Subaru Australia has unveiled the sixth generation of its best-selling SUV at an exclusive media preview, giving Fleet News Group an early look at what could be the most significant Forester update in decades. The biggest headline? A new “e-Boxer” hybrid powertrain, arriving mid-2025, that Subaru promises will deliver meaningful improvements in performance, efficiency and practicality.
“This is not just an update, it is a complete transformation,” said Katsuro Tadaki, Project General Manager for ICE and HEV at Subaru Japan. “We introduce Subaru’s most advanced hybrid technology to meet the needs of modern drivers… efficient, quiet, smooth, longer driving range and still ready for any adventure”.
Strong Hybrid System Designed to Suit Australian Drivers
Unlike mild hybrids currently used in some Subaru models, the new e-Boxer setup is being marketed as a “strong hybrid” and was designed from the ground up to integrate fully with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Tadaki-san said the hybrid system maintains Subaru’s DNA by enhancing capability, not compromising it: “This hybrid system stays true to our DNA… it enhances, not regresses.”
The all-new hybrid Forester will come in three grades, mirroring the existing petrol line-up—Hybrid AWD, Hybrid Sport and Hybrid Touring. Subaru claims a total range of over 1000 kilometres and has emphasised the hybrid’s off-road readiness, with features like X-Mode and dual-function AWD carried across.
Safety Remains Paramount
Every new Forester variant, petrol or hybrid, will feature Subaru’s latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist system, now including a 360-degree camera, emergency driving stop function and nine airbags. “We remain committed to zero fatal accidents in a Subaru by 2030,” said Goran Popov, Head of Product at Inchcape Australasia, who outlined the safety and technology upgrades across the range.
Scott Lawrence, General Manager Subaru Australia, confirmed the new model will be ANCAP rated and reassured fleet buyers of Subaru’s long-standing commitment to safety: “We have a real strong desire to put people behind the wheel of Subarus for safety,” he said. “And fleets are a great example of long-distance travel, people that are away from home. So we see fleet as a really good area for us to expand”.
Designed with Fleet in Mind
Lawrence said the new Forester hybrid will be an important product for fleet customers, especially those in government, emergency services and regional operations. “We’ve had good traction with first responders, particularly ambulance, and with fire services that don’t necessarily need a big ute but still need that off-road capability,” he said.
Subaru offers fleet-specific pricing, standard three-year roadside assistance, and what Lawrence describes as the brand’s biggest fleet support asset—its 120-strong national dealer network. “All of them are positioned to make sure that fleets stay on the road no matter where they are,” he said.
Addressing Hybrid Criticism
The current mild-hybrid Forester hasn’t impressed fleet buyers or critics when it comes to real-world fuel economy. Lawrence acknowledged this point when asked about previous poor performance flagged by AAA reports: “The next-gen hybrid is a significant step up from what we have in the current generation Forester,” he said. While full specs will be revealed closer to launch, Lawrence was confident the improvements would be obvious: “I’m confident,” he told Fleet News Group. “It’s a significant leap forward”.
What’s Next?
The sixth-generation Forester will officially launch mid-year, with deliveries expected to follow shortly after. Subaru is encouraging fleet buyers to begin conversations with dealers now, with full specifications and pricing to be shared in the lead-up to launch.
“This new Forester is the best SUV Subaru has ever developed,” said Lawrence. “It’s stronger, smarter and more capable than ever before. It’s designed to own the road and conquer the wild”.
Fleet managers looking for a hybrid SUV that blends genuine all-wheel-drive performance with better fuel efficiency and Subaru’s hallmark safety should keep a close eye on the incoming Forester e-Boxer. Based on the early preview, this could be the hybrid that finally lives up to Subaru’s rugged reputation.
