There is no denying that the Subaru Forester is a solid choice for buyers looking for a dependable crossover. And that means the wacky character of the early-generation models seems to have been increasingly diluted over the years. But at the end of the day, most customers want to drive cars without quirks, and the latest Forester is just that.

Those wishing for forced induction should look away right now. Motivation comes from a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine with 180hp and 241Nm. This is paired with a CVT that drives Subaru’s patented all-wheel-drive system. The powertrain will not blow anyone’s socks off, but revisions to the X-Mode software should make the Forester more capable when the pavement runs out.

The generous use of black trim on the radiator grille and the wheel arches does give the latest Forester a go-anywhere vibe. Updated headlight cluster smartens up the front fascia. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches depending on the variant. Overall, the design isn’t sedate, but it is less edgy than the face-lifted SK model.

All but the base trim level will come with the updated Starlink infotainment system featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless phone integration and over-the-air updates. Owners also have the option to subscribe to Subaru’s suite of connected services, which include emergency and roadside assistance, maintenance notifications and diagnostic reports, and stolen-vehicle recovery.

The latest version of EyeSight is standard across the range with features like collision detection, autonomous braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Subaru is particularly proud of the system’s adaptive cruise control that has a type of dead man’s switch. When the driver becomes unresponsive, EyeSight will automatically stop the vehicle, switch on the hazard lights, and contact rescue services.

The all-new Forester will be initially available in the United States, and come in no less than five variants. Pricing will be announced just before the vehicle goes on sale in the spring of 2024.