Most changes to update the Subaru Forester crossover for the 2017 model year are par for the mid-cycle–refresh course, including slightly revised front and rear fascias, a few interior upgrades, and some new active-safety equipment. But Subaru being Subaru, the Forester also sees one upgrade that you won’t find on a Toyota RAV4 or a Honda CR-V: the addition of brake-based torque vectoring.
The Active Torque Vectoring system from the WRX and the WRX STI is now available on the top-trim version of the turbocharged, 250-hp Forester 2.0XT. The XT already shared its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with those rally-inspired machines, so it makes sense that it now gains this technology. Subaru’s version isn’t true torque vectoring (which operates through the differential) but a brake-based feature that can snub the inside front wheel during cornering to reduce understeer. It’s only on the priciest Forester 2.0XT Touring trim, where torque vectoring comes bundled with Subaru’s active safety suite called EyeSight.
Speaking of EyeSight, the outgoing Forester was previously saddled with an older version of this technology package that lacked many of the functions available on newer Subarus, such as the Outback and Legacy. It’s now thoroughly updated for the 2017 model, gaining lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert in addition to the previously available adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning systems. EyeSight is available as a stand-alone option on all Forester models except for the base 2.5i trim.
You’ll have to squint pretty hard to call out the visual changes for 2017, which amount to new LED accent lights for the headlights and taillights, a reshaped hexagonal grille, and revised wheel designs. Subaru says the Forester’s cabin also features a new steering wheel and an optional Saddle Brown leather package for Touring models, though it hasn’t provided any pictures of the updated cabin.
The 2.5-liter flat-four remains the base engine, and revisions to the engine and the CVT that it’s mated with on most models result in improved city/highway EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/32 mpg. That’s a bump of 2 mpg in the city and 1 mpg combined, while highway mileage stays the same. Unlike nearly all of its competitors, the base Forester 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models still offer a six-speed manual transmission, though the row-your-own gearbox pares the EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings to 22/29 mpg.
Other changes include additional soundproofing, thicker door glass, and updated door seals—a welcome prospect considering the high levels of road and wind noise in previous Foresters. A heated steering wheel and keyless access join the 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models’ equipment list, while the 2.5i Premium offers new options such as memory seats, automatic climate control, and a power liftgate. Those few drivers who venture off-road in Foresters will appreciate that Subaru’s X-Mode traction system and hill-descent control are now standard on Premium, Limited, and Touring trims.
Pricing for the 2017 Subaru Forester lineup isn’t available yet but shouldn’t change much from the outgoing model’s cost, which ranged from $23,245 for a base 2.5i manual to $34,645 for a 2.0XT Touring.