2023 Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Family users tend to prefer models that balance off-road capability, space, and safety. The 2023 Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition is a popular contender in this segment. As the brand's mid-cycle facelift model, it not only continues Subaru's iconic all-wheel drive system but also upgrades its intelligent safety configurations and interior refinement, focusing on a balanced performance of "safety + practicality." In this test drive, we will focus on its daily driving smoothness, spatial practicality, and the actual performance of the EyeSight system to see if it can meet the core needs of local family users.

From the exterior, the new Forester GT Edition maintains the family-style rugged design while adding sporty details to enhance its distinctiveness. The front features a large hexagonal grille with black honeycomb-pattern trim inside, flanked by sharp-designed LED headlights that come standard with automatic activation. These lights are connected to the upper edge of the grille by chrome trim, visually widening the front profile. The side profile is simple and streamlined, with black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and a minimum ground clearance of 220mm enhancing its SUV off-road vibe. The 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels have a stable design, with tire specifications of 225/60 R17 that balance on-road comfort with grip on light off-road surfaces. At the rear, the smoked LED taillight cluster is vertically oriented. The rear bumper features silver skid plate decorations, echoing the sporty vibe of the front design. Rear fog lights and parking sensors come as standard, maximizing practicality.

Stepping inside, the interior uses a predominantly dark color scheme, accented with silver trim. The materials include a generous use of soft-touch molded elements covering the dashboard and interior door panels, providing a delicate tactile feel. The dashboard layout is clear, with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned centrally, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The operation is reasonably smooth. Below the screen, physical climate control buttons are retained for convenient operation while driving. The seats are wrapped in leather, with both the driver and front passenger seats offering 8-way power adjustments, and lumbar support is adequate, making long-distance drives less fatiguing. The rear seats are soft and comfortable, with the 2,670mm wheelbase providing ample legroom. Passengers of 175cm height find two fists of space between their knees and the front seats. Additionally, the rear compartment is equipped with air vents and USB charging ports, enhancing passenger comfort. In terms of storage space, the central storage armrest box offers considerable capacity, and door panel compartments can hold large water bottles. The trunk has a standard capacity of 520L, which can be expanded to 1,779L by folding down the 60:40 split rear seats, fully meeting the needs of family trips or transporting large items.

For the powertrain, the new car is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 156PS/6000rpm and a peak torque of 196N·m/4000rpm. It is paired with a Lineartronic CVT transmission and a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. During actual driving, the initial power delivery is smooth, without the abrupt feel of turbocharged models. Acceleration is linear, allowing the car to handle overtaking or lane changes on urban roads with ease. The mid-to-high-speed acceleration ability (80-120km/h) is average, suitable for scenarios that favor stable driving. The car provides three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes slightly sharper, but overall power delivery is still primarily smooth.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a family SUV. The steering wheel is light to operate with minimal play and precise directionality. The combination of MacPherson front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension effectively filters bumps when encountering Malaysia's common speed bumps or uneven roads, maintaining a stable body posture without obvious vibrations. The addition of the full-time all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip on wet roads during rainy days or light unpaved roads. Body roll is well controlled during cornering, giving drivers sufficient confidence. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.6L/100km. During this test drive, which included urban traffic congestion and highway routes, the actual measured fuel consumption was about 8.2L/100km, which ranks as above average among similar all-wheel-drive SUVs in its segment.

Safety features are one of the core selling points of the Forester. In this GT Edition, the EyeSight 4.0 intelligent driver assistance system is equipped as standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. During the test drive, the adaptive cruise control performed steadily on highways, automatically maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles; the lane-keeping assist system intervened promptly, making minor steering corrections to prevent the car from veering out of its lane. On passive safety, the vehicle is equipped with 7 airbags (including a knee airbag), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a vehicle stability control system, providing a solid sense of security.

In terms of ride comfort details, the vehicle's noise control performs well. Wind and tire noise are effectively suppressed at high speeds and do not affect normal conversations inside the cabin. The seats offer a balanced combination of support and cushioning, making long drives less fatiguing. Notably, it comes with a full-size spare tire, which offers greater practicality than a compact spare for users who frequently travel to rural areas or engage in light off-road adventures.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition lie in the off-road capability brought by its full-time all-wheel-drive system, its comprehensive safety features, and its spacious and practical interior. Compared to similarly positioned models like the CR-V 2.0L or RAV4 2.0L, its all-wheel-drive system is a unique advantage, and its EyeSight safety features are more comprehensive. However, its power parameters are slightly lower than its competitors. This car is highly suitable for family users who prioritize safety and off-road capability, especially those who often encounter unpaved roads or have high safety requirements. However, for younger users seeking performance, its smooth tuning may seem somewhat underwhelming.

In conclusion, the 2023 Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition is a family SUV with "no obvious shortcomings." It focuses on safety while also balancing space, off-road capability, and comfort, making it an unmissable option for Malaysian families considering a C-segment SUV.