The all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid has delivered a promising result in independent real-world fuel testing, returning better consumption than its official laboratory figure.
Testing conducted by the Australian Automobile Association through the Australian Government’s Real-World Testing Program recorded combined fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km across urban, rural and motorway driving.
That result was 12 per cent lower than the Forester Hybrid’s regulated laboratory figure. In the urban component of the test, consumption fell to 4.9L/100km.
The vehicle was tested over a 92km route on public roads around Geelong, Victoria, using 91 RON unleaded petrol. Conditions were dry, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 24 degrees Celsius.
A useful result for fleet buyers
Official laboratory figures remain the industry benchmark, but real-world testing gives Fleet Managers another reference point when assessing operating costs.
Fuel consumption can vary significantly depending on driver behaviour, traffic, vehicle load, tyre pressures and operating environment. However, an independently measured result gives organisations greater confidence when estimating whole-of-life costs and comparing the Forester Hybrid with other medium SUVs.
The urban figure may be particularly relevant for government, health, community service and corporate fleets where vehicles spend much of their time travelling through metropolitan areas.
It also demonstrates the potential advantage of a strong hybrid system in stop-start driving, where regenerative braking and electric assistance can reduce fuel use without requiring drivers to plug the vehicle into a charger.
Efficiency without giving up all-wheel drive
Subaru’s latest hybrid system has been designed to improve economy while retaining the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive layout.
That combination should make the Forester Hybrid appealing to organisations needing a vehicle that can handle regional roads, construction sites, poor weather or unsealed surfaces without moving to a larger and less efficient SUV.
Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Subaru Australia, said the independent result provided customers with another perspective on how the vehicle performed in everyday Australian conditions.
“For the all-new Forester Hybrid, it’s particularly pleasing to see it deliver such a strong independently verified real-world result,” Lawrence said.
“It reinforces the efficiency of Subaru’s latest strong hybrid powertrain, which delivers that economy while retaining the confidence, capability and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive performance synonymous with Subaru.”
A practical alternative to diesel
For fleets that are not ready to transition completely to battery electric vehicles, the Forester Hybrid provides another pathway to reducing fuel use and emissions.
There is no charging requirement, no change to normal refuelling routines and less risk of a vehicle being returned without enough battery range for the next driver. That simplicity can be valuable in shared fleet environments.
The Forester AWD Hybrid was being offered from $46,990 driveaway at the time of the announcement, with the offer scheduled to end on 31 August 2026 or while stocks lasted. Pricing and savings may vary by location and variant.
The independent test does not guarantee every driver will achieve 5.5L/100km. But for Fleet Managers and novated lease buyers comparing medium SUVs, it provides useful evidence that the new Forester Hybrid can improve on its laboratory figure when driven in everyday Australian conditions.
