon towards avoiding low speed collision risks in cul-de-sacs and parking lots.
The system will include Lane Keep Assist (LKA). Lane Keep Assist keeps drivers tracking straight with course corrections back into your lane of traffic. LKA is reserved for Limited and Touring trims, as well as Premium models equipped with EyeSight include Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as well.
Styling and interior
There are styling refinements as well. The mesh grille is out, with a horizontal bar theme replacing it. Echoing the C-shaped LED theme of the headlamps, the tail lamps now feature this design cue as well.
Current Foresters have only two interior shades, black and dove grey, which Subaru calls “Platinum.”. For 2017, Touring trim models warm things up with available Saddle Brown Leather seating surfaces, with accents on the door panels, console and other surfaces.
Look for the 2017 Forester at Subaru dealers in July 2016.
