Subaru is giving its Forester crossover a mild makeover for 2017 that includes updated styling, better fuel efficiency, reduced road noise and torque vectoring for turbocharged XT trims.
The Japanese automaker calls this a "comprehensive" update, but it's one that won't be obvious to most buyers based on the subtle cosmetic revisions.
New headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights borrowed from other recent Subaru designs frame a new grille, and non-turbo models get a new front bumper, too. At the rear, new LED taillights also highlight that C-shaped motif, and certain trims gain a body-coloured rear spoiler.
Inside, better soundproofing and an acoustic windshield reduce road noise, a common source of complaints in the outgoing model. Naturally-aspirated (2.5i) Forester models retain their 170-hp, 2.5L engine, but powertrain revisions improve city fuel economy by nearly eight percent (based on U.S. EPA ratings for the new car; we expect Canadian models to achieve a rating of a little more than 8.0 L/100 km in the city when Subaru Canada releases its test data).
A torque vectoring system borrowed from the WRX and STi becomes standard on any turbocharged Forester XT model fitted with the EyeSight safety suite.
Other changes include a revised EyeSight system that now includes lane keep assist and automatic high beams, and, in the U.S. at least, all Limited and Touring models now get blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, and those trims with EyeSight also get automatic reverse braking.
Other trim updates include a newly-available saddle brown leather interior, and the updated steering wheel is heated in 2.5X and 2.0XT Touring models, that feature being a Forester first.
Keep in mind this is U.S. information, and Subaru Canada may shuffle options and standard features around, so we'll update the specifics as soon as we get that information.
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