In late 2019, Subaru launched its first hybrid model: the Forester e-Boxer. The electrified crossover was planned to be released locally by Q3 2020, but the pandemic hampered any anticipation. It didn’t take until a generation change for Motor Image Pilipinas to bring electrification into the local lineup.

The next-generation Forester will only come in e-Boxer Hybrid form. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, it produces 162hp and 209Nm paired with a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an improved Lineartronic CVT. Subaru claims a 10% improvement in chassis rigidity, and 220mm of ground clearance while retaining its legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

Inside the Forester is an 11.6-inch infotainment system in portrait orientation supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Around the back, its trunk capacity starts at 484L, then 1,655L with the rear seats folded down.

No Subaru is complete without EyeSight 4.0, now enhanced with a wide-angle monocular camera for wider coverage of moving or immovable obstacles. The nine safety features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, and autonomous emergency steering.

The Forester 2.5i-S EyeSight e-Boxer Hybrid starts at P2,498,000, a slight bump in price compared to the outgoing 2.0 model. Motor Image reaffirms its commitment to improving its after-sales services, following internal restructuring in mid-2024. Will this hit a home run in a saturated electrified crossover market?