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Subaru Forester S5 2.5i-S (2018-2021)
Also referred to as: Subaru Forester S5 2.5i-S 2020 and Subaru Forester S5 2.5i-S 2022.
SquigglesCentral Queensland, QLD
- 15 reviews
- 6 likes
"IT'S A CHARASTERIC OF THE VEHICLE" - REALLY!!!
We have owned 3 previous Subaru Foresters and love the quality build, performance and safety features. With this in mind , we decided to upgrade both our Subaru's to the current top model 2.5I-S. My wife was first to receive hers in August. Driving she experienced stuttering, which was in her opinion not normal. The previous Subaru she had did not have this defect. North Jacklin carried out overnight testing on the vehicle, the report stating - "THIS IS A NORMAL CHARACHTERISTIC OF THIS MODEL - TO PREVENT ENGINE STALL THE IDLE IS RAISED ON COLD ...
Read moreSTART OPERATING TO BRING THE ENGINE TEMP UP QUICKLY - ENGINE STUTTER IS A BY PRODUCT OF THIS FUNCTION AND IS NORMAL". I could not believe that this is normal for any vehicle. My husband had his Subaru on order and it arrived 6th October. We were hopeful that the experience with our first one did not follow with his. Unfortunately he experienced jerking and shuddering issues with this brand new vehicle! Again his vehicle was taken to North Jacklin (who we must say is simply amazing) for a couple of days to try and sort out the issues. The result was the same in essence "IT IS A CHARACHTERISTIC OF THIS MODEL". We have encouraged family and friends to purchase this model Subaru and talking to them, they are having the same issues with this model, as we are. Subaru is known for its quality and this model certainly lives up to Subaru standard in that respect but one would not expect to have two brand new cars running rough. Checking out faults with this particular model (after the fact), we have found that Subaru customers are having exactly the same issues that we would like Subaru to address. It is not the fault of the seller, it is the company SUBARU that needs to address this issue. SUBARU what are you doing? Your fantastic reputation is going down the gurgler. We, along with many other loyal customers would like a fix. SUBARU I URGE YOU TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS A MATTER OF URGENCY. We can no longer recommend your company.1 comment
OldsaltMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 14 reviews
- 5 likes
Great Car, a few fixable issues that they will not fix?
2020 2.5i-S. Paid the extra as I wanted a vehicle with navigation, not google maps or waze, just a simple navi system. At the time of purchase I read and was verbally told that the navi unit maps were Tom Tom and there were three years of free updates. Subaru Au web site states If your new Subaru is fitted with a factory line fit navigation unit your unit will be covered by Subaru's Map Update Program guaranteeing you'll have access to the latest maps for the first 3 years of ownership." The facts are there is only one Subaru Au update per ye...
Read morear being a total of three updates. Tom Tom update maps every quarter, hence, the Subaru guarantee of latest (Tom Tom) maps is deceptive advertising given Subaru update once per year and TOMTOM FOUR TIMES a year! My second issue is that there are no verbal or acoustic warnings for fixed cameras or when over the speed limit etc. You need to keep checking the screen for alert icons to pop up, hardly a safe way to drive, so I had to buy and fit a portable gps to get the warnings etc. doing that defeats the extra cost in getting a vehicle with navi? Here are the replies I have received from Subaru sometime ago, as I have only ever had one update, maybe the next one whenever that is, will fix the issues, however, I am not holding my breath. You be the judge! The MY20 Forester only has a visual alert for the sat nav when approaching the camera location. It's important to remember these features are driving assists. Careful driving where the road rules are followed should be practised at all times. Thank you for contacting Subaru Australia, The Sat Nav should not be relied upon for road rules. You should be always be aware of the road when driving and there are usually road signs for speed light cameras when approaching them. We will put your feedback through to our product planning team and to the supplier of the head unit/ map provider so they may take steps in providing the feature,Purchased in January 2020.
2 comments
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Oldsalt, Thank you so much for your review. We want to ensure you’re making the most of every moment in your Subaru. Please send through any details to feedback@subaru.com.au or call us on 1800 2...
Read more2 66 43 and we’ll happily take it from there. If your request is out of business hours, we’ll be in touch as soon as we can. Thanks again. The Subaru Team.
Done all that, the replies I get are shown above. I have also been told that they would ask Subaru in Japan, that was months ago and it seems Japan are not that interested as I was told that they nev...
Read moreer responded to the request? As I say, great car, however, the navi unit lets it down along with the deceptive advertising of 3 years of updates when the facts are you get three updates in total. Then there is this "Subaru's Map Update Program guaranteeing you'll have access to the latest maps for the first 3 years of ownership" That's not true as we know TOMTOM update their maps every quarter, that being the case the annual map release by Subaru of TOMTOM maps are far from having access to the latest maps. Am I the only one who wants more regular updates in line with the TOMTOM quarterly updates and the addition of the very basic gps functions of verbal alerts, no, there are several discussions on various forums about it. I can buy a very cheap Chinese portable GPS that has more functions than the expensive Subaru Navi, I just can't understand the logic of not providing verbal alerts and why you don't be more honest and advertise "One Free map Update per annum for three years?". I realize that my review won't change anything and will be ignored, however, can you please let us know when the next annual update will be released as it's coming up to 12 months since the last one. Are there any verbal alerts in the next update? Thanks for taking the time to reply.
BrendoonPerth, WA
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
The extras make it
After driving for a month in both city and higher speed have found the Forrester very comfortable. All the extras on the S model make it easy when you get going, auto seat & mirror reset are great. Warning alarms though some may think annoying are just a reminder we are human and make mistakes or misjudgments.
Fuel consumption is good and though driving in the fuel efficient mode has still fast pick up when required. Engine shutdown when stopped saves an amazing amount of fuel. Startup is less than a second so no delays
Room through out is good as have been passenger in front & back ,only thing missing is phone charger but has many USB outlets
Previous car was current model XTrail and Subaru wins hands down.
Purchased in June 2020.
2 comments
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Brendoon, Wow! Thank you so much for your amazing review. There is so much to love about the Forester and we're so glad to hear that you are enjoying it as much as we do. If we could ask one favo...
Read moreur, we would love to see your review on Google Reviews as well. Thanks again and safe driving. The Subaru Team.
Subaru team, 7 months on and still love the Forrester, a few little quirks but that’s why every car is upgraded to improve on what is a good car.
Find out how Subaru Forester S5 2.5i-S compares to other Midsize / Medium SUVs
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wes_lSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Great family car
So far so good, though we've only had this car about 6 months, it's a fantastic vehicle to drive. No problems with driving in a bit of mud or snow either.
Purchased in March 2020.
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ wes_l, Thank you so much for your excellent review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family are enjoying your Forester in all types of conditions. If we could ask one favour, we would lov...
Read moree to see your review on Google Reviews. Happy and safe driving. The Subaru Team.
RayMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 10 reviews
- 4 likes
- Forester S5 2.5i-S (2018-2021)
- Verified
Dashboard rattle, dealer can’t fix
Dashboard is rattling crazily since new and already been to dealer 3 times. They can’t fix it.
When the weather is cold, it make one noise. When it is hot, it make another rattling noise!
Small rock got inside the driver side door panel every time I travel on gravel road!
The dealer removed the rocks but never fix it so rocks still get inside every time!
Passenger seat squeak!
Driver side mirror rattle!
The car drive smooth but all the crackling and rattling noise is driving me crazy!
Build quality on this car is equivalent to something you order from Wish website.
Happy to trade in my 8 months old car now at a lost!
Ohhh it will constantly beeping at you for no reason!
Purchased in September 2019 for $47,000.00.
5 comments
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Ray, We're sorry to hear of your experience with your Subaru. Our Customer Relations Team is available on 1800 226 643 or feedback@subaru.com.au if you would like to discuss further. The Subaru Team.
Update: Been to the dealer five times now since I bought the car 1 year ago. The car now has 9000km and the rattling noise still has not been resolved. Yesterday, the infotainment system has failed an...
Read mored now booked in for another dealer visit. I really really wants to like the car but I can't live with this anymore.SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Ray, We're sorry to hear of your experience with your Subaru. Our service centres are in the best position to help you further but please feel free to contact our Customer Relations Team on 1800 ...
Read more226 643 or feedback@subaru.com.au. The Subaru Team.
JeanetteGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 4 reviews
- 1 like
Very comfortable fabulous safety features,
Easy to get in and out of, very comfortable, great colour range, best of all the excellent safety features. Easy to read large infotainment screen. plenty of leg room in the back. Excellent visibility. Love it
Purchased in March 2019 at Subaru Docklands for $45,000.00.
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @Jeanette, Thank you so much for your excellent review! We’re so happy to hear that you are loving the Forester as much as we do. If we can ask one favour, we would love to see your review on Googl...
Read moree Review as well to spread the love! The Subaru Team
MelmainPerth, WA
- 5 reviews
Incredible value for money
Want to pay double the price and get less? Buy a flash badged European car!
This car is incredible value I think for all the included safety features. Too many to list but the most important ones are.
Collision avoidance (brakes hard! to avoid rear end crashes)
Adaptive cruise control. Set the speed and it will keep a safe distance from the car in front and....collision avoidance will stop you hitting the idiot who turns at the last minute without indicating. Will even come to a complete stop at lights (when you have a car in front). Touch the ...
Purchased in March 2019 for $43,000.00.
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Thank you for your excellent review Melmain! Here at Subaru, we're really proud of our innovative safety features and we're so happy that you're happy :) One quick thing - we would be thrilled if you ...
Read morecould post this on Google Reviews as well! Thank you again and happy driving!
EvonneSydney, NSW
- 7 reviews
- 3 likes
- Forester S5 2.5i-S (2018-2021)
- Verified
It is great as a car, but not as a mobile entertaining tool.
I bought this car because I was expecting my baby and I need a solid car. This car came to my sight because it looks very tough, and it is. But what I did not expect was the horrible interior/ computer system design.
1. only 2 USB porters, and at the trunk near the elbow of the driver, seriously?? How can you access that??
2. no Apple or Google play system inbuilt in this car (2018MY). omg that's such a pain! every time you want to use the navigator, you'll have to use the outdated one inbuilt in your car, or you'll have to pay a good deal of...
Purchased in March 2018 at Subaru Dealers for $37,700.00.
MartinSydney
- 5 reviews
- 1 like
Love our new car!
True, we are only 5 days into our new Forester 2.51 S but wow! Silky smooth to drive, plenty of power, amazing technology covering everything you could need. Real luxury car feel with soft leather and great finishes. Traded in an xc90 and loving our experience.
Did lots of research before buying looked at xc60, x3, discovery sport (awful reliability), Honda CRV, Mazda X5...the Subaru came out on top for us with plenty of space, awd, latest release and features, great price compared to all the others.
So far so great!
Find out how Subaru Forester S5 2.5i-S compares to other Midsize / Medium SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Questions & Answers
Grimeasked
I have heard that the latest release coming in last quarter2020 is increasing the tow bar load to 1800kg, has auto door locking and front corner parking assist as standard on the S version.Is this true,should I wait for this release as we like to tow a van and the 1500kg is a bit light on?
1 answer
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Grime, There is the possibility that there will be changes to the Forester but we do not have any confirmed specs as of yet. Please keep an eye on our website for any new vehicle announcements. The Subaru Team.
Details
| Category | Midsize / Medium SUVs |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $47,958 |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable (CVT) |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Wheels | 18" Alloy |
| ANCAP Safety Rating | 5 Stars |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L |
| Engine | 4 Cylinder 2.5L |
| Max Power | 136kW @ 5800rpm |
| Max Torque | 239Nm @ 4400rpm |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (braked) | 1,500 kg |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (unbraked) | 750 kg |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 5 year(s) |
| Dimensions | |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm |
| Release date | Sept 2018 |
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SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Squiggles, We're sorry to hear of your experience with your Subaru. Please feel free to contact our Customer Relations Team on 1800 226 643 or feedback@subaru.com.au. You're also welcome to send ...
Read morea private message to our Facebook page and we'll be in touch. The Subaru Team.